This vast array of diagnoses range from minor issues to more serious medical problems.
Here are some of the possible culprits and how to manage your symptoms.
8 causes of pain under your left breast
1.
See your doctor if you think you have a broken rib.
Most rib fractures are treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.
Its common in adults over 50, especially those who have obesity, theMayo Clinicnotes.
board-certified family medicine physician atProvidence Saint John’s Health CenterSanta Monica, California
How to treat it:Talk to your doctor if you think you have mastitis.
They may prescribe antibiotics to fight off the infection.
Gentlebreast massagesand ice packs can make you more comfortable.
Sometimes they can cause pain or tenderness, too.
Usually both breasts are affected (as opposed to just the left one), per theMayo Clinic.
Breast cancer
In rare instances,breast paincould be a sign of breast cancer.
Your doctor can order an ultrasound or biopsy, and if needed, recommend the best course of treatment.
How to treat it:Thoracic neuralgia treatment depends on the underlying cause.
How to treat it:Let your doctor know if you think you have shingles.
board-certified family medicine physician atProvidence Saint John’s Health CenterSanta Monica, California
Lung conditions
Pain under your left breast could actually be stemming from your lungs.
How to treat it:See your doctor if you think you have a lung infection.
Some infections, like bacterial pneumonia, may need antibiotics.
Others, like viral pneumonia and bronchitis, may clear up on their own with rest and fluids.
But in some cases, your doctor might also opt to prescribe an antiviral medication.
How to treat it:Pleurisy treatment depends on the underlying cause.
If fluid is building up in your lungs, you may need to have it drained.
If youre having severe or unrelenting chest pain, you should seek medical attention ASAP.
Like a heart attack, angina can develop from heart disease.
Heart infection
Cardiovascular infections like pericarditis or endocarditis happen when parts of the heart become inflamed.
Theyre often triggered by viral infections like bacteria or pneumonia.
How to treat it:Seek medical attention if you have signs of a heart infection.
How to treat it:A heart attack is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
If you or someone you know is having possible symptoms, call 911 immediately.
From there, they can figure out the best treatment to relieve your pain.
When to see a doctor
Pain under your left breast isnt always cause for concern.
But in other cases, the discomfort could be a sign of a serious problem, says Dr. Cutler.
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