Chest pain is a leading cause of visits to the emergency room, accounting for 8 million visits in the United States annually. The location of the pain can vary, with some people experiencing it directly in the center of their body and others feeling it just below their breasts. If you’re experiencing discomfort under your breasts, it’s important to determine whether it’s a simple issue like heartburn or something more serious.
Pain under the breasts can be caused by a variety of factors, and it’s crucial to be informed about the potential causes and when to seek medical attention. Women often overlook or fail to recognize symptoms of more severe conditions, so it’s important to stay vigilant. To help shed light on this topic, HuffPost spoke with experts to explain the causes, symptoms, and when to consult a doctor.
One condition that can cause sharp, needlelike pain near the heart is precordial catch syndrome. This condition typically occurs when taking a breath and subsides with deeper inhalation. It’s common and harmless, often resulting from irritation or inflammation of the nerves in the chest wall. While the pain might feel similar to heart disease, it doesn’t radiate to other parts of the body and doesn’t present with other symptoms.
Mastitis, an inflammation of the breast, can also cause chest pain. This is often due to a bacterial infection that occurs during breastfeeding when a clogged milk duct prevents full drainage and leads to infection. Symptoms include a hard, swollen, and red breast, along with a fever and flu-like feeling. Antibiotics are typically necessary to treat mastitis, and abscesses may need to be drained.
Costochondritis, or chest wall pain, results from inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone. This can cause pain and discomfort that worsens with movement or deep breaths. The condition is generally harmless and can be managed with rest, heat or cold packs, and over-the-counter pain medications. While the pain can persist for weeks or months, it usually resolves on its own over time.
Gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach, can also be responsible for chest pain near the breasts. This condition often presents with abdominal pain, indigestion, heartburn, and an upset stomach. Gastritis can result from various causes, including infection, autoimmune disorders, and irritations. Certain foods, alcohol, caffeine, stress, and long-term use of ibuprofen can trigger inflammation. Reflux symptoms are also common with gastritis, leading to heartburn.
A heart attack occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough blood. Chest pain is a common symptom, usually felt in the center or left side of the chest. This pain may last a few minutes or come and go, often feeling like a squeezing sensation or uncomfortable pressure near the breast. Women may experience different symptoms than men during a heart attack, such as chest discomfort, nausea, back pain, or jaw pain. Immediate medical attention is crucial for heart attack symptoms, especially if they last for 15 to 20 minutes.
Anxiety and panic disorder can also cause chest pain near the breast. Elevated blood pressure is commonly associated with anxiety, as is hyperventilation, which can lead to musculoskeletal chest pain. This pain may feel like pressure around the ribs. Panic disorder can be damaging to one’s health if left untreated, so it’s important to seek help. Chest pain caused by anxiety is generally not harmful, but it’s crucial to monitor for any additional symptoms that may indicate a more serious condition.
If you’re uncertain about the cause of your chest pain or if it’s your first experience with such pain, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
