For some dumb reason, I stopped taking it, and last year I had another strange episode: This time, it was strong pains in my breasts. It felt as though I was lactating, but I knew I could not be. Again, I had many doctor visits and also underwent a sophisticated mammogram. I was told I had fibromyalgia, because I also had aches and muscle pains. I disagreed with the diagnosis and began researching on my own.

We had gotten a new dog four months earlier, and, after talking to friends, I decided to stay away from the dog. Sure enough, I began feeling better. Then I told my boss at work, a female, about the strange breast pain, and she immediately told me that I must be allergic to the dog because her little boy had similar reactions to his new dog. His underarms swelled up painfully. I was elated to solve this!

We returned the dog to the shelter, and I was immediately tested for allergies. I was allergic to cats and dogs, not to mention many grasses, molds, trees and house dust. I will never stop taking my daily antihistamine, and I have been feeling great ever since restarting it.

DEAR READER: I have printed your letter because I find it interesting that you say you have joint, muscle and breast pain due to allergies.

Most allergies cause itchy, watery, red eyes; a runny nose and/or congestion; coughing, wheezing or other asthma-like symptoms; skin rashes, hives or swelling. The type of symptoms experienced depends on the allergen and how you came into contact with it. Pet dander, for example, is typically inhaled, so skin manifestations, while possible, are not generally seen.

I am unable to find any reliable scientific evidence that shows that any allergen, let alone pet dander, can cause joint, muscle or breast pain. I was able to find personal testimonies that claimed these symptoms due to allergies, but there is nothing to substantiate the claims. Perhaps this is something that should be further investigated by the medical and scientific communities.

I am not in any way dismissing your claims. I am simply stating that at this point there is no hard evidence to back up the claims. The fact that you have experienced relief by taking a daily antihistamine is compelling nonetheless.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Allergies.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

I’ve worked as a mammography technician since before it became a specialty, so I’ve had numerous opportunities to address issues and concerns. Recently a reader wrote concerning pain behind the breast. This is a common complaint, so common we no longer discuss it at conferences. One theory is that arthritis develops in the intercostal spaces and the pain radiates into the breast.

Many women seem to take comfort in this possibility and enjoy the peace of mind the knowledge brings when other possibilities have been ruled out.

DEAR READER:
Breast pain is common and affects as many as seven in ten women at some point in their lives. Symptoms are most common in pre-menopausal rather than in post-menopausal women. Alone, they rarely signify breast cancer, but the fear is always first and foremost on a woman’s mind, whether within the breast tissue or behind the breast.

Initial discomfort might be treated with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory over-the-counter drug, 1000 mg capsules of evening primrose three times a day, 400 IU of vitamin E up to three times a day, or hot or cold compresses. Any discomfort or unusual symptoms should always be brought to the attention of a physician or gynecologist who can perform an exam, schedule a mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy and rule out abnormalities. While not to be taken lightly, the fact that the discomfort could be arthritis is extremely reassuring to most women.

Keep up the good work and thank you for your articulate letter and the information it contained.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Breast Cancer and Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.