Chest pain is a symptom of a few health conditions. If you are a man who is experiencing an enlargement of the breast along with a lump on one or both breasts, it is possible that you have gynecomastia. But do gynecomastia cause chest pain too?
One of the most common conditions that affect the male population is gynecomastia. This condition involves an inflammation of the breast tissue. And such is also coupled by enlargement of the male breasts. At the age of puberty, enlarged breasts usually return to normal. But in some instances, the condition persists along with other symptoms including soreness in the breast and chest pain.
Why do gynecomastia cause chest pain?
As mentioned, gynecomastia is characterized by the inflammation and formation of breast tissue. In some cases, it would also involve the formation of excess fat in the area. Such would cause swelling to some extent as well as feeling of tenderness.
Fat does not usually build up in the breast area but such may occur among adolescent boys as a result of puberty. The ultimate culprit for such an occurrence is hormonal imbalance. But it is also important to note that gynecomastia does not only affect young boys. It is also common among middle aged men.
Other Causes of Chest Pain in Men
Chest pain may also be felt by those who use certain medications. Steroids may cause growth and tenderness in the breast coupled with pain in the chest. Other elements that may cause such a pain include diuretics and some prescription medications. Chest pain is usually a side effect of such medicines. You are then encouraged to talk to your doctor about it. Even if you are taking over the counter medication, it is best to consult with your doctor first to avoid unnecessary side effects.
Damage in the liver and its functions may also cause chest pain. And such is also commonly associated with gynecomastia. When there is damage in the liver, the organ has a difficult time functioning leading to fat build up. It is the excess fat that usually leads to the pain in the chest and may also extend to the abdomen. Liver damage may be brought about by obesity, alcohol and consumption of foods that are particularly high in unsaturated fats.
To get the liver back on track and avoid other complications such as chest pain and gynecomastia, it is important to start a lifestyle change. Avoid the known triggers and consume healthy foods that can help promote proper liver function.
Breast cancer may be a possibility too among men who feel chest pain. However, such cases are rare. There are only a few cases of breast cancer in men that report chest pain. The most common symptom of male breast cancer is a painless lump in the area.
Do gynecomastia cause chest pain? It absolutely does and there are medications that can help alleviate the pain. Before you take any though, consult with a doctor first. And better yet, avoid what triggers the condition.
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