Causes of Breast Pain

Pain in the breast often cause concern. Dangerous and what causes it. Is there a way to deal with breast pain? Check out the following explanation. Pain in the breast or mastalgia can be felt at the top of the outside of the breast and spread to the armpits and arms. No need to worry too much when experiencing breast pain, because this does not necessarily indicate you have breast cancer. In addition, breast cancer also usually has other symptoms, not only in the form of pain. The pain that is usually complained of is piercing or tightness in the breast. This kind of pain usually feels only a few days, for example before or during menstruation, for one week or more in a month. There are several causes that generally trigger breast pain, including:

• Menstrual cycle

Generally, breast pain related to the menstrual cycle is felt three days before menstruation and will improve after menstruation is complete, although the intensity of pain can vary each month.

• Breast inflammation

Generally, mastitis is experienced by breastfeeding women who cause breast pain and swelling due to inflammation. Infection in the breast such as breast abscess can also cause breast pain.

• Lump in the breast

Benign lumps (not cancerous) can occur in the breast, which triggers pain in the breast. An example of this disease is fibroadenoma.

• Injury to other body parts

Pain in the breast can be caused by injuries from other body parts, such as muscle injuries around the chest, shoulders, or back.

• Drugs

Some types of drugs such as hormonal birth control, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and drugs to treat heart disease may cause pain in the breast.

• Breast size

Women with large breast size may experience breast pain, and pain can be felt up to the neck, shoulders and back.

• Unhealthy eating patterns

A diet high in fat and carbohydrates can be a risk factor for the appearance of pain in a woman's breasts.

• Breast surgery

Pain after breast surgery can be felt longer in some women.

How to Overcome Breast Pain

About 30 percent of women experience improvement in cyclic breast pain after three menstrual cycles and without any treatment. But in fact, this pain can recur. Treatment for breast pain needs to be adjusted to the cause. There are several things you can do to relieve breast pain without medication, including using a bra that fits your size, reducing foods that contain saturated fat, reducing caffeine intake, and stopping smoking. You can also use warm or cold water compresses. If needed, you can take pain medications such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin to help relieve pain. However, for women under the age of 20, avoid taking aspirin because it can increase the risk of Reye's syndrome. When taking medicine, pay close attention to the packaging label for the dosage and how to use it. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, consult your doctor before taking any medication. Pain in the breast that is severe or persists for more than three weeks, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Be aware of Special Conditions

Although pain in the breast is generally not dangerous, there are some special conditions that make you have to immediately consult a doctor, such as:

• Changes in the shape or size of breasts.
• Fluid accompanied by blood from the nipple.
• Rash around the nipple or nipple shape changes.
• Swelling or lumps accompanied by pain in the armpits and not in accordance with the arrival of the menstrual cycle.
• Looks dimpling or surface of the breast that looks like pulled from the breast tissue.
• Symptoms of infection such as swelling, redness or accompanied by a burning sensation in the breast

Pain in the breast is a natural thing to happen, especially before the menstrual cycle. However, beware of pain that is accompanied by additional symptoms or even prolonged. Immediately consult these conditions to the doctor.