Sharp pain under the breastbone

The breastbone is in the centre of the chest. Pain there can follow muscle strain, inflammation where ribs meet the breastbone, reflux, or irritation involving the lungs or heart. Breast tissue can also extend toward the breastbone, and breast pain may feel focal or burning. A tender spot that changes with movement or pressing the area can suggest the chest wall, but that pattern does not rule out a more serious cause. Redness, warmth, swelling, or a lump needs clinical review.

Stop strenuous activity and note whether breathing, movement, meals, touch, or a bra changes the pain. Avoid repeatedly pressing the area to check it. Arrange medical advice for pain that is new, persistent, recurrent, or associated with breast changes. A clinician can distinguish breast, rib, muscle, digestive, and cardiopulmonary causes through questions and examination.

Call emergency services for crushing or severe chest pain, trouble breathing, faintness, sweating, nausea, pain spreading to the arm, back, jaw, or neck, or sudden weakness. Urgent review is also needed for fever with breathing pain, coughing blood, rapid worsening, or a hot swollen breast with feeling unwell. Do not wait for a breast appointment when symptoms suggest an emergency.

Tell your doctor exactly where the pain starts, how long it lasts, and whether it follows exertion, breathing, meals, movement, or touch. Ask whether you need a chest or breast examination, an electrocardiogram, imaging, or other tests. Mention pregnancy, recent injury, new medicines, and any breast skin or nipple changes.