Experiencing “‘sharp pain under left breast“? Well, you are not the only one, as this specific ache can result from different reasons, some of which might need immediate medical attention. These may be due to Angina, Myocardial Infarction or even Acid Reflux and Hiatal Hernias. Pleurisy and Pneumothorax are other possible causes, while Costochondritis and rib injuries fall within the musculoskeletal disorders group.
Preventing the condition from worsening necessitates understanding why this severe pain occurs and taking appropriate action towards it through timely treatment application. As a result, this blog discusses the primary reasons behind the sharp pain under left breast, enlightening the symptoms to check out for.
Common Causes Of Sharp Pain Under The Left Breast
Cardiac Issues
Angina
Angina is a condition that arises when blood flow to the muscles of the heart breaks the left breast. It often takes the form of sharp or constricting pain. Any form, either stable or unstable, requires emergency medical treatment.
Source: Freepik
Myocardial Infarction
A heart attack occurs when part of the heart’s muscle becomes blocked, causing the tissue to perish due to a lack of oxygen. As a result, you will experience intense stabbing pain in your chest immediately below your left breast. Difficulty breathing, sweating, and even vomiting are other symptoms that might vary and come from person to person.
Pericarditis
Pericarditis indicates inflammation of the pericardium, a sac-like tissue enveloping the heart. It causes pain just below the left ribs, which sometimes worsens with deep breathing or when lying completely flat in bed. The symptoms of this cardiac issue are similar to those of others and require immediate action.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Acid Reflux (GERD)
A condition where stomach acid may flow backward, irritate, and trigger the food pipe, which results in burning or sharp pain in the left breast, is GERD. This condition is mainly mistaken to be a pain related to heart problems; however, its symptoms are manageable through medication and lifestyle changes.
Gastritis
It refers to an inflamed stomach lining that causes severe pain below the left chest or upper belly. Germs in the body, heavy drinking habits, and long periods of using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are 3 factors that may cause gastritis. Gastric acid-reducing medicines and a change of lifestyle help treat this condition.
Hiatal Hernia
Acute pain under your left breast may result from the diaphragm ejecting a part of your stomach into the thoracic cavity. Other symptoms may include heartburn, dysphagia, and chest pain. Medical treatments are not indicated for less severe circumstances, but surgical intervention is required in extreme ones.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Costochondritis
Costochondritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the cartilage that links your ribs and breastbone. The pain associated with this illness is usually a dull soreness in the right breast. One might experience it between physical activities or when they are a part of exercises that exert pressure on ribs and upper body region.
Source: Freepik
Rib Injury or Fracture
An injury, such as a fractured rib, can produce severe, unexpected pain below your left breast, especially with deep breathing or simply moving around. It usually cures independently with rest and by avoiding activities that pressure the upper body region around the ribs.
Muscle Strain
Sharp pain under left breast comes as a result of overused pectorals due to muscle strains brought about by regular repetitive motions. This problem worsens with movement but can be cured through relaxation and icing of chest muscles. Anti-inflammatory drugs might also assist in the treatment.
Pulmonary Conditions
Pulmonary Embolism
A clot in the lung artery, also known as a pulmonary embolism, is frequently accompanied by acute chest discomfort below the left breast, a rapid heartbeat, breathing difficulty, and bloody cough. If you have this condition, it is better to seek assistance then and then only, as it could worsen over time.
Pneumothorax
Sharp pain under the left breast that comes and goes may be due to pneumothorax. This disorder occurs when there is a build-up of air between the lung and the chest wall, causing acute pain. Intensity will determine treatment options ranging from doing nothing other than observation; needle aspiration or surgical intervention can also be used.
Summing Up
To summarize, it is critical to identify the source, as a variety of mild and serious health disorders can produce intense pain under the left breast. However, any persistent, severe pain accompanied by concerning symptoms must be immediately taken care of through medical attention. Medication or physical therapy can work as a solution for less severe cases. However, it is necessary to always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
References
- What’s Causing This Pain Under My Left Breast? by Donna Christiano (2024)
- What Causes Pain Under the Left Breast? by Lynne Eldridge (2024)
