Pain in breast when sneezing or coughing

Question

I have had my implants for 13 years. I have never had any issues. I was sick with a cough for 2 weeks. Now every time I breathe in deeply or sneeze or cough I have pain in my one breast. This has been over a week now and when I think it’s getting better it comes back. What could this be?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear bebegirl1978,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello! Does your breast bother you at other times? Is it tighter than the other one? Is the breast red, tender or swollen? You may want to meet with a plastic surgeon for an exam and recommendations. I would recommend a board certified plastic surgeon and you can find one at plasticsurgery.org.Best of luck!

Franklin D. Richards, MD · Answer

It sounds like you have developed costochondritis which is an inflammation around the ribs and occurs more frequently with breast implants. It is often brought on by a long episodes of coughing or any activity that increases the activity of the chest area...like a new exercise program. You should put the area at rest. NSAID's (Advil) can also help. It should resolve in a few weeks. If it persists or worsens you should contact your MD to confirm that nothing else is causing your symptoms.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear Bebegirl,Thanks for the question.  Your Plastic Surgeon or family doctor would be best to answer this question after examining you.  It could be a variety of issues.  If the affected breast is not harder, red or hotter than the other side, it is not likely to be an infection with resultant capsular contracture.  It could be pain where the cartilage meets the ribs called costochondritis which is treated with anti-inflammatories like Motrin/Advil/Naprosyn/Aspirin etc.Go to either your Plstic Surgeon of private MD for evaluation.Best of luck with your recovery.Dr T

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Contact your primary care physician for an evaluation.  Sorry you are feeling bad, but hopefully you will have a fast recovery.

Pain in breast when sneezing or coughing

Answers (5)