Blocked milk duct: Difference between revisions

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'''A blocked milk duct''' (sometimes also called plugged or clogged milk duct) is a blockage of one or more ducts carrying [[milk]] to the [[nipple]] for the purpose of [[breastfeeding]] an [[infant]]. The [[symptom]]s are a tender, localised lump in one [[breast]], with redness in the skin over the lump. The cause of a blocked milk duct is the failure to remove milk from part of the breast. This may be due to infrequent breastfeeding, poor attachment, tight clothing or [[Injury|trauma]] to the breast. Sometimes the duct to one part of the breast is blocked by thickened milk. A blocked milk duct can be managed by improving the removal of milk and correcting the underlying cause.<ref name = ncbi1>{{cite web|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK148955/|title=Management of breast conditions and other breastfeeding difficulties |publisher = National Center for Biotechnology Information US National Library of Medicine|accessdate = 4 August 2017 |date=}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>


{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Blocked milk duct
| synonyms        = Milk duct obstruction, Clogged milk duct
| field            = [[Obstetrics]] and [[Gynecology]], [[Lactation]]
| symptoms        = [[Breast pain]], [[Breast tenderness]], [[Breast swelling]], [[Breast lump]]
| complications    = [[Mastitis]], [[Breast abscess]]
| onset            = During [[breastfeeding]]
| duration        = Typically a few days
| causes          = Incomplete [[breast emptying]], [[Breast engorgement]], [[Tight clothing]], [[Stress (biology)|Stress]]
| risks            = [[Nipple damage]], [[Poor latch]], [[Oversupply of milk]]
| diagnosis        = [[Clinical diagnosis]]
| differential    = [[Mastitis]], [[Breast cancer]]
| prevention      = Frequent [[breastfeeding]], Proper [[breastfeeding technique]], Avoiding [[tight clothing]]
| treatment        = [[Warm compress]], [[Breast massage]], [[Frequent breastfeeding]], [[Lecithin]]
| medication      = [[Analgesics]], [[Anti-inflammatory drugs]]
| frequency        = Common in [[breastfeeding women]]
}}
{{Short description|A condition affecting lactating women}}
== Blocked Milk Duct ==
A '''blocked milk duct''' is a common condition that occurs in lactating women when a milk duct in the breast becomes obstructed. This can lead to discomfort, swelling, and potential complications if not addressed promptly.
== Causes ==
Blocked milk ducts can occur due to several reasons:
* '''Infrequent breastfeeding or pumping''': When milk is not regularly removed from the breast, it can lead to a buildup and blockage.
* '''Improper latch''': If the baby is not latching properly, it may not effectively empty the breast.
* '''Pressure on the breast''': Tight clothing or sleeping positions that put pressure on the breast can contribute to blockages.
* '''Stress and fatigue''': These can affect milk flow and contribute to blockages.
== Symptoms ==
The symptoms of a blocked milk duct include:
* A tender or painful lump in the breast
* Swelling and redness around the affected area
* A feeling of warmth in the breast
* Decreased milk supply from the affected breast
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of a blocked milk duct is typically based on the symptoms and a physical examination by a healthcare provider. In some cases, an ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
The most effective treatment against blocked milk ducts is to empty the affected breasts by frequent breastfeeding or pumping.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Roberts|first=Kathryn L.|last2=Reiter|first2=Maureen|last3=Schuster|first3=Diane|date=September 1998|title=Effects of Cabbage Leaf Extract on Breast Engorgement|url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/089033449801400312|journal=Journal of Human Lactation|volume=14|issue=3|pages=231–236|doi=10.1177/089033449801400312|issn=0890-3344}}</ref> Other forms of treatment include:
Treatment for a blocked milk duct focuses on relieving the obstruction and ensuring proper milk flow:
 
* '''Frequent breastfeeding or pumping''': Ensuring regular milk removal can help clear the blockage.
* A gentle massage of the affected breast<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Mangesi|first=Lindeka|last2=Zakarija-Grkovic|first2=Irena|date=2016-06-28|editor-last=Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group|title=Treatments for breast engorgement during lactation|url=http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/14651858.CD006946.pub3|journal=Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews|language=en|doi=10.1002/14651858.CD006946.pub3|pmc=4161489}}</ref> Sometimes after gentle massage over the lump, a string of the thickened milk comes out through the nipple, followed by a stream of milk, and rapid relief of the blocked duct.<ref name="ncbi1" />
* '''Warm compresses''': Applying warmth to the affected area can help open the duct.
* Ensuring a correct positioning and latching of the baby<ref name=":0" />
* '''Massage''': Gently massaging the breast towards the nipple can help move the blockage.
* Wearing loose clothing items that do not bind the breasts<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.meandqi.com/journal/engorgement-and-mastitis-complete-guide|title=Tackling engorgement and mastitis: an all-in-one guide|website=www.meandqi.com|access-date=2019-03-26}}</ref>
* '''Proper positioning''': Ensuring the baby is properly latched can improve milk flow.
* Applying warm compresses<ref name=":0" />
* '''Rest and hydration''': Adequate rest and fluid intake are important for recovery.
* Drinking a specialized herbal tea<ref name=":1" />
== Complications ==
 
If a blocked milk duct is not treated, it can lead to complications such as:
A blocked milk duct can result from a [[nipple bleb]]. Both of these can lead to mastitis.<ref>{{cite book | last = Walker | first = Marsha | title = Breastfeeding management for the clinician : using the evidence | publisher = Jones and Bartlett Publishers | location = Sudbury, Mass | year = 2011 | isbn = 9780763766511 | page =s 534–5}}</ref>
* '''Mastitis''': An infection of the breast tissue that can cause severe pain, fever, and swelling.
 
* '''Breast abscess''': A collection of pus in the breast that may require surgical drainage.
==References==
== Prevention ==
{{reflist}}
Preventive measures include:
 
* Breastfeeding or pumping regularly to ensure milk is removed from the breast.
{{Breast anatomy|state=collapsed}}
* Avoiding tight clothing and bras that can put pressure on the breasts.
{{Infants and their care}}
* Ensuring proper breastfeeding techniques and positions.
 
== Related pages ==
[[Category:Breast anatomy]]
* [[Mastitis]]
[[Category:Human female endocrine system]]
* [[Breastfeeding]]
 
* [[Lactation]]
 
[[Category:Breastfeeding]]
{{Womens-health-stub}}
[[Category:Women's health]]
{{dictionary-stub1}}

Latest revision as of 22:20, 3 April 2025


Blocked milk duct
Synonyms Milk duct obstruction, Clogged milk duct
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Breast pain, Breast tenderness, Breast swelling, Breast lump
Complications Mastitis, Breast abscess
Onset During breastfeeding
Duration Typically a few days
Types N/A
Causes Incomplete breast emptying, Breast engorgement, Tight clothing, Stress
Risks Nipple damage, Poor latch, Oversupply of milk
Diagnosis Clinical diagnosis
Differential diagnosis Mastitis, Breast cancer
Prevention Frequent breastfeeding, Proper breastfeeding technique, Avoiding tight clothing
Treatment Warm compress, Breast massage, Frequent breastfeeding, Lecithin
Medication Analgesics, Anti-inflammatory drugs
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common in breastfeeding women
Deaths N/A


A condition affecting lactating women


Blocked Milk Duct[edit]

A blocked milk duct is a common condition that occurs in lactating women when a milk duct in the breast becomes obstructed. This can lead to discomfort, swelling, and potential complications if not addressed promptly.

Causes[edit]

Blocked milk ducts can occur due to several reasons:

  • Infrequent breastfeeding or pumping: When milk is not regularly removed from the breast, it can lead to a buildup and blockage.
  • Improper latch: If the baby is not latching properly, it may not effectively empty the breast.
  • Pressure on the breast: Tight clothing or sleeping positions that put pressure on the breast can contribute to blockages.
  • Stress and fatigue: These can affect milk flow and contribute to blockages.

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of a blocked milk duct include:

  • A tender or painful lump in the breast
  • Swelling and redness around the affected area
  • A feeling of warmth in the breast
  • Decreased milk supply from the affected breast

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of a blocked milk duct is typically based on the symptoms and a physical examination by a healthcare provider. In some cases, an ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for a blocked milk duct focuses on relieving the obstruction and ensuring proper milk flow:

  • Frequent breastfeeding or pumping: Ensuring regular milk removal can help clear the blockage.
  • Warm compresses: Applying warmth to the affected area can help open the duct.
  • Massage: Gently massaging the breast towards the nipple can help move the blockage.
  • Proper positioning: Ensuring the baby is properly latched can improve milk flow.
  • Rest and hydration: Adequate rest and fluid intake are important for recovery.

Complications[edit]

If a blocked milk duct is not treated, it can lead to complications such as:

  • Mastitis: An infection of the breast tissue that can cause severe pain, fever, and swelling.
  • Breast abscess: A collection of pus in the breast that may require surgical drainage.

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures include:

  • Breastfeeding or pumping regularly to ensure milk is removed from the breast.
  • Avoiding tight clothing and bras that can put pressure on the breasts.
  • Ensuring proper breastfeeding techniques and positions.

Related pages[edit]

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