Pain in the breasts has been a recurring experience for a lot of women around the world. Some erroneously believe it’s linked with age, but unfortunately, it isn’t.
Pain in the breasts are often caused by various factors, but sometimes is linked to hormonal changes, pregnancy and lactation. It can be in form of a burning sensation, or a very tender or serious pain. It can also occur on either or both breasts.
Here are the major causes of breast pain.
BREAST SURGERY
It’s important you should know that undergoing breast surgery can lead to pain in the breast.
This is because breast tissues can be scarred in the process thereby leading to pain in the breast. In most cases, it’s severe.
COSTOCHONDRITIS
Costochondritis is a kind of arthritis that occurs in the region where the breastbone and the rib connect. The excruciating pain from this condition can be mistaken as an actual breast Pain due to its occurrence in the breast region, this form of arthritis is usually common among old women from 45 and above; it is also common among people with poor standing postures.
FIBROCYSTIC CHANGES IN THE BREASTS
Women who are premenopausal and those undergoing postmenopausal hormone treatment may start developing lumpy, tender swollen breast as a result of built- up fluid.
This harmless condition of the breast is called Fibrosis, and it’s one of the factors contributing to pain in the breasts.
POORLY WORN BRA
Women who take their time to wear their Bra and wear it properly stand a chance to escape pain in the breast. An improperly fitted or poorly worn bra can cause breast pain.
MASTITIS
Mastitis is usually common among lactating mothers and it is a result of an infection in the breast due to a clogged-up milk duct. However it is not a condition that applies only to breast feeding mothers.
Fever, headache, tiredness coupled with breast changes; e.g. warmth, redness, swelling of the breast and severe pain are possible symptoms of Mastitis.
TAKING TOO MUCH DRUGS
Self treatment (drug abuse) can lead to Overdosage. Overdosage and too many medications can lead to breast pain.
BREAST CANCER
Breast cancer as it is does not cause pain in the breast, inflammatory breasts and tumours encourage severe pain in the breast.
Young women especially pregnant or breast-feeding mothers should contact their doctor when they experience a lump in the breast,
Pain or lump that is not resolved after a while, nipple discharge, bloody or otherwise, shouldn’t be taken for granted.
BREAST CYST
God created women with different breast sizes; however some women tend to develop breast pain when they develop a milk duct in the breast
Different gland changes can also lead to a breast cyst.
A breast cyst can be identified as a fluid-filled sac. It’s usually tender and firm in some women. It may or may not cause pain; it enlarges in the breast as time goes on and slowly disappears once menopause is reached in most women.
It is always advised that you consult your doctor when you notice unusual changes in your system.