Health
Reasons Why You Experience Pain in Your Breast
Last Updated on June 7, 2022 by Nurse Vicky
Reasons Why You Experience Pain in Your Breast
The reason why you experience pain in your breast can range from functional or pathologic conditions to pregnancy.
There are also extrinsic causes. Learn more about these common causes of breast pain and what you can do about it.
To learn more, read the following articles.
Each article is designed to give you more information about what causes pain in your breast and how you can find relief.
In addition, we’ll go over some treatments that may help.
If you suffer from breast pain, you are not alone. This common ailment has been linked to stress.
This response is a physiological and psychological one that prepares the body for either fighting or fleeing.
The body responds to stress by heightened muscle tension, which leads to pain and an increased heart rate.
It can also cause unusual pain in the chest. Fortunately, treatment options are available to ease the pain.
Medication
for pain in the breast may be prescribed to ease discomfort and increase comfort. Although breast pain is not a sign of breast cancer, it should not be ignored.
Pain is a common symptom of breast cancer and it can accompany various treatments, including surgery. Breast pain can be dull, sharp, throbbing, stabbing, achy, tingling, or steady.
Some doctors classify breast pain as acute or chronic.
Fibrocystic Breast Changes
A fibrocystic lump can cause pain in the affected breast, and it is difficult to detect without a mammogram or ultrasound.
While women with fibrocystic changes do not need treatment, women with persistent pain may consider undergoing diagnostic procedures.
The most common procedures include mammography and ultrasound.
If a cyst is large and causing pain, it may require drainage.
Pain in the affected breast may also be relieved by taking ibuprofen, an acetaminophen-type pain reliever, or a nipple discharge.
Pregnancy
As the woman’s body prepares for the upcoming baby, pregnancy causes pain in the breast.
The hormones estrogen and progesterone increase the volume of the breast tissue, causing the area to become heavier and swollen.
The nipples become protruding and the skin surrounding them becomes darker and spotted.
The skin around the nipples also grows in size and is prone to developing goosebumps.
These symptoms should be treated by a physician for further examination.
The Medication Causes Breast Pain
Some medications can cause breast pain, and there’s no clear answer for why.
infertility medications and oral contraceptives are two common examples.
Pregnancy hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen, can cause breast pain.
Certain antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may also cause breast pain.
It’s not clear whether or not taking these drugs will cause breast pain, but it’s certainly worth looking into.
Non-cyclical Breast Pain
One-third of all breast pain is non-cyclical.
This type of pain has no relation to the menstrual cycle and can be both constant and come and go.
lt is most common in women over 40 years old and can be caused by a number of different problems
Although the cause of this type of pain is usually unclear, it is likely to be caused by inflammation or an injury to the chest wall.
f you think you may be experiencing non-cyclical breast pain, make an appointment with your doctor.
He or she can determine the cause and prescribe treatment.
Signs Of Breast Cancer
One of the most common signs of breast cancer is a lump.
Typically, lumps are painless and hard. Sometimes, they may have uneven edges or be soft.
If you find a lump, contact your family physician or gynecologist.
Getting an evaluation as soon as possible will help to ease your mind and speed up your recovery.
Signs of breast cancer pain should not be ignored! This article will help you understand what to look for and how to spot them.
Health
Iowa Reports First Fatal Case of Ebola-like Lassa Fever Following Travel to West Africa
Iowa Reports First Fatal Case of Ebola-like Lassa Fever Following Travel to West Africa
Iowa health officials recently confirmed a fatal case of Lassa fever, an Ebola-like viral disease, in a person who had recently traveled to West Africa.
This incident has raised concerns about Lassa fever’s risks, transmission methods, and potential impacts on public health, especially as it is one of the few recorded cases of this virus in the United States.
This article will provide an in-depth overview of Lassa fever, its origins, symptoms, transmission risks, and the measures people can take to protect themselves and those around them.
Understanding Lassa Fever
What is Lassa Fever?
Lassa fever is a hemorrhagic virus similar in presentation to Ebola, transmitted primarily by contact with food or objects contaminated with infected rodent urine or feces.
This viral disease is common in parts of West Africa, where an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 cases are reported annually. Though many cases go unreported, the virus can cause severe illness and death in severe cases, particularly in patients with underlying health conditions.
Lassa Fever vs. Ebola: What’s the Difference?
Both Lassa fever and Ebola are viral hemorrhagic fevers, but they differ in their method of transmission, symptom severity, and geographical reach.
While Ebola spreads through human-to-human contact, Lassa fever is mainly rodent-borne and spread through direct or indirect exposure to rodents’ excretions.
Ebola outbreaks have historically shown higher fatality rates, but Lassa fever is often underreported, making mortality comparisons challenging.
Origins and Transmission of Lassa Fever
Where Does Lassa Fever Come From?
Lassa fever was first identified in 1969 in Nigeria and has since remained endemic in countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria.
The Mastomys rat, or “multimammate rat,” serves as the natural reservoir for the virus and is a common species in West African regions, leading to frequent human contact and possible transmission.
How is Lassa Fever Transmitted?
Transmission occurs mainly through:
- Direct contact with infected rodents’ urine or droppings.
- Ingestion of contaminated food or household items.
- Human-to-human transmission in healthcare settings due to improper hygiene practices or exposure to bodily fluids of infected individuals.
The virus does not spread through casual contact, making general public spread less likely unless in close contact with contaminated surfaces or bodily fluids.
Symptoms of Lassa Fever
Early Symptoms
Early symptoms of Lassa fever can be mild, leading to undiagnosed cases or delayed medical attention.
Symptoms typically appear 1-3 weeks after exposure and may include:
- Fever and fatigue
- Sore throat and cough
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Abdominal and chest pain
Severe Symptoms and Complications
As the disease progresses, patients may develop more severe symptoms like:
- Hemorrhaging from gums, eyes, or nose
- Facial swelling and fluid in the lungs
- Seizures and confusion
- Organ failure
While some patients recover within weeks, severe complications can arise, especially in pregnant women and individuals with preexisting health conditions.
Diagnosis and Treatment
How is Lassa Fever Diagnosed?
Diagnosis requires specialized laboratory testing, as Lassa fever’s early symptoms resemble many other viral illnesses.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) can identify viral RNA and antibodies in blood samples, aiding in accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Antiviral medication, such as ribavirin, has shown promise in reducing symptoms when administered early. Supportive care, including rehydration, oxygen therapy, and blood transfusions, is crucial for severe cases.
However, there is no universally approved vaccine, making prevention through hygiene and rodent control vital.
Preventive Measures for Lassa Fever
Minimizing Contact with Rodents
Effective rodent control is essential in areas where Lassa fever is prevalent. Keeping food in rodent-proof containers, clearing homes of food scraps, and storing waste away from living spaces can minimize exposure to rodent excretions.
Maintaining Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
In hospitals, isolation protocols and rigorous hygiene practices, including the use of gloves, masks, and proper disposal of waste, are critical to prevent transmission from infected individuals to healthcare workers or family members.
Public Health Concerns and Global Impact
Why Should We Be Concerned About Lassa Fever?
While cases outside of West Africa are rare, the recent case in Iowa illustrates the potential for Lassa fever to appear in non-endemic regions.
Increased global travel poses risks, necessitating enhanced screening and awareness, especially for travelers returning from high-risk areas.
The Role of the CDC and WHO
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) play significant roles in monitoring and controlling Lassa fever outbreaks.
Both organizations work closely with local health agencies to provide guidelines, support diagnosis, and enhance preventive measures.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of life due to Lassa fever in Iowa serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of hemorrhagic fevers. Increased awareness, hygiene measures, and public health vigilance are essential to prevent future cases and protect communities.
As international travel grows, so does the need for education on preventing and responding to rare but deadly diseases like Lassa fever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Lassa fever be spread through the air?
No, Lassa fever is not airborne. It spreads through contact with rodent excretions or bodily fluids of an infected person.
2. Is there a vaccine available for Lassa fever?
Currently, there is no FDA-approved vaccine for Lassa fever, though researchers are actively working on developing one.
3. What regions are considered high-risk for Lassa fever?
High-risk regions include West African countries such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea, where the Mastomys rodent is prevalent.
4. What should travelers do to protect themselves from Lassa fever?
Travelers to endemic regions should avoid contact with rodents, keep food secured, and wash hands frequently. It’s wise to stay updated on health advisories from the CDC.
5. How can healthcare facilities prevent Lassa fever spread?
Hospitals can reduce risks by implementing stringent hygiene protocols, using personal protective equipment, and isolating infected patients to prevent cross-contamination.
References :
Health
Understanding Menstrual Allergy: What You Need to Know
Understanding Menstrual Allergy: What You Need to Know
REFERENCE:
https://www.healthwellnessjournal.com/menstrual-allergy-guide
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