Exploring the Causes of Breast Swelling and How to Treat It

When breasts swell, there are noticeable changes in them. For example, the size of the breasts increases, the veins of the breasts become more easily visible because swelling brings the veins closer to your skin.Other symptoms of breast swelling may include:

• Feeling of heaviness in the breasts.
• Pain and discomfort to the touch around the breasts and possibly in the armpits.
• Changes in the skin or texture around your breasts.
• Sometimes the breasts feel warm to the touch.
• Hard breast lumps can also be a cause of breast swelling.

(Read more - Lump in breast)

Many things can cause breast swelling. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the main cause of breast swelling. Before the start of each period, your production of the hormone estrogen increases. Along with other changes in your body, this hormonal change causes the milk glands in your breasts to expand. It can also cause water retention, which can increase breast swelling.Breast swelling can also be a symptom of breast cancer. There are different types of breast cancer - Inflammatory breast cancer, the breast swells due to a blockage in the lymph vessels. Tumors in the breasts can appear as hard and painful lumps. Other possible causes of breast swelling are:

• Consuming foods or drinks high in salt and caffeine.
• Certain medications such as birth control pills, which contain estrogen.
• Pregnancy. 
• Mastitis: This is a fibrocystic breast disease that occurs during breastfeeding in which the milk ducts get infected. This causes non-cancerous lumps to form in the breasts.

(Read more - Does Breast Cancer Cause Pain?)

To diagnose breast swelling, your doctor may ask you questions about the symptoms you're experiencing. For example, they may ask how long you've had the symptoms and how severe they are. They may perform a physical exam to check your breast tissue. They may also recommend imaging tests, such as a mammogram or breast ultrasound, to look at the internal structures of your breast.

(Read more -Itchy breast causes and treatment)

Your doctor's treatment depends on the cause of your breast swelling. If the swelling is due to infection, they may treat you with antibiotics. If the swelling is caused by hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle, your doctor may prescribe birth control medications. These pills relieve breast swelling and other PMS symptoms in some women. If you are already using hormonal contraceptives, they may ask you to change the medication.

If your diagnosis of breast swelling is breast cancer, the treatment depends on the type, location, and stage of your cancer. Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. You can take the following measures to relieve the discomfort caused by breast swelling:

• Wear a good supportive bra and always make sure the bra fits well while buying. 
• Apply ice cubes wrapped in a cloth to the swollen breast for 10-15 minutes.
• You can use painkillers such as ibuprofen for quick relief.

(Read more - How to relieve nipple pain)

Breast swelling can occur for many reasons, including hormonal changes, mastitis (breast infection), cysts, or fibrocystic breast disease. Hormonal changes occur during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause, which can cause breast swelling and pain. Mastitis is a common breastfeeding problem that causes swelling, redness, and warmth in the breasts. Cysts or fibrocystic breast disease can also cause lumps and swelling in the breasts.

Treatment includes applying ice, taking painkillers, and resting to relieve swelling and pain. If an infection is suspected, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If the swelling is due to hormonal reasons, wearing a properly fitting bra and reducing salt intake may be beneficial. If the swelling persists for a long time or is severe, it is necessary to seek medical advice.