Pain under left breast can be caused by a variety of issues, varying from digestive difficulties to heart-related conditions. While certain medical issues can be managed at home, others may require immediate professional attention.
Pain in the upper left part of the body could originate from one or multiple organs. Organs such as the stomach, heart, lungs, ribs, colon, pancreas, and spleen are vital for sustaining life. Physicians typically categorize the most frequent sources of left breast pain into two groups: digestive and cardiac-related. Investigating the potential sources of pain beneath your left breast, this article will explore its symptoms and outline possible treatments.
Could the pain in your left breast be a sign of a heart attack?
Table of Contents
Lying slightly left of the center-line in the upper body, pain beneath the left breast may often signify a heart issue. The American Heart Association Trusted Source has found that when a heart attack does cause pain, it often appears in the chest’s center and can remain for longer than several minutes before dissipating – only to return once again. A heart attack can induce a tremendous, unpleasant pressure or squeezing sensation in the chest, similar to intense heartburn. While many might not suffer from minor chest pain, it is more prevalent in females, elderly individuals, and those diagnosed with diabetes.
Other symptoms include
- Excessive perspiration
- Heavy, weak shoulders or arms
- Nausea or vomiting
- Severe pain traveling to the neck, jaw, arm, back, and elsewhere in the body
- Shortness of breath
- A strong sense feeling of fear or impending doom
- Dizziness
Treatment
Calling for medical assistance without delay is imperative during a suspected heart attack. In the event of a wait, they ought to take a break and consider taking an adult-dose aspirin tablet (300 milligrams) if they are not intolerant. Doing so will aid in thinning the blood. The subsequent treatment route will depend on when the signs began and how quickly the patient can reach initial medical attention.
If a blocked coronary artery is determined to be the source of an attack, then your doctor may suggest angioplasty. This medical procedure entails opening up any narrowed or obstructed arteries using a balloon and potentially inserting a stent for further reinforcement.
Other heart-related causes
1. Angina
If the coronary artery blood supply fails to provide enough oxygen to the heart muscle, this can cause a sharp pain beneath your left breast or in the middle of your chest – an ailment commonly referred to as angina. Discomfort can arise in the arms, shoulders, neck, back, and jaw as an associated symptom. Angina pain can often feel similar to indigestion, and it is not uncommon for a person to experience sweating, dizziness, nausea, or difficulty breathing as well.
Treatment
Angina can signify a critical heart condition, so it is essential that anyone experiencing symptoms of angina should seek medical assistance right away. A doctor may recommend medications like beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins, or aspirin to manage certain medical conditions.
2. Pericarditis
Our delicate heart is nested within a thin, layered membrane composed of fluid-filled sacs known as the pericardium. Inflammation can be caused by infection or an auto-immune disorder, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks itself.
Symptoms of acute pericarditis include
- Piercing, searing pain beneath the left breast or in the heart region
- Aching in either or both of your shoulders?
- The pain can become more intense when taking a deep breath or reclining on your back.
- Struggling with an intense wave of heat, perspiration, dizziness, and shallow breathing?
Treatment
To swiftly address pericarditis, you can take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen and rest until the feverish symptoms dissipate. If a person is suffering from intense pain, their physician may prescribe a steroid like prednisone to help alleviate the discomfort. In cases of serious illness, it may be necessary for the patient to remain in the hospital for close observation. You can effortlessly buy Ibuprofen on the internet today!
Prevention
Although acute pericarditis is unavoidable, you can reduce your chances of the condition relapsing or becoming chronic by receiving prompt care and adhering to a treatment plan.
Digestive causes
3. Gastritis
Gastritis is an inflammatory condition of the stomach lining. While not everyone will exhibit signs of gastritis, a sharp stabbing pain or burning feeling under the left breast may be indicative that it is present. The discomfort can be coupled with acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension.
Treatment
For mild symptoms, adjusting your diet and lifestyle can provide relief from the discomfort beneath your left breast. Over-the-counter treatments, such as antacids, are a simple and easy way to alleviate stomach acidity.
Home remedy options include
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Instead of consuming large meals, try eating smaller portions spaced out throughout the day.
- Eliminating dairy, spicy, fried, or acidic dishes, and caffeinated beverages is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Cutting down or quitting tobacco smoking
- Reducing high intake of over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Fueling your body with fiber-rich and nutrient-packed plant foods is essential to maintain good health.
If the agony is due to or related to Helicobacter pylori, your doctor may suggest a regimen of antibiotics coupled with medicine that minimizes stomach acid production.
4. Pancreatitis
Pancreas inflammation is referred to as Pancreatitis.
Acute Pancreatitis has symptoms that include
- A sharp, abrupt ache beneath the left breast and in the upper middle region of your abdomen.
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Rapid Pulse
- fever
Sufferers of Chronic Pancreatitis, a condition that gradually progresses, may experience the following symptoms:
- Sustained or recurrent pain in the left chest area that can radiate to the back is a common sign.
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Oily, Pale-looking stools
- Diarrhea
Treatment
Suppose intense pain in the left breast persists. In that case, medical intervention for chronic Pancreatitis may range from increasing doses of drugs to providing relief or even surgery if other remedies prove inadequate. In the case of acute Pancreatitis, prompt treatment should include:
- Providing intravenous fluids keeps the body optimally hydrated and ensures sufficient blood flow to all organs.
- To aid in the recovery process, abstain from eating for 24-48 hours and then consume a nutrient-dense diet with plenty of calories.
- Administering intravenous pain or anti-nausea medication to provide relief.
5. Heartburn
Burning sensations in the mid-chest and throat and agonizing pain underneath the left breast can be caused when stomach acid moves back up the esophagus. Heartburn may be an indicator of stomach acid imbalance or dyspepsia.
Symptoms include
- An excruciating, burning sensation in your upper chest or throat that can sometimes spread to the left breast and jawline.
- An acerbic flavor lingering on the tongue
- Pain beneath the left breast or chest while lying down or just after eating.
Treatment
To quell mild heartburn, try out these self-help treatment methods:
- Do not consume large meals.
- Wait a while after eating before lying down to sleep.
- Prop up your pillow so that the head is higher than the waist when resting.
Doing this can stop stomach acid from refluxing up the esophagus. OTC medicines, like antacids, are a great first-line medical treatment and can be easily purchased online.
Other Causes
6. Pleurisy
The lungs are encased by an intricate covering known as the pleura. If the pleura, or membranous sac surrounding your left lung, is irritated due to an infection or other cause, you may experience sharp pain beneath your left breast. Severer forms of pleurisy are associated with rheumatoid arthritis and lung cancer. The hallmark sign of pleurisy is an intense, stabbing chest pain that arises when taking a deep breath. Along with this discomfort, other symptoms may include:
- Pain in the shoulder
- A dry cough
- Shortness of breath
The suffering can intensify when a person moves about, coughs, or sneezes.
Treatment
Rest is highly recommended. Reclining on one’s side can be an effective way to alleviate discomfort. If you are experiencing severe chest pain, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter NSAIDs or other forms of medication for relieving your discomfort.
In addition to their physical examination, a doctor may order blood tests, an X-ray of the chest cavity, or even a CT scan for further testing. Additionally, they may collect a minuscule sample of pleural lung tissue for biopsy. Pleurisy resulting from viral infection usually resolves on its own in several days, but antibiotics are necessary for treatment when the cause is bacterial.
Prevention
To prevent pleurisy from worsening, seek immediate medical attention.
7. Spleen
An enlarged or injured spleen can bring about distress underneath the left breast. Warning signs of an enlarged spleen may include:
- Aching and soreness beneath the left breast
- Even consuming a light meal can leave you feeling uneasy and uncomfortable.
- Anemia and extreme Tiredness
- Suffering from excessive bleeding
The potential consequences of a burst spleen include the following:
- Aching beneath the left rib cage or breast, accompanied by tenderness when touched.
- Bleeding
- Dizziness and fast heart rate
Treatment
If someone suspects a burst spleen, they should immediately seek medical attention in the emergency room. If left unaddressed, bleeding can be fatal. A doctor can assess an enlarged spleen through palpation of the abdomen and may recommend further evaluations such as blood tests or imaging techniques like abdominal ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs.
Existing conditions, like chronic liver disease and Cirrhosis, may result from it. It can have an effect on the spleen and even interact with it. When medical therapy is a viable option to treat ailments of the spleen or liver, your doctor will likely prescribe you medication. Surgery is only necessary when the original cause of the organ enlargement or damage cannot be identified or if serious issues arise due to its state.
Prevention
When playing sports, it’s critical to prioritize safety by wearing protective gear to protect your spleen from injury. To stay safe, remember to buckle your seatbelt every time you are in the car. To avoid the potential development of Cirrhosis, it is strongly recommended to reduce or eliminate long-term heavy alcohol consumption.
8. During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, discomfort and aches beneath the left breast can be caused by increased pressure from the expanding uterus on top of it or when your little one gives you a few kicks or punches. Leaning forward can exacerbate the already excruciating pain. As the baby develops, muscles and other tissues will likely experience tension, resulting in an uncomfortable sensation beneath the breasts.
As the baby develops, expectant mothers experience physical changes as the growing fetus shifts and adjust their organs. During pregnancy, the mother’s body chemistry may move and cause pain under the left breast. Additionally, there are other potential causes of this discomfort, including:
- Heartburn with stomach acid reflux
- The rib cage shifts its position to create a spacious environment in your abdomen for the baby.
When to see a doctor
Although some medical conditions can be handled with rest and over-the-counter medication at home, it is important to promptly seek professional help if:
- The chest has sustained injury.
- Unexpectedly, a sharp pain was felt beneath the left breast.
- If you experience pain and stiffness that does not lessen with rest, it may be indicative of a larger problem.
- If you experience shortness of breath, nausea, or excessive sweating in addition to the pain.
Outlook
Experiencing pain beneath the left breast can be alarming and nerve-wracking. To ensure a successful recovery, it’s essential to diagnose the source of discomfort in this region as soon as possible due to its many organs. Although a heart attack might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you experience pain in your left breast, it is prudent to examine your symptoms – mainly if there are other indicators of a potential cardiac episode.
Altering a few daily habits may help to avoid the onset of discomfort under the left breast. Maintaining a nutritious diet, engaging in physical activity, quitting smoking (or at least cutting down on it), moderating alcohol consumption, maintaining an ideal weight, and managing stress can all contribute to better health.
