Causes of Right Breast Pain

Injury to the Right Breast

The right breast, like any other part of the body, can sustain injuries, whether from an accident during sports activities, surgical interventions, or other causes that provoke breast pain. This discomfort is often sharp and intense at the moment of injury and may lead to sensitivity when touching the breast, persisting for several days to a few weeks post-injury. It is crucial to consult a physician in the case of an injury to the right breast accompanied by one or more of the following issues:

Persistent pain without improvement over time.
Severe swelling in the breast.
Development of a breast lump.
Observation of redness and warmth in the breast, which may indicate an infection.
Persistent bruising that does not resolve.

In many cases, minor pain resulting from breast injury subsides within a few days. To alleviate symptoms, consider the following measures:

Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
Applying ice or heat to the affected area, depending on which method proves more effective for relief.
Switching to more comfortable, soft bras without underwire.

Hormonal Changes

Women may occasionally experience breast pain due to hormonal fluctuations tied to their menstrual cycle. These changes can affect the milk ducts or glands, leading to swelling and fluid retention in the breast.

This type of pain may be more pronounced during menopause, puberty, or early pregnancy, with hormonal fluctuations involving progesterone and estrogen potentially causing discomfort. Additional symptoms may include:

Breast swelling.
A feeling of lumps within the breast.

Generally, lifestyle adjustments and home remedies suffice to reduce symptoms, such as:

Using pain relievers available over the counter, although pregnant women should consult their doctors before using any medication.
Applying ice or heat, based on its effectiveness for pain relief.
Avoiding caffeine-laden foods and drinks.
Minimizing breast touching and friction.
Wearing a larger bra; pregnant women may benefit from wearing a maternity or nursing bra.
Reducing salt intake, as salt can contribute to water retention and swelling.
Ensuring adequate sleep and relaxation.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding might be a cause of right breast pain in nursing mothers. Bridget Hallinan, a nutrition specialist for infants in Cambridgeshire and a Fellow of the Institute of Health Visiting, states, “The underlying issue can often be resolved relatively quickly with appropriate assistance.” Below, we outline the causes of pain in the right breast for nursing women and how to address these causes:

Breast Engorgement

Breast engorgement can incite pain in nursing mothers, often accompanied by a feeling of hardness or fullness in the breast, and a more flattened or painful nipple. This condition arises from an excessive buildup of milk in the breast. To alleviate discomfort from engorgement, it is advised to not skip nursing sessions and promptly respond to the infant’s feeding cues. Further measures may include:

Gently expressing some breast milk manually, without overdoing it.
Wearing a nursing bra that does not restrict the breast.
Applying a warm, damp cloth to the breast before expressing milk.
Taking a safe pain reliever after consulting a physician.
Allowing the infant sufficient time to nurse from one breast before switching sides.

Blocked Milk Ducts

If milk does not drain properly from the breast during nursing, it may lead to blocked milk ducts, resulting in the sensation of a small painful lump. Addressing the issue of a blocked milk duct promptly is essential to prevent mastitis. To alleviate this pain, consider the following tips:

Applying warm compresses to the affected breast before nursing to help with milk flow.
Ensuring complete emptying of the breast during each nursing session.
Changing nursing positions to stimulate milk ducts evenly.
Gently massaging the area with light pressure on the blocked duct during or prior to nursing.
Continuing to nurse and not stopping.

Mastitis

As previously mentioned, failing to address a blocked milk duct may result in mastitis. This condition can manifest with at least two of the following symptoms:

Heat in the breast, with increased sensitivity.
Red patches on the skin, typically with defined edges.
Breast swelling.
A lump in the breast or thickening of the breast tissue.
A general feeling of illness, resembling flu-like symptoms.
Sharp or burning pain in the breast.
Fever.

To relieve pain associated with mastitis, the following strategies may be helpful:

Assessing the infant’s nursing position.
Continuing to breastfeed.
Feeding the infant from the blocked duct first.
Manually expressing milk.
Completely emptying the breast of milk.
Taking a warm shower, as warmth can enhance breast milk flow.
Ensuring ample rest.
Avoiding smoking.
Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain.

Costochondritis

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage connecting a rib to the sternum. The pain from costochondritis can resemble the symptoms of Tietze syndrome, potentially causing discomfort in the right breast, with pain that may radiate to the shoulder or arm, or the left side, depending on the affected area.

The discomfort linked to costochondritis often exhibits the following characteristics:

Experienced as either a pressing or sharp pain.
Affecting multiple ribs.
Exacerbated by deep breathing or coughing.
Manifested as pain in the lower right or left breast area.

While the cause of costochondritis may not always be apparent, it can sometimes result from a chest injury, a tumor, physical strain, or joint inflammation/infection. To alleviate symptoms, consider the following:

Taking over-the-counter pain relief medications.
Applying heat or cold to the area of discomfort.
Resting and avoiding activities that may worsen the pain.

Fibrocystic Changes in the Breast

Fibrocystic changes in the breast, also known as fibrocystic breast disease, can be a cause of right breast pain, particularly in young women. This condition may present with lumps, swelling, and tenderness in one or both breasts due to fluid-filled cysts and fibrous tissue accumulation, potentially including discharge from the nipple.

Although the exact reason for the development of fibrocystic breast cysts remains unknown, they are believed to be influenced by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, particularly involving estrogen. The following recommendations may help to reduce discomfort:

Maintaining a low-salt diet.
Using mild pain relievers.
Minimizing caffeine consumption.
Taking vitamin E and B6 supplements; a 2015 study published in the Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research involving 80 patients with menstrual cycle-related breast pain indicated that these vitamins may help alleviate discomfort associated with fibrocystic changes.

Breast Infection

While we’ve mentioned that mastitis can occur in nursing women, it can also affect non-nursing women. It generally results from the passage of bacteria from the skin or saliva into breast tissues through milk ducts or skin fissures. Notably, both males and females possess milk ducts and can develop breast infections.

In cases of suspected infection, it is advisable to consult a physician for treatment, which may involve antibiotics and pain relievers, as well as following guidance to alleviate the issue.

Can Breast Implants Cause Pain in the Right Breast?

Yes, breast implants (breast augmentation) can lead to swelling or persistent pain in the breast, which may emerge long after the surgical incision has healed or even years after the implants were inserted.

Does Breast Cancer Cause Pain in the Right Breast?

Most breast cancers do not result in pain; however, inflammatory breast cancer and some tumors may cause discomfort. Fortunately, breast pain is generally not linked to cancer.

Summary

Pain in the right breast may arise from various causes, depending on health status, age, existing medical conditions, hormonal changes, and more. The intensity of the pain can range from mild discomfort, which subsides within days or resolves with over-the-counter medications, to severe pain that may necessitate a medical consultation and further treatment along with specific guidelines for each situation.