If you are facing occasional breast pain, you are not alone. Most women have it at some time in their life but there are ways to manage it. Possible causes include hormonal changes and infections. Pain in the breast affects around two-thirds of women during their reproductive years and is one of the most frequent complaints among ages 15-40 years. Breast pain- also known as Mastalgia is classified under Cyclic or Noncyclic pain.
CYCLIC PAIN
This pain is related to your menstrual cycle and is one of the most common types of breast pain and tenderness. You may usually feel a dull, aching pain which generally affects both breasts. Around this time, the breasts may feel lumpier than usual and could even swell. Cyclic pain tends to get worse right before your period even though it eases up afterwards. Don’t worry because this is not a sign of breast cancer or any other serious condition.
NON CYCLIC BREAST PAIN
As understood now, this specific pain is not related to your menstrual cycle. It’s usually only in one small area on one breast which is more common after menopause. The feeling could be a tight and burning one. This however requires a doctor’s check-up if your noncyclic breast pain interferes with your day-to-day activities.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF SWOLLEN BREASTS
It is important to monitor and document swollen breasts symptoms as such:
- Tenderness or soreness
- Veins in the breast that are more visible
- Redness or warmth to the touch
- The feeling of heaviness in your breast
- Changes in texture to the skin of your breasts
- Enlarged breasts, particularly on one side
- Breast pain
- Itchiness
MORE SERIOUS SWOLLEN BREAST SYMPTOMS
- A new, fixed lump in the breast: Especially one that doesn’t change with your menstrual cycle
- A cracked nipple or excessive dryness of your nipple
- Changes to the color of the nipple or skin around the nipple
- Changes to the texture of the nipple or skin of the breast such as wrinkling
- Unexpected nipple discharge
These serious symptoms definitely require you to visit your doctor as soon as possible and get professional help.
PREVENTION
If you are sure that you have cyclic breast pain or you’ve visited a doctor about it and have confirmed, here are a few ways you can help yourself from the pain:
- Low-fat, High-fiber diet- If you carry out a high-fiber diet, you are more prone to risks such as immense pain and an increase in risk of breast cancer. Try your best to stay on a low-fiber diet for the long run.
- Caffeine- nowadays we all require caffeine to function. However, some studies have shown that women face lesser pain when they skip caffeine or reduce the amount they consume.
- Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E- These vitamins have shown a great reduction in breast pain. Vitamin E helps by protecting your breasts from radical damage that destroys cells.
- Primrose oil- Evening primrose oil is an excellent source of essential fatty acids. An imbalance in fatty acids has been linked to the cause of pain. Evening primrose oil can also treat endometriosis and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
- Correct bra- Astonishingly, one of the most common causes of noncyclic breast pain is an ill-fitted bra. Whenever you purchase a bra, try it in the store and get help from an experienced salesperson. Your bra should be supportive, comfortable, and of good quality.
- Sodium intake- Our sodium mainly comes from salt from our tabletop. Limit salt intake as it can cause fluid retention which has been linked to breast pain.
If you feel that you are facing pain because of premenstrual syndrome, you have your options to treat them. PMS is temporary and can be treated by taking over-the-counter painkillers, wearing comfortable yet supportive bras, and using gentle heat to soothe the pain.
FIBROCYSTIC BREAST CHANGES
This is harmless but potentially an uncomfortable symptom that causes the breast to feel lumpy. Sometimes they also feel different in texture due to hormonal fluctuations. This is one of the most common types of noncancerous breast condition.
Some symptoms could be:
- Breasts feeling firmer or thicker than usual
- Tenderness
- Lumps or cysts
- Sensitive nipples
The treatments for these may involve:
- Taking pain medication
- Applying cool or warm compressed
- Avoiding large intakes of salt, caffeine, or fat
- Starting or stopping birth control pills
If you feel that your fibrocystic breast changes are related to your new contraceptive, speak to your doctor before making any changes to the dosage.
COSTOCHONDRITIS
Costochondritis is inflammation of the costal cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone. This condition can cause sharp chest pain with sudden or gradual onset.
The treatments could be:
- Avoiding activities that worsen the pain
- Applying heat to the area
- Pain killers
- Corticosteroid injections
- Undergoing transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) that applies an electric current to an area to reduce the pain.
BACK, NECK OR SHOULDER SPRAINS
Breast pain can originate from outside the breast rather than within. Sprains or injuries in the back, neck or shoulder might also cause pain in the breast. This treatment relies on finding the underlying problem. Remember to always exercise because regular and vigorous exercise will help prepare the body for changes and maintain adequate blood flow throughout the body.
MASTITIS
Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that results in breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness of the breast. It commonly affects women who are breastfeeding although, sometimes this condition can occur in a woman who isn’t breastfeeding. To confirm the diagnosis, visit your primary care physician. The top symptoms of mastitis include fatigue, nausea, breast pain, signs of inflammation like redness or swelling of the breast, and fever. Some symptoms that always occur with breast infections (mastitis) are pain in your breasts, and signs of inflammation like redness and swelling or fever.
MEDICATIONS
Some medications can help from developing breast pain. Such as:
• Digoxin (Digox), which treats congestive heart failure and abnormal heart rhythm
• Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), a medication for mental health disorders
• Certain potassium-sparing diuretics, such as eplerenone (Inspra) or spironolactone (Aldactone)
• Oxymetholone (Anadrol), treats low red blood cell count
• Methyldopa (Aldomet), which is a treatment for high blood pressure
When swelling persists out of sync with your period or is accompanied by a fever, pus, or redness, you should see a doctor. Swelling of both breasts is less worrisome than swelling of one breast. If you have any other symptoms like prolonged cough, fever, or chills, seek medical attention. If you have a diffusive rash or bleeding from the nipple you should also seek a doctor’s advice and check-up.
