Experiencing stabbing pain under your right breast is physically and mentally piercing. If it happens often, understanding its possible causes can help you take appropriate measures to get rid of it right from the roots. Let’s discuss 10 potential causes of this condition.
Top 10 Reasons For of Sharp Pain Under Right Breast
Anatomically, under your right breast, there are various structures present, namely, ribs, chest muscles, etc. The pain radiating to the back from under your right breast could be due to the following reasons:
- Injury of the Rib Bones
Your rib cage is a protective shield for the organs in your chest. You may experience bruising, tenderness, and pain when this structure is injured. Coughing, sneezing, or taking deep breaths can exacerbate the pain in that area. You can ask your doctor to prescribe pain-relieving medications. - Costochondritis
This condition refers to inflammation of the cartilage attached to a rib. It is mainly a result of trauma, severe coughing, infection, or strain injury. It typically presents with chest pain that worsens with physical activity, sneezing, or coughing and radiates toward the back area. Fortunately, costochondritis is not serious and can be managed with adequate rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. - Excessive Gas
Sudden jabs of pain under the breast may be due to a buildup of gas. This pain may come and go in episodes, and it might even radiate to the abdomen or back. Factors like overeating, consuming too much sugar, or drinking carbonated beverages are top contributors to this issue. - Heartburn
Burning sensation under the right breast and throat is common in this condition. It occurs when stomach acid irritates the esophageal tube or the air passages from the throat to the lungs. While heartburn often subsides on its own, it can sometimes be mistaken for a heart attack. - Pleurisy
Inflammation of the lung lining and chest cavity is seen in respiratory infections, pneumonia, trauma, or exposure to toxic substances like asbestos. Chest pain with pleurisy worsens with coughing, deep breathing, and movement. - Pancreatitis
Although the pancreas are on the opposite side, its inflammation can cause acute or chronic pain moving around under the right breast or back. Pancreatitis may be due to an infection, blockage of ducts, alcohol abuse, etc. - Gallbladder Disease
When bile crystallizes, it forms stones, and gallbladder inflammation is seen, known as cholecystitis. It is a major contributor to pain in the chest. - Kidney Stones
Also known as renal calculi, kidney stones are hard deposits of acid salts and minerals crystalized in the urine. Large-sized kidney stones cause severe pain when they become lodged in the kidney or ureter. - Hiatal Hernia
Although it is a less common condition, it is when part of the stomach protrudes through a weak area in the diaphragm. This condition causes shortness of breath, chest pain, heartburn, and bloating after meals. - Stress and Anxiety
Be it mild or severe, physical as well as emotional stress leads to pain under the right breast. Stress incurs muscle tension, affecting the digestive system or stimulating the heart to pump faster. Similarly, anxiety or panic attacks cause minor to severe chest pain, often mistaken for a heart attack.
Closing Note
If you are experiencing sharp pain under your right breast, seeking immediate medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional is important. Contact our team from Aqeeq Internal Medicine by dialing (832) 786-8195. Or visit us at 16125 Cairnway Dr. Ste 114, Houston, TX 77084, located next to Chiropractic Clinic.