Tension in the chest

Synonyms

Chest pain, Chest pain, Mastodynia

introduction

Feelings of tension, Pain or a Pull are among the most common ailments that arise in the field of Breasts can be observed.

The tissue of the mammary glands is subject to precisely in women regular, hormonal changes. In addition to the hormonal fluctuations that occur in the course of the menstrual cycle, it also occurs during the puberty, at Pregnancies, in the Lactation and during the Menopause to pronounced changes in the mammary gland tissue.

In order to be able to control and regulate these necessary changes, the breast must be able to react quickly to certain signals from the body. This special ability of the mammary glands is particularly evident in the rapid start of the remodeling processes after the onset of pregnancy. Pain, or a strong one Tension in the chest is therefore considered one of the first Signs of pregnancy.

In general, almost every woman can be expected to experience pain or chest pulling at least once in her life. There can be a single cause of these complaints Variety of reasons give. When looking for the cause, it must therefore first be determined whether the pulling in the chest can be classified as harmless or whether the symptom must be assigned a disease value.
If the pulling in the chest can only be felt on the left side of the chest, serious illnesses such as a heart attack must be ruled out.

More information can be found here: Drawing in the left chest

Pain or an uncomfortable pulling in the chest pose however not a purely female problem Although women are more often affected by this symptom, it can be assumed that also every second man Has chest discomfort at least once in their life.

In order to narrow down the possible causes of chest pulling, it is important to look at possible Concomitant symptoms to pay attention. In many cases, the pulling in the chest goes with palpable, for example Indurations or typical premenstrual complaints. In addition, in women who suffer from severe chest pulling, it should be determined whether the symptoms occur regularly or only once.

Although the most of the possible reasons for the appearance of a strong pulling in the chest completely harmless such complaints can also be caused by serious illnesses. For this reason, women who frequently experience chest pulling should definitely consult a specialist in gynecology (gynecologist). This can determine the cause of the symptoms and, if necessary, initiate appropriate treatment.

causes

In most cases, pain or a tight chest pull can be related to the normal menstrual cycle. So far, it has been assumed in this context that the hormonal fluctuations and the increase in various female sex hormones play a decisive role.

Since the menstrual cycle is a very finely tuned system, deviations from normal hormone concentrations can also lead to a strong pull in the chest. In the normal menstrual cycle, the female sex hormone "estrogen" predominates in the first half of the cycle. Between the 10th and 12th day of the menstrual cycle, the concentration of the so-called luteinizing hormone (LH) begins to increase. This hormone plays a key role in stimulating ovulation.

In the second half of the cycle, the body's own progestin, progesterone (synonym: Luteal hormone) as the dominant hormone. In principle, pain or a strong pulling in the chest can occur during any change in hormone concentrations. In fact, however, it can be observed that there can be strong pulling in the chest, especially when the luteal hormone increases. The direct cause of these complaints are increased water retention (edema) in the mammary gland tissue.

The severity of the cycle-related breast complaints can be very different. A few days before the start of their menstrual period, many women only feel a slight feeling of tension. Other women, on the other hand, develop such a pronounced pulling in the chest that it becomes necessary to take pain reliever medication. If the chest is pulled during the cycle, water can also be retained in the area of ​​the eyelids, hands, feet and / or legs.

Another common cause of chest pain or pulling is regular use of hormonal contraceptives (such as the pill). In this context, complaints in the area of ​​the breasts are among the most common side effects of estrogen-containing contraceptives. For this reason, women in whom chest pulling can be associated with hormonal contraceptives should switch to progestogen-containing contraceptives (such as the contraceptive stick).

In addition, severe pulling or even chest pain can occur during pregnancy. The reason for this is the fact that the mammary glands only fully mature during pregnancy and the subsequent breastfeeding period. This means that breasts can grow enormously in size during pregnancy. In general, feelings of tension and tension in the breast are considered to be one of the earliest indications of pregnancy.

Find out more about: Tension in the chest

Concomitant symptoms

Pain or pain in the chest may be associated with a Variety of other complaints, so-called accompanying symptoms. Since the causes of strong pulling in the chest can be so diverse, the accompanying symptoms in particular can help to determine the actual cause.

When there is a pull in the chest, that in one Relation to the menstrual cycle can usually start at the same time premenstrual discomfort to be watched. Affected women typically suffer from mild to moderate pain in addition to chest pulling Abdominal pain, fatigue, Mood swings and or Circulatory problems.

Even if the chest pulling on an existing one pregnancy indicates, additional complaints can usually be observed. The most common early signs of an existing pregnancy are fatigue (or fatigue), Circulatory problems, Pain in the abdomen, mood swings, nausea and or Vomit.

The typical accompanying symptoms that lead to a hormonal genesis which indicate chest discomfort are right, however unspecific. Hormonal fluctuations of various kinds can under certain circumstances cause very similar or even the same symptoms. For this reason they apply No menstrual period and a positive one pregnancy test as the clearest indication of pregnancy.

In addition, in the course of the cycle-dependent hormone fluctuations, the so-called "fibrocystic mastopathy" come. Especially young women react to excessive hormone fluctuations with the increased formation of Connective tissue of the chest and the extension of the Mammary ducts. This change occurs in addition to pulling in the affected chest palpable knots and / or coarse-grained Indurations in the breast tissue. However, the palpable breast changes are not constant in the presence of mastopathy. As the cycle progresses, the nodules may decrease or increase in size. They also include subtle Fluid discharge from the nipple to the typical accompanying symptoms of fibrocystic mastopathy.

With a classic Milk congestion the chest pull typically goes with it Pain and local induration hand in hand. The formation of milk dust can mainly be seen within the first few weeks after the birth observe.

In addition to the hormone-related changes in the mammary glands, the mastitis one of the most common causes of severe chest pulling. In the affected women, in addition to pulling, they usually develop fever, strong Pain, Redness and Swelling in the chest area. In addition, the affected breast is usually clear when compared side by side overheated.

therapy

Choosing the most appropriate therapy for severe chest pulling depends largely on the underlying cause. Since many of the typical causes of chest pulling are due to normal hormonal fluctuations, it must also not always necessarily treatment be initiated.

If there is a pull in the chest, related to premenstrual discomfort can occur if necessary pain reliever drugs be taken. If there is even severe pain in the breast area a few days before the onset of the menstrual period, the dose of pain medication can be increased if necessary. In addition, some of the women affected feel it local application of cold or heat as pain reliever.

Even if there is a pull in the chest, that with an existing one pregnancy related, must no medical treatment be initiated. The pulling in the breast as an early sign of pregnancy occurs in the course of the hormone-induced growth of the mammary gland tissue. This growth is necessary to be sufficient after birth Breast milk to be able to form. Severe chest pain can also be caused by taking during pregnancy Painkillers be alleviated. However, expectant mothers should always weigh up whether it is really necessary to take a pain reliever. It should also be used in pregnancy whenever possible paracetamol only be taken. Possible harm to the unborn child cannot be ruled out with other pain relievers. Even when taking paracetamol, the Dosage always as low as possible being held.

Women who experience chest pulling inflammatory processes can be traced back, the symptoms can be alleviated at home. Especially the local application of ice packs Affected women find it particularly pleasant. In addition, you can Envelopes with acetic clay and / or curd compresses help to contain the inflammatory processes.

Should pull in the chest by a Tissue change, for example a cyst are caused, a operative treatment be initiated.

diagnosis

Diagnosing chest pain or severe pulling usually includes several steps. Especially the detailed one Doctor-patient conversation (anamnese) plays a crucial role in this context. During this conversation, the patient concerned should describe as precisely as possible the symptoms. Since chest pulling can have a variety of causes, most notably the Concomitant symptoms help determine the reason for the discomfort.

In addition, the patient concerned is recorded in the course of the anamnesis Questions regarding the menstrual cycle posed. These questions can help to define whether the breast pulling is possibly related to cycle-related hormonal fluctuations or a pregnancy.

The doctor-patient interview is usually followed by one orientational examination of the breasts. This investigation is mainly about possible Redness and visible Swelling respected. Palpation of the four quadrants of the breast can be used to check for changes in the breast tissue. If the findings are unclear, imaging procedures, such as a Ultrasound examination be useful.

In addition, should with sustained or strong pulling always one in the chest Blood test be initiated. If there are inflammatory processes in the breast area, these usually lead to a significant increase in the inflammation parameters in the blood.

Tension in the chest when breathing

However, severe pulling in the chest can also be due to internal illnesses. Especially when there is a pull in the chest while breathing occurs should be timely Consulted a doctor and extensive diagnostics are initiated.

If the chest pulling occurs primarily while breathing, this can be a Variety of causes to have. Especially Muscle tension in the area of Rib cage Excessive stretching, such as when breathing, can cause pulling or chest pain.

Also include inflammatory processes in the field of lung one of the most common causes of strong chest pulling, which increases in intensity, especially when breathing.

Diseases of Heart usually lead to pain that is immediate behind the breastbone are localized. This pain can under certain circumstances, for example in a Heart attack, down to the left shoulder, the left poor, the neck and / or radiate the left jaw angle.

In addition to diseases of the lungs or heart, you can also Impairments of the Ribs cause strong chest pulling when breathing. Especially Bruises and Fractures of the bony rib cage can cause such symptoms.

Tension in the chest during periods

Many women experience pain or chest pulling before, during, or even after their period. The intensity the discomfort can be very different from woman to woman be. Causes of chest pulling before, during, or after your period cycle-related hormonal fluctuations.

During the menstrual cycle within the first 12 to 14 days primarily through Estrogens is regulated, increases in the second half of the cycle the concentration of the hormone progesterone clearly. These hormonal fluctuations can increase a few days before the onset of bleeding and during your period Fluid retention (Edema) in the area of ​​the breasts to lead. This often results in severe pulling or even pain in the affected chest.

If there is severe chest pulling before or during your period, this symptom often goes along with it other premenstrual complaints hand in hand. In the case of breast problems that can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations, the women affected typically suffer additionally Fatigue / exhaustion, mood swings and or Abdominal pain.

Since there is a rapid drop in the progesterone concentration in the blood after the onset of the menstrual period, such complaints can certainly be even after the period deploy.

Affected women can in many cases by a Stabilization of the menstrual cycle remedy be created. Especially in young girls who may experience severe pulling or chest pain before, during, or after their period hormonal contraceptives to relief contribute to the complaints.

Tension in the chest during ovulation

A pull in the chest that occurs before, during, or after ovulation is one of these most common cycle-related complaints. Young and / or very slim women in particular are regularly affected by such complaints.

reason for the occurrence of chest pulling before, during or after ovulation are the natural hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. Above all, the rise or fall in the sex hormone estrogen plays a decisive role in the development of pulling in the breast. In addition, it is believed that this also occurs during the menstrual cycle Imbalance between estrogen and progesterone is significantly involved in the development of cycle-dependent complaints.

Women who experience severe chest pulling before, during, or after ovulation should be aware of this symptom usually no cause for alarm represents.The hormonal fluctuations that are essential for maintaining the menstrual cycle are called temporary in many women Fluid build-up around the breasts emerged. This fluid retention alone can cause affected women to feel a strong pulling in their breasts before, during or after their period.

In addition, as part of the menstrual cycle, a Stimulation of the anterior pituitary gland. As a result, the hormone will Prolactin more poured out. Prolactin in turn induces one in the area of ​​the mammary gland tissue Increase in milk-producing cells. This, too, can cause chest pulling. Cycle-dependent complaints always follow a certain pattern. That means certain symptoms especially during ovulation occur, while other symptoms arise mainly before the start of your period.

If the pulling in the chest occurs particularly frequently and does not follow a recognizable pattern, it is worth visiting a specialist in gynecology. This can determine the cause of the breast discomfort and, if necessary, initiate suitable therapy.

Tension in the chest when breastfeeding

For the occurrence of strong pulling in the chest, which begins especially during and / or after breastfeeding, it can be a Variety of causes give. For this reason, especially the simultaneously occurring Concomitant symptoms help to determine the causal disease.

For women who suffer from severe breast drawing during and / or after breastfeeding, a so-called "Milk congestion" be detected. In the case of a milk congestion, completely emptied milk tubules are found within the breast tissue, but they do not allow the breast milk to pass through. The reason for the occurrence of this problem is often bras that are too tightthat squeeze and thus irritate the mammary gland tissue. In addition, you can Problems with the creation of the infant cause the milk to congestion. Affected women notice, in addition to the pulling in the breast, which occurs mainly during or after breastfeeding, knotty spots on the breasts. In addition, the Skin surface clearly in the area of ​​the affected breast warmed up be. In particularly pronounced cases, fever come. For this reason, women who suspect milk congestion should urgently have one Gynecologist seek out. In many cases, the midwife help to assess the situation and take further steps if necessary.

Another cause of strong chest pulling, which is especially noticeable during and after breastfeeding, is inflammatory processes in the area of ​​the mammary gland tissue. Affected women often notice noticeable pulling in the chest in addition to it Indurationsthat do not subside even after breastfeeding. In addition, general symptoms can occur with breast inflammation fever, Body aches and Exhaustion come. Affected women can experience the pulling in their breasts initially by putting them on cold curd rolls alleviate. However, if the symptoms do not subside within a short time or even worsen, a specialist in gynecology must be consulted immediately and appropriate treatment initiated.

Tension in the chest and abdomen

For the appearance of a strong pulling in the chest and abdomen, there may be a Variety of causes give. Many women trying to get pregnant assume that chest and abdomen pulling are classic early signs of pregnancy. In fact, some expectant mothers can be observed to be affected by the rapid increase in hormones in the first trimester of pregnancy there is a pulling in the chest and abdomen. This constellation of symptoms occurs in many women days before the missed menstrual period and can therefore be a early indication of pregnancy be. The pulling in the chest is mainly caused by the rise in the hormone progesterone.

The breasts begin to form new gland cells as early as the first few weeks of pregnancy. Because of this, it sets in with most women A few weeks after conception, a pronounced growth of the breasts a.

Since the uterus Having to adjust to the needs of the unborn child at an early stage, the body induces the loosening of the so-called "mother ligaments" just a few days after conception. These hormone-induced changes can lead to pronounced pulling in the chest and abdomen.