Women Are Complaining About This Common Breast Pain
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Have you ever noticed a sharp, almost stabbing pain in your chest or breast region? If you have, you're not alone.
A viral TikTok video by @hope.dx has revealed that many women experience the pain. But what is it?
Well, there are a number of things it could be, but it's worth noting at this point that if you do experience any kind of chest pain, it's essential not to self-diagnose, and to seek medical advice - or call 999 - immediately.
You can watch Hope's video below:
In the clip, Hope explains: "That pain in your left boob you randomly get... oh my god, what is that?!"
And others flooded to the comments section, with one person writing: "It just happened to me today, I thought I was gonna die for a min."
While another said: "AND IT HURTS WHEN YOU TRY TO BREATHE."
And a third added: "I'm so happy I'm not alone I used to secretly freak out as a kid! Does anyone have an explanation?!"
Hope then shared a second video, explaining she had received hundreds of responses from women experiencing the same kind of pain.
"So after I made that TikTok the other day about that random pain you get in your left boob - or right boob for some of you - literally I have never felt so validated as a woman!" She wrote.
So what is the pain? Well, it could be one of a few things.
Breast Pain
According to the NHS, breast pain in general - when not linked to periods - can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Injuries or sprains to the neck, shoulder or back
- Medicines like the contraceptive pill and some antidepressants
- Conditions like mastitis or a breast abscess
- Pregnancy
It's essential to seek urgent medical help if you experience recurring breast pain; nipple discharge; a change of shape to one or both breasts; you notice a lump; the skin on your breast is dimpled or if you have a rash on or around your nipple, or the nipple has sunk into your breast.
Precordial Catch Syndrome
According to Healthline, Precordial Catch Syndrome is chest pain that occurs when nerves in the front of the chest are squeezed or aggravated.
It most commonly affects kids and adolescents, and the pain usually lasts for a few minutes.
Often it comes on suddenly, and can be described as a sharp, stabbing pain. Many say it is in a specific part of the chest, below the left nipple.
Pleurisy
Pleurisy is the inflammation of the tissue between the lungs and the ribcage.
The most common symptom of pleurisy is a sharp pain in your chest when you breathe. The pain can get worse when you cough, sneeze or move around.
If you think you might have pleurisy, it's important to see your GP who can find out what's causing it.
Costochondritis
Costochondritis is the name given for inflammation of the cartilage that joins your ribs to your breastbone (sternum).
Symptoms include sharp pain and tenderness which can be made worse by a particular position, pressure on your chest, deep breathing or physical activity.
The cause is not exactly known but NHS advise it can be linked to:
- Severe coughing
- Injury
- Physical strain
- An infection
- Wear and tear
As it's hard to determine whether chest pain is harmless - or something potentially life threatening - it's essential to seek urgent medical advice if you do experience any kind of chest pain.