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Left Breast Pain: Most Common Explanations Behind It
Breast pain is usually harmless, with many experiencing it during or before menstruation. Hormonal changes have a major role to play in causing breast soreness in women; however, many other factors can lead to it. If you specifically have localised pain in your left breast, it could raise alarms. However, instead of panicking, it is best to consult a doctor and get screening to rule out serious conditions.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Lakhan Kashyap, Consultant—Medical Oncology, Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune, not only lists some of the common causes of left breast pain but also helps differentiate between them. Additionally, she shares some useful remedies and treatment options to manage the pain.
Also Read: Do Your Breasts Hurt? These Could Be The Reasons
Most Common Causes Of Left Breast PainBreast pain, or mastalgia, is mostly benign, says Dr Kashyap.
According to hims, hormonal fluctuations, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can lead to cyclical breast tenderness. Non-cyclical pain may result from musculoskeletal issues such as costochondritis, which is the inflammation of rib cartilage, he adds.
Additionally, fibrocystic breast changes, characterised by lumpy or dense breast tissue, can cause discomfort. It is a benign condition that occurs due to thickening of breast tissue, fluid-filled cysts, and hormonal stimulation during menstruation.
Other contributing factors include ill-fitting bras, excessive caffeine intake, and high-fat diets. Trauma or strain in the chest muscles, particularly from exercise, may also contribute to localised breast pain.
Some women can also develop infections like mastitis, which can also lead to breast discomfort—although they're more common in breastfeeding women, says Dr Kashyap.
He further adds that while left-sided breast pain can sometimes be attributed to heart-related issues, it is essential to differentiate between musculoskeletal and cardiac causes. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable when pain is persistent or associated with other concerning symptoms.
When Does Left Breast Pain Mean Something Serious?Although many painful breast instances are benign, some warning indications call for additional testing.
Dr Kashyap emphasises that a medical evaluation is essential for pain that is persistent, worsening, or localised without a clear cause.
Signs of an underlying issue may include a lump, skin changes such as dimpling, redness, or thickening, and unexplained nipple discharge, especially if bloody.
Non-cyclical breast pain that doesn't subside over time or is accompanied by warmth or swelling may indicate an infection or inflammatory breast disease.
One must also watch out for inflammatory breast cancer, which can cause chronic pain, skin redness, and swelling, even though breast cancer is not a prevalent cause of pain. Moreover, chest pain that travels to the left arm, jaw, or back should be assessed immediately because it may be a sign of a cardiac condition rather than a breast-related one, especially if it is accompanied by dizziness or shortness of breath.
How To Manage Persistent Breast Pain?Breast pain can often be managed with a combination of lifestyle adjustments, home remedies, and medical treatments. According to Dr Kashyap, here are some key strategies:
Pain in the breast can be caused by many factors. Although it is mostly benign, knowing the underlying cause helps determine the right course of treatment. From hormonal changes to an infection to a more serious condition like breast cancer, breast pain can have several causes. Consulting a doctor and getting proper screenings can help rule out the most concerning issues. Temporary breast pain is usually not alarming. However, if the pain is persistent, get necessary checkups.
DisclaimerAll possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
What Is Chronic Lung Disease, The Condition Pope Francis Suffers From?
In just a matter of weeks, Pope Francis has faced several new challenges in his long-running battle with chronic lung disease. The spiritual leader's condition has been critical, with news of his well-being waxing and waning since Feb. 14 given his age and fragility.
Here's a breakdown of what 88-year-old Francis is facing:
What conditions does Pope Francis have?As of Tuesday afternoon, Francis was in critical but stable condition at Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he had already spent nearly a dozen days in treatment. The Argentine pope was battling double pneumonia, as only his latest bout with lung infection.
He already suffered from preexisting chronic lung disease. As a young man, a portion of one of his lungs was ultimately removed after a severe respiratory infection.
ExplorePope Francis shows slight improvement and resumes some work, while still critical, Vatican saysFrancis initially entered the hospital following a weeklong bout with chronic bronchitis. The double pneumonia diagnosis quickly followed. By the end of his first week of treatment, he was facing double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis, as well as bacterial, viral and fungal lung infections.
Credit: NYT
Credit: NYT
What is chronic lung disease?According to the American Lung Association, chronic lung disease prevents the lungs and respiratory system from working correctly. It manifests in three ways: restrictive lung diseases, obstructive lung diseases and pulmonary vascular lung diseases.
Restrictive lung diseases include conditions that inflame or scar the lungs, including pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis. Obstructive lung diseases include asthma and chronic bronchitis, diseases that often cause thick mucus buildup along the lungs' air sacs. Pulmonary vascular lung diseases, which include pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary embolism, concern the organ's blood vessels.
While there is no cure, there are ways to improve your symptoms and manage chronic lung disease. According to the ALA, people living with the disease should stay up to date on vaccinations that prevent respiratory infections like flu or pneumonia, eat healthy foods and continue to stay active.
What is bronchitis?Stuffy nose, chest congestion, wheezing — bronchitis symptoms range from light fatigue to coughing up mucus. The ALA reported that the lung infection can often go away on its own after running its natural course for several weeks.
However, Francis is prone to bronchitis in winter because of his preexisting lung disease. As a viral infection, antibiotics are not an effective treatment so it's important to rest and drink plenty of water, which can help loosen chest congestion.
ExploreHow the extreme cold can affect your lungsChronic bronchitis is a more serious condition that develops over time. While symptoms may get better or worse, the ALA reports they will never completely go away.
What is double pneumonia?According to the ALA, pneumonia can have mild, even unnoticeable, symptoms. Other times, however, the signs are severe. The lung disease sometimes causes coughs that produce mucus (sometimes blood), fever, sweating, shaking, rapid breathing, sharp chest pain, loss of appetite, nausea and confusion. Fevers can reach as high as 105 degrees.
When the disease affects both lungs, it is referred to as double (or bilateral) pneumonia. The lungs become infected, inflaming the air sacs within. The inflammation leads to a buildup of fluid, which makes breathing difficult.
According to the American Thoracic Society, adults who survive pneumonia sometimes still face long-term effects, including cognitive decline and an overall worsening quality of life for months to years.
From 1999 to 2019, an estimated 2.1% of all U.S. Deaths were caused by pneumonia. It remains the single largest infection-related cause of death among children worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
When should you call a doctor about lung disease?Different lung diseases come with different symptoms, but there are commonalities between them. According to the Yale School of Medicine, patients should consider making an appointment with a pulmonologist if they are experiencing shortness of breath, a persistent cough, recurring chest infections, loud snoring at night or excessive sleepiness during the day.
ALA advised patients to seek a pulmonologist in consultation with their primary care provider if their cough persists for more than three weeks or becomes severe.
"A simple cough associated with allergies or a cold shouldn't send you looking for a pulmonary specialist," according to the association's website. "Urgent care or your primary care doctor should be your first stop, and then on to an allergist or ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist."
Some diseases come with extra caution signs, however. Because it can be deadly, especially to children, the ALA advises anyone who believes they have pneumonia to seek medical treatment before it gets worse.
"And see your doctor right away if you have difficulty breathing, develop a bluish color in your lips and fingertips, have chest pain, a high fever, or a cough with mucus that is severe or is getting worse," states the ALA website.
Adults older than 65, children 2 or younger and people with underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems are considered high-risk groups.
Bronchitis, on the other hand, is something the ALA is only as concerned with when its chronic.
"On average, the symptoms of acute bronchitis last only a couple of weeks," the website said. "However, if you have a cough that won't go away, or if you get sick with bronchitis frequently, it may be the sign of a more serious disease and you should visit your doctor."
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What Causes A Sharp Stabbing Pain In The Chest That Comes And Goes?
While chest discomfort, such as stabbing pain that comes and goes, can indicate a heart problem, it can also occur due to heart burn and muscle strain.
Certain factors can help determine the cause of stabbing chest pain. These include the exact location of the pain, its severity, and whether other symptoms are present.
This article outlines some of the possible causes of intermittent stabbing chest pain, along with their associated symptoms and treatments. It also provides tips on preventing certain causes of chest pain and explains when to contact a doctor.
A heart attack is damage to the heart muscle due to a severe shortage or complete blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle. Chest discomfort is a symptom that may be seen with a heart attack.
However, in heart attacks, the discomfort is typically described as a pressure or squeezing sensation. A fleeting sharp sensation is less likely to be caused by coronary blockages.
The pain may occur in the center of the chest or just left of the center. It may radiate out to other areas of the body, such as:
Other possible symptoms of a heart attack include
Heart attack pain generally lasts for more than a few minutes. It may also go away and then return.
A heart attack is a medical emergency. Anyone who suspects that they or someone else is experiencing a heart attack should contact the emergency services immediately.
Treatment
The treatment for a heart attack depends on its cause and severity.
Medications can reduce and prevent blood clot formation, but some people may require a procedure to widen the coronary artery or divert blood flow away from a blocked or narrowed section.
Heartburn is chest pain that occurs when stomach acid leaks out of the stomach and back up into the esophagus (food pipe). The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth and stomach.
People typically experience heartburn as a sharp or burning pain in the center of the chest. The pain may radiate up to the neck.
Heartburn may occur alongside additional symptoms, such as:
Treatment
In people with GERD, stomach acid frequently leaks into the esophagus, causing repeated bouts of pain, discomfort, or irritation.
Some people may require over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications to help manage their heartburn. Some examples include:
Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, which is the thin membrane of tissue surrounding the heart.
Pericarditis causes a sharp, sudden pain in the center or left side of the chest that tends to worsen when a person breathes deeply. The pain may also worsen when a person is lying down, but it often gets better when they get up or lean forward.
Other possible symptoms or complications of pericarditis include:
Treatment
A doctor may recommend taking an OTC anti-inflammatory medication, such as colchicine, ibuprofen or aspirin.
If the condition has a bacterial cause, a doctor may also prescribe a course of antibiotics.
Angina is chest pain that occurs as a result of reduced blood flow to the heart. It is a symptom of an underlying heart issue rather than a disease in itself.
Angina typically causes pain, pressure, or squeezing sensations in the chest. These sensations may radiate out to the following parts of the body:
The chest pain often occurs in response to physical exertion or stress and typically goes away within a few minutes of resting.
Other possible signs of angina include:
Angina is a symptom due to obstruction of blood flow in the coronary arteries, which can lead to a heart attack. Anyone experiencing a bout of angina should contact a doctor who will determine whether emergency treatment is necessary.
Treatment
A doctor may prescribe the medication nitroglycerin to lessen the symptoms of an episode of angina.
If the initial dose of nitroglycerin does not work within 5 minutes, a person should take a second dose. If the second dose is also ineffective after 5 minutes, a person should phone the emergency services, as they may be experiencing a heart attack.
Doctors may prescribe certain medications to help prevent further episodes of angina, as well as heart attacks and strokes. Examples of such medications include:
PCS causes very brief moments of sharp pain on the left side of the chest. The pain may worsen when the person breathes in.
PCS pain typically occurs when a person is resting or shifting positions. The pain usually lasts between 30 seconds to 3 minutes. Once gone, it leaves no lasting symptoms.
The cause of PCS is unknown. However, it may be due to muscular spasms, which irritate or compress nerve fibers in the pleura or rib cage.
Treatment
PCS typically does not require treatment, and it causes no negative health effects. However, a person should contact a healthcare professional for an assessment to rule out more serious conditions.
Certain maneuvers, such as sitting upright and gentle chest massage, may help ease symptoms.
A panic attack is a feeling of intense fear. A stressful event may trigger or it, or it might come on unexpectedly.
Treatment
Symptoms of a panic attack can mimic a heart attack, so a person should contact a medical professional for an evaluation.
The following tips can help a person remain calm when they feel a panic attack coming on:
A sharp stabbing pain in the chest could be a sign of an injury, such as a strained chest muscle or a fractured rib bone. Either type of injury could cause a sharp, sudden pain at the site of the damage.
Some possible causes of chest injury include:
Treatment
The treatment for a strained chest muscle is the same as that for any other type of muscle strain. It involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected area. This approach is known as the RICE method.
A broken or bruised rib usually heals on its own within 3–6 weeks. In the meantime, a person can take OTC pain relievers to alleviate pain.
Pleuritis, or pleurisy, is inflammation and irritation of the lining of the lungs and chest. The condition can cause brief, sharp chest pain during bodily movements such as:
Pleuritis can occur as a result of the following:
Treatment
The treatment for pleuritis depends on the underlying cause. Some potential treatment options include:
It may not always be possible to prevent some causes of chest pain. However, people can take steps to reduce the risk of chest pain due to heart disease.
The CDC provides the following tips for reducing the risk of heart disease:
A person should see a doctor if they experience repeat episodes of chest pain, regardless of whether other symptoms are present. Recurrent bouts of chest pain may indicate an underlying health issue, such as a problem with the heart or lungs.
A person should phone the emergency services if they experience any of the symptoms of a heart attack.
The following are frequently asked questions about chest pain.
Why do I get a sharp pain in my chest for a few seconds?
There are many causes of chest pain, some of which can be severe.
While sharp, fleeting pain in the chest is not as likely to be a result of a heart attack, inflammation in the heart lining (pericarditis) and pleuritis can cause sharp chest pain. These can have serious complications.
It is important to have chest pain evaluated by a medical professional who can help diagnose the problem.
Is it normal to feel a stabbing pain in your chest?
Chest pain has many causes, some of which can be serious and life threatening. Stabbing pain in the chest is not as likely to be due to a heart attack, but other serious conditions like pericarditis can cause sharp chest pain.
Anyone with new or worsening chest pain should contact a doctor.
What causes sharp pain in the left side of the chest that comes and goes?
Although unlikely, sharp pain in the left side of the chest can be a sign of a heart attack. Heart attack pain usually lasts for more than a few minutes. It may also go away and then return. Sharp pain in the chest can also indicate other conditions, such as pericarditis.
A person experiencing chest pain should contact a doctor.
What causes sharp pain on the right side of the chest?
There are many reasons a person can experience right-sided chest pain. It can result from muscle strain, digestive problems, injury, cardiovascular disease, lung conditions, or other health conditions that require medical attention.
Experiencing intermittent sharp stabbing pain in the chest can be worrying. A one-off bout of mild chest pain that lasts only for a few seconds is unlikely to be a cause for concern. However, severe, prolonged, or recurrent chest pain may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.
A person should see their doctor if they are concerned about chest pain or experience symptoms of a heart or lung condition.
Anyone who experiences symptoms of a heart attack should phone the emergency services. Prompt treatment can reduce the risk of further complications and may even save a person's life.
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