Concerns About Swelling Under One Armpit: Is It a Cause for Alarm?
I’ve observed some swelling beneath one of my armpits and I’m uncertain about it. It is painful when pressed, but it is not warm to the touch, and I don’t notice any lumps or unusual formations. I haven’t experienced any illness lately—perhaps about a month ago. I spotted this swelling around four days back, and there has been no significant change in size since then. Should I be concerned? I could visit a doctor, possibly after the upcoming week, though navigating healthcare here is challenging due to the language difference, as I live in a country where English isn’t predominant. I will provide additional details in a comment later if needed.
Answers (1)
8/3/2025, 12:31:04 PM
OpenHealth AI
Swelling under the armpit can be concerning, but there are various benign causes that could explain what you're experiencing. Since the swelling is painful when pressed, but not warm to the touch or associated with any other illness, it may be due to localized inflammation or an infection, such as a swollen lymph node, rather than a serious issue.
Explanation:
The armpit area contains lymph nodes and various tissues that can become swollen due to several factors, such as:
- Infection: A superficial skin infection or a small abscess can cause swelling.
- Lymphadenopathy: This is when lymph nodes swell, often in response to infections in the body.
- Trauma: Any minor injury, even if unnoticed, might lead to localized swelling.
- Allergies or Insect Bites: Sometimes, reactions in that area can lead to localized swelling.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the swelling over the next few days. Note any changes in size, pain level, or the appearance of any new symptoms (like fever, redness, or spreading pain).
-
Self-Care:
- Warm Compress: Applying a warm, damp cloth to the area can help alleviate discomfort and may promote healing if there is inflammation.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain medication (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen), if appropriate for you, can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Avoid Pressure: Try to avoid pressing on the area, as this may worsen the discomfort.
-
Language Assistance: If you find it necessary to visit a healthcare provider, consider bringing someone who speaks both languages to assist you in communicating your symptoms clearly.
-
Follow-Up: If the swelling persists beyond one week, increases in size, or new symptoms develop, it's essential to seek medical care promptly.
Rest assured that many causes of underarm swelling are benign, but a careful watch over the next few days will help guide your next steps. Please update with any new symptoms if they arise.
Related Questions
Should I Have My Hand Examined?
Last night, I (18F) accidentally struck my fist against the kitchen counter with considerable force. It was one of those split-second mishaps where I misjudged the distance while trying to grab something, resulting in a painful collision with the counter. Although I expected the discomfort to subside within the hour, the pain has persisted into the morning and has become more rigid. It primarily affects my left ring and pinky fingers, radiating down to the knuckles and throughout the hand. Attempting to bend the fingers in either direction elicits sharp pain, and I'm unable to apply much pressure without discomfort. While there isn’t any visible bruising, the hand felt quite warm and swollen last night. It's sensitive to touch, and moving it often produces a popping or clicking sound. This situation is particularly worrisome, but I should mention that I have an undiagnosed joint condition that frequently results in my joints popping and cracking, so this isn't entirely out of the norm for me. Given my circumstances, do you think it’s advisable to have it evaluated at the emergency room (especially since none of the nearby urgent care facilities are equipped with X-ray machines), or should I hold off for a few days to see if it improves on its own? My insurance situation is currently complicated, and I would prefer not to incur excessive costs for tests only to be advised to stick with my current regimen of icing and resting. The rest of my hand, including the ring finger and thumb, feels fine, with only mild sensitivity in my middle finger.
Concerns Regarding Recent Blood Test Results
A 29-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 4 inches tall, is reaching out for some support regarding her recent blood test results from Friday. Hello everyone, I tend to experience health anxiety, and I’m feeling quite anxious about the outcome of my blood tests. Am I perhaps overreacting? I appreciate your input. I’m particularly troubled about my red blood cell count, hematocrit levels, and cholesterol. However, I’m not stressed about the presence of blood in my urine, as I was concluding my menstrual period at the time of the test. I don’t smoke at all and indulge in alcohol only a few times a year. My current weight is 179 pounds, but I am actively working on losing some of it. I didn’t consume much water the day before the test, which was a fasting blood test. Additionally, I have a bicuspid aortic valve, but I see a cardiologist every two to three years since childhood—my last appointment in April revealed no issues. Although there’s a possibility I’ll need a valve replacement in my 60s or 70s, it’s not certain. It’s worth noting that I have a desk job that involves a lot of sitting. I have some concerns regarding my red blood cell, hematocrit, and MCHC levels. Thank you for taking the time to read my message. **Update:** I apologize if I accidentally uploaded some of the same images multiple times.
Uncertain About a Bump Near My Ear
I have noticed a bump situated just beneath my left ear and slightly behind my jawline. Its size is approximately 1 cm across. The texture strikes a balance—it's neither completely firm nor overly soft. Originally, when I discovered it a few days back, it was tender to the touch, much like how I recall a deep pimple feeling. However, that discomfort has since faded. I didn’t observe its appearance until last night. The initial two images showcase the bump from late last night, while the final image was captured around noon today. I am 37 years old.
Experiencing Severe Nausea and Panic After Consuming Celsius Energy Drink
A 21-year-old female, measuring 5 feet 5 inches and weighing 135 pounds, reports no current medications. Typically, she consumes a Monster energy drink nightly during her overnight shifts without any adverse effects. However, she opted for a Celsius energy drink last night, leading to distressing symptoms. Currently, she’s experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, chest discomfort, and signs indicative of a panic attack. Although she does encounter panic attacks from time to time, this particular episode has resulted in severe gastrointestinal issues, prompting her to suspect that caffeine might be the culprit. Additionally, she has a medical history that includes Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and fibromyalgia. Despite her attempts to alleviate the symptoms by walking around and drinking room temperature water, the situation has not improved after more than two hours. With a work shift imminent, she feels an urgent need to find a solution for relief so she can rest soon. What steps should she take next?
Numbness in Toes
I’m a 27-year-old male, weighing 280 pounds, of Caucasian descent without Hispanic background. My blood tests from January did not reveal any underlying issues. Over the past week or so, I’ve experienced numbness primarily in the inner areas of my second and third toes, specifically where they connect. The upper parts of my toes feel normal, and the outer edges are fine as well. However, the soles of my toes feel somewhat unusual, although I can still sense them. The numbness predominantly affects the inner sides that are in close contact. I’m curious if anyone has any insights or suggestions regarding this situation. I don’t recall any incidents where I might have injured my foot recently. Thank you for your help!