What should I do if there are still lumps after clearing a blocked milk duct?

After clearing a milk blockage, hard lumps may still persist due to factors such as milk stasis, mastitis, or mammary gland hyperplasia. Mild cases should be treated with physical methods, while severe cases require medical consultation for medication or surgical intervention.

1. Milk Stasis

When milk flow in certain glandular lobes is obstructed, milk can accumulate and form hard lumps, especially if the blockage is not completely cleared. Local heat application or infrared lamp therapy may help. When necessary, manual massage can also be used to promote milk flow and resolve the lump in the breast area.

2. Mastitis

Acute suppurative infection of the breast or mammary glands can cause swelling, pain, and hard lumps in the affected breast. It is important to maintain cleanliness of the breast area and ensure complete emptying of milk. If needed, consult a doctor for treatment with medications such as chlortetracycline hydrochloride ointment, mupirocin ointment, or ceftriaxone for injection. Once inflammation subsides, the hard lump typically improves.

3. Mammary Gland Hyperplasia

Hormonal changes during lactation, particularly fluctuations in estrogen levels, may lead to mammary gland hyperplasia, resulting in lumps, nodules, and pain. Maintaining good hygiene is essential during this period. In more severe cases, medications such as Runing Granules, Xiaojin Pills, or Ruxianxiaopi Tablets should be taken under medical guidance, along with enhanced care of the breast area.

Other causes, such as breast cysts, may also result in persistent lumps after milk duct clearance. In such cases, timely medical treatment and proper breast care are crucial.