Five Possible Causes Of Chest Pain

You speak of breast pain when your breasts become so sensitive that it hurts even to touch or press on them. Sometimes it can also be a sudden, abnormal pain, although these types of aches are sometimes normal at the end of a person’s menstrual cycle or during pregnancy.

The pain can occur in both or only one breast. It can even occur in the area under the armpit. The intensity differs and there can be different explanations for this.

Do you suffer from chest pain? Below we share a few reasons why this could be.

1. Mastitis

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland. This is caused by a blockage in the milk ducts. Sometimes the inflammation can also be the result of an infection in the chest.

In addition to pain, mastitis is also accompanied by:

• inflammation
• General feeling of discomfort
• Fever
• Sensitive breasts
• redness
• hard feeling

The main cause of mastitis can also be dry or cracked nipples. This ensures that infectious organisms can enter the breast.

Also, a weakened immune system or a recent delivery can expose a mother to certain organisms that can cause this problem.

To treat mastitis and the breast pain it causes, it is essential to closely follow the treatment prescribed by the doctor. In addition, it is important to make sure that you are feeding your baby correctly.

To avoid cracking your nipples, try to express every two hours and apply a moisturizer after pumping.

2. Cysts

This is also a common problem for women. Cysts are benign growths that usually arise for hormonal reasons. They consist of small lumps that are filled with fluid. They can also develop when the breasts change size.

Although the cause of cysts is not yet fully understood, they can be quite painful. It is therefore important to consult a doctor as soon as possible, so that you can make the cyst disappear with oral medication. In most cases this is sufficient and no further surgery is required.

If your doctor thinks the problem is a little more serious, you may be prescribed a more severe treatment. Don’t worry though. This is rare and usually does not indicate the cancer that women fear most.

If you suffer from this problem, some circles  recommend taking vitamin E and B complex supplements.

3. Fibroids

Fibroids are benign tumors and are also known as skin tags. First of all, it is important to understand that tumors and cysts are not one and the same. A tumor is a cellular formation that grows very quickly, creating excess tissue. Tumors are usually hard and rigid.

In general, benign fibroids in the breasts appear as small lumps, only a few millimeters wide.

These lumps may differ from each other depending on the following factors:

• Hormonal activity
• Menstrual cycle
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding

In some cases, the lump is larger and requires surgery. In most cases, however, these lumps disappear again with the help of a small treatment.

4. Diet

Breast pain could also be caused by your diet. Foods that contain a lot of fat, sodium or caffeine are examples of this. Try to reduce your consumption of these foods.

Some other foods to avoid are:

• Chocolate
• Dried fruits and nuts (walnuts, peanuts, almonds)
• Caffeinated drinks (soda, black tea, green tea)
• Junk food
• Salted popcorn and fries
• Processed sauces
• Red meat and sausages

If the pain in your breasts persists even after you stop consuming the above foods, it is wise to request a medical examination.

5. Menstruation

You may experience many symptoms during your menstrual cycle. One of these symptoms is chest pain.

The breasts are a very sensitive part of the body and can be almost impossible to touch for some women in the days just before or during menstruation. Some women complain of extreme pain and state that even the touch of clothing can be unbearable.

The hormones play the most important role during menstruation and also in the physical changes that occur during these days, such as:

• swelling
• fatigue
• chest pain

The two hormones that play a role in menstruation and that prepare women for a possible pregnancy are estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are the cause of premenstrual and menstrual symptoms, such as weight gain and painful breast swelling.

You can prevent this annoying problem before or during menstruation in several ways. Some of the most popular ways to significantly reduce breast pain during this time are:

• The birth control pill
• the contraceptive patch
• an IUD

Another good alternative would be to cut down on caffeine, salt, animal fats and dairy products,  especially right before your period is due.

When in doubt, consult a doctor

So there are several reasons why you could suffer from breast pain. Every woman is different. You should therefore not assume that what a friend or family member experiences is the same as your own situation. When in doubt, always consult your doctor.

Remember that it is better not to look for medicines yourself. While some drugs may seem to solve the problem at first, they can become ineffective if used incorrectly.