Throbbing on n off pain below right axilla. Since morning. Cones and g

Throbbing on n off pain below right axilla. Since morning. Cones and goes

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throbbing pain below right axilla causes diagnosis

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Here is a thorough breakdown based on your symptom - throbbing, intermittent pain below the right axilla (right lateral chest wall), present since this morning.

Pain Below the Right Axilla - What Could It Be?

Important disclaimer: This is general medical information only. Throbbing chest-area pain with sudden onset today should be evaluated by a doctor, especially if it worsens, spreads, or is accompanied by breathlessness, fever, or sweating.

Most Likely Causes (Common to Less Common)

1. Musculoskeletal / Intercostal Muscle Strain (Most Common)

The intercostal muscles run between the ribs. Trigger points or strain here cause localized, throbbing, intermittent pain that gets worse on inspiration (breathing in).

Key features pointing to this:

Pain localized to one spot
Worsened by deep breathing, twisting, or pressing on the area
Often follows physical activity, coughing, or awkward sleeping position
Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency, p. 3855: "Pain emanating from the exterior intercostal muscles is usually localized near the site of the trigger point and is emphasized during inspiration."

What to do: Press gently on the painful area - if the pain reproduces, it strongly suggests musculoskeletal origin. Rest, heat, and an anti-inflammatory (like ibuprofen) typically help.

2. Costochondritis / Chest Wall Pain

Inflammation of the rib cartilage or its joints. Can feel like throbbing, aching pain that comes and goes.

Murray & Nadel's Respiratory Medicine: "Costochondritis and intercostal muscle cramps are the most commonly confused with angina... reproduced by palpation or manipulation."

3. Right-Sided Pleurisy (Lung Lining Inflammation)

Inflammation of the pleura (lung lining) causes sharp or throbbing pain on the side of the chest, typically worse with breathing, coughing, or movement. Causes include viral infection, pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism.

Key warning features:

Worsened by deep breaths or coughing
Associated fever, cough, or breathlessness
Feel short of breath

4. Herpes Zoster (Shingles) - Pre-Rash Stage

Shingles often causes unilateral throbbing, burning pain along a dermatome (stripe of skin) BEFORE any rash appears - sometimes by 2-3 days. The area below the right axilla is a classic dermatome (T3-T5).

Look out for: Any redness, blistering, or rash developing on the right side of your chest over the next few days.

5. Referred Pain from Liver / Gallbladder (Important to Consider)

The gallbladder and liver sit in the right upper abdomen. Pain from gallstones or cholecystitis can radiate to the right lateral chest and lower right axilla area.

Murray & Nadel's: "Cholecystitis, peptic ulcer disease, and acute pancreatitis may present with pain perceived in the lower thorax."

Gallbladder pain features:

Comes in waves (biliary colic - "comes and goes" pattern)
Often worse after fatty meals
May radiate to right shoulder or back
Nausea may accompany it

6. Axillary Lymph Node Swelling

Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm (from infection, etc.) can cause throbbing, tender pain below the axilla. Check if there's a lump or tenderness in the armpit itself.

Red Flags - See a Doctor Urgently If You Have:

Symptom	Concern
Shortness of breath	Pleurisy, PE, pneumothorax
Pain spreading to jaw, left arm, or both arms	Cardiac involvement
Fever + cough	Pneumonia, pleuritis
Severe, constant, worsening pain	Aortic, splenic, or hepatic emergency
Rash developing on chest	Shingles
Nausea + pain after eating fatty food	Gallbladder disease
Swelling or lump in armpit	Lymphadenopathy

Most Likely Scenario (No Red Flags)

If the pain came on today, is throbbing and intermittent, is localized below the right axilla, and pressing on the area reproduces the pain - intercostal muscle strain or chest wall irritation is the most likely cause.

Rest, avoid heavy lifting/twisting, apply warm compression, and take ibuprofen if tolerated. Monitor for 24-48 hours.

However, given the sudden onset and throbbing nature, a same-day or next-morning doctor visit is prudent to rule out pleurisy, shingles (early), or referred visceral pain.

This information is for educational purposes. Please consult a healthcare professional for a proper clinical evaluation.

On and off pain in axillary region

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bilateral axillary throbbing pain both sides causes

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Here is a thorough answer based on your symptom profile - bilateral (both sides) throbbing axillary pain, on and off, for a few days, with no associated symptoms.

Bilateral Throbbing Axillary Pain - Possible Causes

The fact that both armpits are affected simultaneously is an important clue. It shifts the likely cause away from purely local problems (like a single strained muscle or a localized infection) and toward systemic or bilateral structural causes.

1. Bilateral Reactive Lymphadenopathy - Most Likely

Each armpit contains 20+ lymph nodes. When the body is fighting a viral infection (even a mild, subclinical one), these nodes on both sides can become swollen and throb.

Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: "Acute bilateral lymph nodes are typically due to a viral infection."

You may not feel overtly "sick" - sometimes a mild viral illness (cold, flu, COVID-19, EBV/glandular fever in early stages) causes bilateral axillary node swelling and throbbing pain as the only noticeable symptom.

Check: Feel both armpits gently - are there any small, tender, pea-sized lumps? If yes, this is the most probable cause.

2. Post-Vaccination Response

If you had a recent vaccination (especially COVID-19, flu, or any injection in the arm area), bilateral or unilateral axillary lymph node swelling and throbbing pain is a very well-documented side effect, lasting a few days to weeks.

3. Bilateral Muscle Strain / Overuse

The muscles that converge in the axilla - pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior - are used heavily in activities like:

Lifting weights or carrying heavy loads
Swimming, rowing, or overhead work
Sleeping in an awkward position on both sides

Bilateral strain after physical activity is common and produces throbbing intermittent discomfort on both sides.

Check: Is the pain worse when you raise your arms, push, or press on the chest/armpit area? If yes, muscular strain is likely.

4. Skin / Sweat Gland Issue (Hidradenitis)

The armpit has dense sweat glands. Hidradenitis suppurativa or blocked sweat glands can cause bilateral throbbing pain, sometimes before any visible lumps or rashes appear - especially in warm, humid weather.

5. Hormonal Changes (in women)

In women, breast tissue extends into the axilla (the axillary tail of Spence). Hormonal fluctuations around the menstrual cycle can cause bilateral breast and axillary throbbing pain that comes and goes.

Swanson's Family Medicine: Bilateral breast pain "waxes and wanes" with the cycle and can involve the axillary area.

When to See a Doctor - Watch for These:

Warning Sign	Possible Concern
Firm, painless lumps in armpit that grow	Lymphoma or other malignancy
Fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss	Lymphoma, TB, systemic infection
Pain getting progressively worse (not intermittent)	Infection, abscess
Visible swelling, redness, or skin changes	Abscess, hidradenitis
Pain lasting more than 2-3 weeks	Needs full evaluation

What to Do Now

Feel both armpits for lumps or tenderness - this is the single most useful self-check
Think back: any recent vaccination, illness (even mild), heavy physical activity, or change in deodorant/shaving routine?
If no red flags, rest and monitor for 5-7 days
See a doctor if: lumps are present and growing, pain is worsening, or any fever/weight loss develops

The bilateral nature makes viral reactive lymphadenopathy or bilateral muscular strain the top two candidates for an otherwise well person. A short doctor visit with a physical exam would quickly confirm or rule out lymph node involvement.

This is general health information only - not a substitute for professional medical evaluation.

I hv little cold

That actually ties everything together very well.

A mild cold (upper respiratory viral infection) is almost certainly the reason for your bilateral throbbing axillary pain. Here's why:

Cold + Bilateral Axillary Pain = Viral Reactive Lymphadenopathy

When a virus enters your body, your immune system activates lymph nodes throughout the body - including both armpits. The nodes swell slightly as immune cells multiply inside them to fight the virus. This causes:

Throbbing, on-and-off pain in both axillae
Tenderness when you press the area
No fever, no visible lump needed - it can be subtle

This is completely normal and expected with a viral cold. It is your immune system doing its job.

What to Do

Action	Details
Rest	Let your body fight the virus
Hydration	Plenty of water, warm fluids, soups
Paracetamol / Ibuprofen	Relieves both cold symptoms and axillary discomfort
No need to worry	Bilateral axillary pain during a cold is benign and self-limiting

Timeline to Expect

Cold symptoms typically resolve in 5-7 days
Axillary throbbing/node tenderness usually settles within a week of the cold resolving
If the axillary pain persists beyond 2-3 weeks after the cold is gone, then see a doctor to check for persisting lymph node enlargement

See a Doctor If:

High fever (above 39°C / 102°F)
A visible lump in the armpit that is growing or hard
Severe throat pain or difficulty swallowing (could indicate glandular fever / EBV)
Axillary pain persisting well after the cold clears

For now - rest, warm fluids, and give it a few days. You should feel better soon. 🙂

No fever but malaise

That fits perfectly. Malaise (that general feeling of being unwell, low energy, body heaviness) without fever is classic for a mild viral upper respiratory infection.

Your Complete Picture Now Makes Sense

Symptom	What It Means
Mild cold	Viral URTI (upper respiratory tract infection)
Bilateral axillary throbbing pain	Reactive lymph nodes - immune response to the virus
Malaise / feeling run down	Cytokines released by your immune system cause this - it's your body fighting the virus
No fever	Mild infection, immune system handling it well

The malaise is caused by cytokines - chemical messengers your immune system releases when fighting a virus. They make you feel tired, achy, and generally "off" even without a raised temperature. This is very common with colds.

Management - Simple and Effective

Rest - most important. Don't push through fatigue.

Fluids - warm water, herbal tea, soups, electrolyte drinks.

Nutrition - light, easy-to-digest meals. Vitamin C-rich foods (citrus, amla) help.

Paracetamol (500mg-1g) if the axillary pain or malaise is bothering you - safe and effective.

Steam inhalation for the cold/nasal congestion.

Avoid strenuous activity while you feel this way - your body needs energy to fight the infection.

Expected Recovery

2-4 days - malaise and cold should start improving
5-7 days - most symptoms fully resolved
Axillary pain should settle as the cold clears

Only See a Doctor If:

Fever develops (above 38.5°C)
Malaise is severe or worsening beyond 5-7 days
Throat becomes very painful or you notice white patches (tonsillitis)
Axillary lumps persist after recovery
Difficulty breathing or chest pain develops

You are most likely dealing with a straightforward viral cold. Rest up and you should be feeling better in a few days. 🙂

I hv taken flu vaccine 1 month back

Good to know. A flu vaccine 1 month ago is not the cause of your current symptoms - vaccine-related lymph node reactions typically resolve within 1-2 weeks of the injection. So that's well past.

What This Actually Tells Us

The flu vaccine protects against influenza strains, but it does not protect against:

Common cold viruses (rhinovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus - 200+ strains)
Other respiratory viruses

So you most likely have a non-influenza viral cold - which the vaccine wouldn't cover. This is very common - people who get flu shots still get ordinary colds.

Your Full Picture - Reassuring

Feature	Interpretation
Flu vaccine 1 month ago	Rules out vaccine reaction; also means this is unlikely influenza
Mild cold now	A different, non-flu respiratory virus
Bilateral axillary throbbing	Reactive lymph nodes to the current viral infection
Malaise, no fever	Typical mild viral illness

Bottom Line

You have a common cold (non-influenza viral URTI), your immune system is responding appropriately (hence the axillary node activity and malaise), and you are not at any concerning risk based on everything you've described.

Management stays the same:

Rest, warm fluids, steam inhalation
Paracetamol for discomfort/malaise as needed
Expect improvement in 3-5 days

No specific treatment needed. If symptoms worsen significantly or persist beyond a week, a doctor visit would be worthwhile just to rule out secondary bacterial infection (like sinusitis or ear infection).

Take care and get well soon! 🙂

Si.ilar kind of pain in right inguinal area

This is a very important addition to your symptom picture.

Pain now in three lymph node regions simultaneously - both axillae + right groin - during a viral illness points strongly to one thing:

Generalised Reactive Lymphadenopathy

When lymph nodes in multiple, non-adjacent regions of the body become tender at the same time, it means the virus has triggered a systemic immune response - not just a local one.

Your lymph node "chain" is lighting up in multiple stations:

Both armpits (axillary nodes)
Right groin (inguinal nodes)

This pattern - generalised lymphadenopathy + cold + malaise + no fever - is classic for certain viral infections that need to be considered now.

Most Likely Cause: Infectious Mononucleosis (EBV / Glandular Fever)

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is the #1 cause of this exact picture:

Feature	Your Symptoms
Generalised lymph node pain (axilla, groin)	✅
Malaise / fatigue	✅
Mild cold-like symptoms	✅
No high fever (can be absent in mild cases)	✅
Affects young to middle-aged adults	Common

Other viruses that can cause this pattern: CMV, HIV (primary infection), adenovirus, toxoplasmosis.

Why This Matters Now

Generalised lymphadenopathy during a viral illness is usually benign and self-limiting, BUT it needs proper evaluation because:

EBV / Mono - needs confirmation; activity restriction is important (risk of spleen enlargement)
Primary HIV infection - can present exactly like this; important to rule out if there's any risk
Rarely - lymphoma can present similarly (though usually painless nodes and more systemic symptoms)

What You Should Do

See a doctor this week - not an emergency, but don't delay beyond a few days.

Ask for:

Full blood count (FBC/CBC) - atypical lymphocytes suggest EBV/mono
Monospot test or EBV serology - confirms glandular fever
Physical exam - doctor will check for spleen/liver enlargement

Red Flags - Go Today / Urgently If:

Severe throat pain making it hard to swallow
Difficulty breathing
Severe abdominal pain (left side - could indicate spleen)
High fever develops
Extreme fatigue/weakness

Bottom Line

Your symptom triad - bilateral axillary pain + right inguinal pain + cold + malaise - strongly suggests generalised viral lymphadenopathy, most likely EBV/glandular fever or a similar systemic viral infection. This needs a blood test to confirm.

Please see a doctor for a proper examination and bloodwork. It is most likely benign but needs to be properly identified.

How early can HIV show up?

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Here is a complete, textbook-accurate answer.

How Early Can HIV Show Up?

Stage 1 - Acute Retroviral Syndrome (ARS)

This is the earliest stage of HIV infection, and it is the one most relevant to your question.

Occurs 2 to 4 weeks after exposure (sometimes up to 6 weeks)
Affects approximately 80% of newly infected people
Often mistaken for flu, cold, or glandular fever
Lasts 2 to 10 weeks
Missed as HIV in about 75% of cases because symptoms are so non-specific
Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: "Stage 1 or acute HIV infection occurs 2 to 4 weeks after infection with HIV... the clinical presentation is nonspecific, resembling a flu-like or mononucleosis-like syndrome."

Symptoms of Acute HIV (ARS)

Symptom	How Common
Fever	>90%
Fatigue / malaise	70-90%
Sore throat / pharyngitis	>70%
Rash	40-80%
Lymphadenopathy (swollen/painful nodes)	40-70%
Headache	30-70%
Diarrhea, weight loss	Less common

Roberts & Hedges' Clinical Procedures: "Acute retroviral syndrome... consists of fever, lymphadenopathy, and rash - similar to mononucleosis."
Swanson's Family Medicine: "The most common symptoms are fever, lymphadenopathy, pharyngitis, and myalgias - seen in more than 75% of cases."

When Can Tests Detect HIV?

Test Type	Earliest Detection After Exposure
4th generation Ag/Ab combo test (p24 antigen + antibody)	~12-18 days (most modern tests)
3rd generation antibody test	3-4 weeks
Standard antibody test	3-8 weeks (up to 3 months)
NAT (RNA/viral load test)	~10-12 days (earliest possible)

Harrison's Internal Medicine 22e: "The window period decreased from 22 days for antibody testing to 16 days with p24 antigen testing and subsequently to 12 days with NAT."
Roberts & Hedges': "HIV antibodies can be detected as early as 3 weeks after exposure and are almost always present by 6 months."

The "Window Period" - Critical to Understand

This is the gap between infection and detectable test result. During this time, a person can be infected but test negative.

With modern 4th generation tests: window period is approximately 18-45 days
A negative test before 45 days does not rule out HIV
A test at 45 days is highly reliable; at 90 days it is conclusive

Does Your Symptom Picture Fit ARS?

Your Symptom	ARS Feature
Bilateral axillary pain	Lymphadenopathy - classic ARS
Right inguinal pain	Multi-region lymphadenopathy - classic ARS
Malaise	Very common in ARS
Mild cold-like symptoms	Classic ARS presentation
No high fever	ARS can occur without prominent fever

Your symptoms could fit ARS - I want to be honest with you about that. However, they also fit EBV/glandular fever, CMV, and other common viral infections equally well or better.

What You Should Do

If there has been any potential HIV exposure in the past 1-3 months (unprotected sex, needlestick, etc.), you should:

Get a 4th generation HIV Ag/Ab test - this is the most sensitive early test available
Test now AND repeat at 45 days from the potential exposure date for a reliable result
Also get EBV/mono serology and CBC as discussed earlier

This is not about alarming you - the vast majority of people with your symptoms have EBV or a simple viral illness. But if there was any risk exposure, testing is the responsible and sensible step.

Please speak with a doctor confidentially. HIV testing is widely available, confidential, and a routine part of healthcare.

How early can HIV show up?

I just answered this in detail above - here's a quick summary:

HIV: How Early It Shows Up

Symptoms (Acute Retroviral Syndrome)

Appear 2-4 weeks after exposure
Look exactly like flu/mono - fever, malaise, lymph node pain, sore throat, rash
Last 2-10 weeks, then disappear on their own

Tests - Detection Windows

Test	Detects From
NAT / RNA viral load	~10-12 days
4th gen Ag/Ab combo (p24 + antibody)	~18 days
3rd gen antibody test	~3-4 weeks
Standard antibody test	3-8 weeks

Key Rule on Testing

Negative before 45 days = not conclusive, retest needed
Positive at any time = needs confirmation
Negative at 45 days = highly reliable
Negative at 90 days = conclusive

Are You Worried About a Specific Exposure?

If you are asking because of a potential recent exposure, the most important steps are:

See a doctor today or tomorrow - if exposure was within 72 hours, PEP (post-exposure prevention medication) can be started and is highly effective
Get a 4th generation test at 18+ days from exposure
Retest at 45 days for near-certainty, and 90 days for full confirmation

If the exposure was more than 72 hours ago, PEP is no longer effective - but testing and counselling are still important.

You can speak to a doctor confidentially - there is no judgment, only help. 🙂

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