Pain under the chest, specifically under the breasts, is a common symptom that various causes can cause. Some of them are normal body processes that result in this discomfort. Other times, the reason is a significant health condition.
Pain under the breast takes many forms. Sometimes there is a burning sensation, or the pain is diffuse and not very pronounced. It can also appear as a very localized and intense pain. In the latter case, it is essential to consult with the doctor as soon as possible since it would be a sign of a severe problem.
It must be said that pain under the breast is more common in young women and those who have already gone through menopause. Approximately 70% of women report having had pain like this at some point, but only 15% have required medical treatment. The leading causes of this discomfort are what we tell you about in this article.
Contents
1. Menstruation, hormonal changes, and pregnancy
Many women experience various discomforts before menstruation, including pain under the breast. The usual thing is that the pain disappears after ovulation. Breast tenderness is due to increased estrogen and progesterone and is perfectly normal.
Hormonal changes that occur during menopause also cause similar discomfort. Pain under the breast, or adequately in the breasts, occurs both in premenopause and in menopause and postmenopause.
It is widespread for pregnant women, especially new ones, to feel pain under the breast. This is due to breast growth, the position of the baby, or changes in the body to accommodate the fetus. It is also likely to be an effect of heartburn, reflux, or gallbladder or liver problems.
Treatment
It is suggested to have a balanced diet and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Reduce salt and coffee intake. Do exercise routines and relieve if necessary and after medical consultation, with mild or moderate analgesics and anti-inflammatories.
2. Costochondritis as a cause of pain under the chest
Costochondritis, also known as Tietze syndrome, is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the breastbone to the ribs. Sometimes it is accompanied by arthritis in the upper back or neck, which often leads to numbness in the chest.
In these cases, pain is frequently experienced under the breasts, giving the sensation that it is a mastalgia -pain in the breasts itself without being so. This disease is more frequent in women older than 40 years.
Treatment
Although costochondritis usually goes away independently, it may bother you for a few weeks. A treatment focused on relieving pain is the way to go; the specialist will know how to recommend the appropriate medications according to the intensity of the pain. Gentle stretching exercises and transcutaneous nerve stimulation therapies accompany this. If there is no relief, the doctor will guide the injection of an anesthetic and a corticosteroid.
3. Huge bust
The larger the breasts, the more likely there will be pain under the breast. Huge breasts cause this discomfort, and it is not uncommon for them to cause neck, back, and shoulder pain.
In some cases, this leads to limitations in performing some physical activities. Sometimes stretch marks or skin irritations also appear in the area. The excessive size of the breasts can only be definitively corrected by surgery.
4. Inappropriate bra
One of the big mistakes is choosing a bra that doesn’t have the right fit. A bra that is inadequate for the bust of the woman who wears it could cause pain. This should not compress the breasts and leave enough space to get on or change position quickly.
Sometimes bras with metal rings at the bottom cause discomfort for some women. An inadequate bra not only causes pain under the breast but it would also cause back or shoulder pain. It is best to wear good quality clothes, even if they cost a little more.
5. Other causes of pain under the breast
Pain under the chest is often related to problems in the chest wall or ribs. Sometimes it is intercostal neuritis, an irritation or inflammation of the network of nerves between the ribs. This is so in women of all ages.
In this case, care will vary according to the patient. Still, anti-inflammatories, local anesthetics, and medications, possibly anticonvulsants because they act on peripheral nerves, will be considered.
Likewise, the pain would be related to a muscular problem caused by a sudden or abrupt movement. It is what we commonly call muscle pull. Taking anti-inflammatory medication and applying heat to the area for about 20 minutes 3-4 times daily will help.
It is also possible that the pain originates in other organs and is reflected in the chest wall. For example, gallbladder diseases and liver inflammation produce this effect, as well as lung infections, hiatal hernias, irritable bowel syndrome, or heart problems.
Nor should any process in the breasts, such as cysts or tumors, be ruled out. Hence the importance of consulting when in doubt to carry out the appropriate complementary tests and arrive at a diagnosis.
When to see the doctor?
Some causes of pain under the breast can be severe and life-threatening. In this sense, knowing the warning signs and seeking immediate medical attention in their presence is essential.
One of the most significant warning signs is sudden, severe pain that doesn’t go away and interrupts daily activities. Other symptoms associated with severe pathologies include the following:
- Radiating pain to other parts such as the arm, neck, or jaw.
- Bluish discoloration of the skin and lips.
- Difficulty breathing.
- coughing up blood
- Confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.
- profuse sweating
- Anxiety and feeling of imminent death.
- Thoracic skin lesion.
A symptom with multiple causes
As you can see, many causes explain the appearance of pain under the breast. Fortunately, most are benign and respond to regular changes in a woman’s body.
However, this pain is a symptom that should not be underestimated, especially when it is persistent and intense. In these cases, it is best to consult a specialist to identify the possible cause and start the best treatment.