Does pain when pressing the outermost part of the breast mean milk duct blockage?
Feb 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Xiaopeng
Introduction
If a woman experiences pain upon pressing the outer area of the breast, it may be caused by milk duct blockage, as blocked milk occurs when some mammary ducts become obstructed during lactation, preventing milk secreted by the mammary lobules from being properly expelled from the body. However, if the patient has significant pain accompanied by high fever, chills, breast swelling, abscess formation, or ulceration, these symptoms are likely due to mastitis resulting from prolonged milk duct blockage.
Pain when pressing on the outermost part of the breast may be due to milk duct blockage or could be caused by mastitis.
The breasts are paired structures located in the chest, composed primarily of nipples, glandular tissue, subcutaneous fat, connective tissue, and suspensory ligaments that support the breast. Under normal circumstances, pain upon touching the outermost area of the breast in women is often caused by milk stasis, which refers to partial blockage of the mammary ducts during lactation, preventing the milk produced by the mammary lobules from being properly expelled from the body. However, if the patient experiences significant pain accompanied by high fever, chills, breast swelling, abscess formation, or ulceration, the condition is likely mastitis resulting from prolonged milk stasis.
It's important to note that if the cause is milk duct blockage, symptoms can often be relieved through proper massage and warm compresses. However, if the condition is due to mastitis, medical treatment is required, such as taking medications like amoxicillin capsules or cephalexin tablets under a doctor's guidance.
