Breast pain upon pressing on one side during lactation, no lump present
Feb 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Xiaopeng
Introduction
Pain upon pressing one side of the breast during lactation, without a palpable lump, may be related to excessive milk production, over-suckling, or retrograde bacterial infection. When a nursing mother produces an overabundance of milk and one side is not emptied in time, it can lead to engorgement or blocked ducts, resulting in mild pain on one side of the breast during breastfeeding. In such cases, no lump is felt upon touch, which is considered normal. The discomfort can be relieved by promptly emptying the breast.
Breast pain on one side during lactation without a palpable lump may be related to excessive milk production, over-sucking, or bacterial retrograde infection. It is recommended to take timely intervention measures.
1. Excessive Milk Production
When a patient produces too much breast milk during lactation and one side is not emptied in time, it may lead to engorgement or blocked ducts. This can cause mild pain on one side of the breast during breastfeeding, although no lump can be felt upon touch. This situation is considered normal, and symptoms can be relieved by promptly emptying the breast milk.
2. Over-Sucking
If the baby excessively sucks the nipple during breastfeeding, it may cause pulling pain in the breast, which can occur on one or both sides. Typically, no lump is present, resulting in one-sided breast pain without a detectable mass. In severe cases, nipple fissures or infections may develop. If the pain is severe, breastfeeding should be temporarily stopped until recovery, after which nursing can resume.
3. Bacterial Retrograde Infection
When milk stasis occurs during lactation and one side of the breast is not fully emptied, it may lead to bacterial retrograde infection, causing breast pain. Initially, no lump may be felt, but as the condition progresses, a lump may become palpable. It is important to promptly empty the breast and, under medical guidance, use medications such as amoxicillin capsules or levofloxacin capsules.
