Differential Diagnosis for Axillary Pain after Coughing
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain: Coughing can lead to increased intrathoracic pressure, which may cause strain on the muscles and joints in the axillary region, resulting in pain.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum can cause pain that radiates to the axillary region, especially after coughing.
- Rib fracture: A fracture of the ribs can cause pain in the axillary region, especially if the fracture occurs in the lower ribs.
- Precordial catch syndrome: A benign condition characterized by sharp, stabbing pain in the chest and axillary region, often triggered by coughing or deep breathing.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary embolism: A life-threatening condition that can cause sudden, severe chest pain and axillary pain, especially if the embolism is large and affects the upper lobes of the lungs.
- Aortic dissection: A tear in the aorta can cause severe, tearing chest pain that radiates to the axillary region and back.
- Myocardial infarction: A heart attack can cause chest pain that radiates to the axillary region, especially if the infarct involves the lateral or posterior walls of the heart.
Rare Diagnoses
- Tietze's syndrome: A rare condition characterized by inflammation of the cartilage and surrounding tissues in the chest wall, which can cause pain in the axillary region.
- Sickle cell disease crisis: A condition that can cause severe pain in the chest, back, and axillary region due to sickling of red blood cells.
- Pancoast tumor: A rare type of lung cancer that can cause pain in the axillary region, especially if the tumor invades the brachial plexus or nearby structures.