Burning in the chest - causes, treatment and home remedies

Breast burning: burning in the chest

When a burning sensation occurs in the chest, many people experience an uneasy feeling and the fear of a serious illness such as a heart attack. This may theoretically be the case, which is why it is always necessary to call a doctor as soon as possible, especially with persistent pain on the left side and parallel symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, cold sweatiness and nausea. Burning chest pain is more common, however, due to other causes such as nerve irritation, muscle tension or a rib bruise.

contents

• Breast burning: burning in the chest
• Burning in the breast in women
• Burning in the nipple
• Prevention of breast infection
• Burning in the chest when coughing
• Cause pulmonary embolism
• Burning in the left breast
• Breast burning after eating
• Other causes
• Treatment for burning in the chest area
• Home remedies for heartburn

Burning may be an indication of bronchial asthma, acute bronchitis or pneumonia, for example. In women, a benign change in mammary tissue is also considered. Are especially the nipples affected, there is often an inflammation of the mammary gland, which may arise, for example, as a result of a false nursing technique. If the doctor has made a diagnosis, the treatment of burning may vary greatly and may involve a variety of procedures, medications or proven home remedies, depending on the cause.

In women, breast inflammation is often the cause of breast inflammation. (Image: pathdoc / fotolia.com)

Burning in the breast in women

A relatively common cause of burning, tearing, or stabbing pain in the female breast is a condition called mastopathy, which is a benign change in mammary tissue. In most cases, this is triggered by hormonal fluctuations or an excess of estrogen, which usually affects women during sexual maturity until the onset of menopause, especially often between the ages of 35 and 55 years.

In addition, other hormonal diseases such as a thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) come as a trigger into consideration.

Depending on the tissue changes, a distinction is made between medically different forms of mastopathy. Especially if the glandular cells grow particularly strong and accordingly release more fluid, often many small fluid-filled glandular lobes are formed, which are also called "cysts" ("cystic mastopathy")..

If, on the other hand, connective tissue is primarily affected by overgrowth, it is referred to as "fibrous mastopathy", but most often a combination of both forms occurs ("fibrosis-cystic mastopathy"). Overall, approximately one in two women between the ages of 35 and 55 years old is more or less affected by such changes in the breast, making mastopathy the most common benign mammary gland disease in women.

A typical symptom is the swelling of both breasts a few days before the onset of the period, while the breast is at the same time very sensitive. In addition, there is usually an increased feeling of tension and / or pain, which many women describe as pulling or stabbing. Often there is a feeling "as if the breast burns internally". Usually the symptoms are strongest in the second half of the cycle, while most of the time they go back to the onset of the period.

If cysts have formed in the context of mastopathy, they can often be felt as granular indurations or nodules, which are often pressure-sensitive. In rarer cases, moreover, a small amount of whitish-turbid fluid escapes from the nipple (nipple), and in some cases inflammatory signs such as redness, swelling and overheating may occur.

In general, it is typical for a mastopathy that the symptoms occur in most cases bilaterally and in the upper part of the chest. The symptoms may vary from case to case, with the result that some women do not notice any signs and the findings are more likely to be accidentally examined.

Since a change in the mammary gland tissue is usually mild, it requires in most cases no therapy, more discomfort occurs, is a relief, for example. possible through medication. If there is a pronounced form of mastopathy, close breast cancer risk should be monitored closely, especially if there are already breast cancer cases in the family and the change occurs before the age of 40.

In more severe cases of mastopathy, the breast should be regularly monitored by mammography. (Image: okrasyuk / fotolia.com)

Burning in the nipple

If the burning, especially in the nipple on, there may be a so-called mastitis, which is an inflammation of the female or, more rarely, the male breast or mammary gland (Greek: "mastos"). In most cases, mastitis develops in nursing women about two to four weeks after birth (mastitis puerperalis), but outside the puerperium the inflammation is rare (mastitis non puerperalis).

If the mammary gland is inflamed, it typically produces fever and severe nipple pain, which in most cases occurs on only one side and is perceived as pulling, burning, or in the form of stinging in the chest. It is usually reddened, swollen and overheated as a result of the inflammation, although the symptoms are usually less pronounced in non-puerperal mastitis than in puerperal mastitis.

In more severe cases, an abscess may form. If the inflammation is chronic, the formation of so-called fistulas is possible, meaning a tubular connection between a hollow organ and another organ or the body surface.

Various causes may be considered for mastitis, with frequent puerperal mastitis being, in most cases, a bacterial infection with staphylococci or streptococci. These get over small skin injuries ("Schrunden") of the nipple into the body, whereby the path of the bacteria usually from the nasopharynx of mother, father etc. into that of the baby and finally over the breastfeeding into the nipple runs.

Inflammation of the mammary gland outside of breastfeeding may occur due to infection by bacteria, but these often encounter an ideal breeding ground in the form of secretion, which is e.g. is produced by the overproduction of the hormone prolactin and accumulates in the milk ducts. Mastitis non-puerperalis can also occur in connection with another, usually chronic disease. Examples are tuberculosis, syphilis or a fungal infection.

The right breastfeeding technique can prevent breast inflammation. (Image: HillLander / fotolia.com)

Prevention of breast infection

In order to prevent breast inflammation, a good breastfeeding technique is especially useful, which women can learn through their midwife or a special breastfeeding consultation. It is important, among other things, that the nipples are thoroughly cleaned with water before feeding the child and that the mother and child are in a comfortable position during breastfeeding. The infant should drink not only the nipple itself, but also the same-colored border of this (areola) in the mouth, so that the necessary for the milk flow negative pressure between mouth and mouth can arise. If this is not the case, the nipple is quickly sore and cracked, accordingly, the baby should then be released once again from the chest and reapplied.

In addition, the professional association of gynecologists e.V. (BVF) recommends that in order to prevent breast inflammation, the baby should only be given a maximum of five minutes per nursing meal during the first three days after birth. After this habituation phase, however, the time could be extended to 10 to 15 minutes. It is important that the child does not fall asleep with the nipple in the mouth during breastfeeding, because this increases the risk of small tears, which in turn makes pathogens easier to get into the body. In addition, the nipples can be protected from the so-called "cracks" by the woman in the initial time after breastfeeding as often as possible in the air to dry.

Burning in the chest when coughing

Diseases of the lungs or of the chest and lung can be considered as the cause of burning pain. The symptoms mostly respiratory, in addition to other symptoms such as shortness of breath or cough.

If the burning on coughing occurs, for example, an acute bronchitis as a cause in question, which is one of the most common diseases of the respiratory tract. This is an inflammation of the bronchial mucous membranes, where the bronchi are the continuation of the trachea. Main symptoms are a strong, initially dry, "barking" or rattling cough, which is accompanied by burning, drawing pains in the chest.

In the course of the disease, the dry cough dissolves, causing mucus to form in the respiratory tract, which can be coughed up as a so-called "sputum" ("productive cough"). There may be other typical cold symptoms such as fatigue, headache, runny nose, sore throat or fever.

In most cases, acute bronchitis is caused by viruses. Bacteria, on the other hand, are rarely the trigger and, if at all, usually only attack an already weakened bronchial mucosa (secondary infection). In rare cases (such as in immunocompromised patients) the disease may be caused by fungal respiratory tract infections, and other risk factors include irritants such as dust, gases or tobacco smoke.

If younger, healthy, or generally immunocompromised people develop bronchitis, it usually heals in about seven to ten days without further consequences. In other cases, especially in elderly and immunocompromised individuals, it can last much longer and lead to complications such as pneumonia, and there is a risk that developed from the acute chronic bronchitis.

Causes of burning chest pain from coughing may still be causes such as pleurisy or pleurisy or respiratory and pulmonary diseases such as bronchial asthma, pneumonia or lung cancer.

If the burning in the chest occurs when coughing, for example, a bronchitis or pneumonia may be present. (Image: Alen-D / fotolia.com)

Cause pulmonary embolism

Conceivable is a pulmonary embolism, which is a sudden occlusion of a pulmonary artery, which in most cases is caused by a washed-in blood clot. Depending on how large the clot is and where the occlusion occurs, a pulmonary embolism can cause very different symptoms and in some cases even a symptom-free course. For example, a sudden breathlessness, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), chest pain, which increase when inhaled and sweating, coughing blood, feelings of tightness and fainting.

Often, however, the symptoms are fleeting and ambiguous, because sometimes only single symptoms occur, in turn, shows in other patients, a combination of several complaints. If there is a suspicion of an embolism, however, an emergency doctor should be called immediately in any case, because this can quickly become life-threatening and must be treated accordingly immediately.

Burning in the left breast

A strong burning sensation on the left side behind the breastbone may be a sign of a heart attack. In this case, it is typical that the chest pain persists for several minutes and is also spread to other areas of the body, such as the chest. Emit arms, upper abdomen or the jaw.

The pain is usually accompanied by a massive tightness in the heart or pressure on the chest. It is also possible that an infarct can only be felt by nonspecific symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, sweating, facial blanching, shortness of breath and upper abdominal pain. Accordingly, at the first sign in each case, the emergency call should always be immediately placed below 112 in order to detect an infarct in good time and to prevent life-threatening consequences such as ventricular fibrillation.

Similar symptoms to a heart attack can be caused by coronary heart disease (CHD), which is a circulatory disorder of the heart muscle caused by constricted coronary arteries. Characteristic symptoms of CHD are tightness of the chest (angina pectoris) and pain or burning behind the sternum, which can radiate into the arms, fingertips, shoulders, neck or teeth.

If there is an attack of angina pectoris, cold sweats and facial paleness often occur, in many cases there is also shortness of breath, anxiety and reduced performance. Typically, the pain is triggered by physical or mental stress and usually persists for only a few minutes. If the strain ends, the symptoms go back again. If the KHK is already advanced, they can also occur in peace.

Other possible causes of burning in the left breast are pericarditis (pericarditis), valvular heart disease, high blood pressure or myocarditis (myocarditis). Viruses are the cause of chronic inflammatory processes in about every other case, and myocarditis is often preceded by a flu infection or diarrhea.

Breast burning after eating

The so-called heartburn is a common cause. This is a rising from the upper abdomen burning and painful feeling behind the breastbone meant, which often radiates to the throat / throat area. In addition, there is usually an acid regurgitation and a strong pressure and fullness, sometimes it comes to stomach pressure, cramps and a lump in the throat.

Heartburn often occurs after eating very greasy or spicy food. (Image: Adiano / fotolia.com)

For the complaints come a variety of triggers into consideration, often there is a close connection with the lifestyle and dietary habits. Accordingly, breast burning often occurs after eating foods and drinks that boost gastric acid production such as fatty, sour or spicy food, chocolate, minty foods, fruit juices, cocoa, coffee, black tea and alcohol.

If you are too hasty when eating, you risk problems with the forwarding of the meal. Too tight clothing can adversely affect digestion by pushing the stomach contents back up and eventually triggering reflux (reflux).

In addition, there are other risk factors such as stress and mental tension, harmful substances such as nicotine and obesity, which often cause stomach problems and heartburn.

During pregnancy it often happens that it "burns" behind the breastbone and "upsets" the food sourly. The reason for this is the hormonal changes during this time, which relaxes the sphincter muscle between the stomach and the esophagus and allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. The complaints are often amplified by the growing uterus, which presses more and more on the stomach and this continues to narrow.

Other possible triggers include certain medications (psychotropic drugs, etc.), gastritis, food intolerances, a stomach irritation or bulges of the esophageal wall (esophageal diverticulum). If reflux occurs more frequently or regularly, this may be an indication of the so-called "gastroesophageal reflux disease" (GERD), which is triggered by a malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter and is often associated with esophagitis.

Other causes

For a burning sensation in the chest come a number of other, relatively "harmless" causes such as soreness, nerve irritation (intercostal neuralgia) or muscle tension into consideration, with the resulting pain often by certain movements or postures strengthen or subside. Vertebral blockage as well as a fracture or contusion of the ribs can lead to a burning in the chest, as well as in rarer cases the so-called "Tietze syndrome", which is characterized by a tender painful swelling of the cartilage approaches in the area of ​​the sternum or the ribs.

Not infrequently hidden behind the discomfort psychological causes such as stress, anxiety, tension, conflicts, depression or a so-called heart neurosis. This is a hypochondriacal disorder characterized by a panic-like fear of unrecognized heart disease.

Mental causes, such as anxiety or stress, can cause it to hurt and burn in the chest area. (Image: Africa Studio / fotolia.com)

Treatment for burning in the chest area

The complaints can be both relatively "harmless" causes such as. Tension or nerve irritation, but also evidence of a serious or life-threatening disease of the lung or the heart such. a pulmonary embolism or a heart attack. Accordingly, in the event of a burning sensation in the chest area, a doctor should always be consulted or an emergency physician should be called for precaution, especially if symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, paleness and / or sweating occur in parallel.

The treatment is carried out after the diagnosis by the doctor depending on the cause and can therefore contain very different measures and procedures. For example, if there is a mild acute bronchitis, usually no drug therapy is required. Instead, care should be taken, inter alia, on physical protection and sufficient drinking to support the recovery process.

Helpful remedy for coughs such as a tea from cowslips or inhalations with chamomile or salt. A hot bath is very beneficial - however, the patient should be absolutely free of fever. If the symptoms are more severe, analgesics, expectorants or anti-cough medicine can be used as needed. If there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are usually necessary.

If the burning pain could be a sign of breast inflammation (mastitis), a doctor should also be consulted as soon as possible, because only an early therapy can prevent purulent abscesses from forming. If non-puerperal mastitis occurs without abscess, medications may be used to inhibit prolactin production, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory agents, depending on the cause.

If an encapsulated collection of pus has already formed, it is usually surgically cut open and the pus is removed. In some cases, an OP is e.g. in chronic inflammatory foci or a fistula necessary. Also important here are the cooling (for example through ice bags or quark wrap) of the affected breast and a well-fitting, fitting brassiere. If there is another underlying disease, such as tuberculosis or a fungal attack, treatment of it is of course essential.

Potato juice is a proven home remedy for heartburn. (Image: Heike Rau / fotolia.com)

Home remedies for heartburn

In case of heartburn, the therapy is based on the cause and severity of the symptoms, accordingly, a doctor should always be consulted first in order to rule out more serious reasons for the reflux.

In many cases, minor discomfort can be changed by changing dietary habits by eating more consciously altogether and abstaining from some foods altogether. This is particularly the case for greasy foods, hot spices, coffee, black tea, chocolate, cocoa, strong acidic citrus, garlic or peppermint, as it stimulates the formation of stomach acid and lowers the sphincter tension between the esophagus and the stomach.

Alcohol and nicotine should be avoided, as well as very late, lavish food, so that the stomach can digest the meal before going to bed and the food can not flow back into the esophagus. If the reflux occurs while lying down, it is often helpful to sleep with a slightly raised upper body (through additional pillows, etc.) to prevent gastric acid from rising.

Various home remedies for heartburn have proved successful, such as oatmeal, potato juice and the slow chewing of nuts.

Effective can be a so-called "Rollkur" with chamomile. For this, a tea from two teaspoons of real chamomile flowers and about 300 ml of water is first brewed, which can be drawn for about five to ten minutes. Afterwards, a few sips of the tea are drunk and then placed on the back, after about five minutes, some sips are taken again and then turned to the right side. Then it is first changed to the prone position and then to the left side, with the aim of moistening the stomach mucosa with as much chamomile tea as possible. (nr, last updated on 17.11.2017)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)