One breast is painful and swollen during weaning while the other is not—what causes this, and what should I do?
Apr 12, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Introduction
During the weaning period, one breast being painful and swollen while the other is not may be caused by differences in lactation function, blocked milk ducts, mammary gland hyperplasia, mastitis, or fibroadenoma of the breast. Targeted treatment should be based on the specific underlying cause. If you experience one breast becoming painful and swollen while the other remains unaffected during weaning, it is advisable to promptly visit a正规 hospital to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment to avoid delaying recovery.
Under normal circumstances, during the weaning period, one breast being painful and swollen while the other is not may be caused by differences in lactation function, blocked ducts, mammary gland hyperplasia, mastitis, or fibroadenoma of the breast. Targeted treatments can be provided based on the specific cause. The detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Differences in Lactation Function
The lactation functions of the two breasts may differ. During milk engorgement, the side with better lactation function typically experiences swelling, whereas the side with poorer function usually does not swell, leading to the aforementioned situation. No special treatment is required; it will resolve naturally after a period of time.
2. Blocked Ducts
Milk stasis may occur during milk engorgement. Prolonged pressure can affect lactation function and lead to blockage of the mammary ducts. If blockage occurs on only one side, this condition may result. It is important to immediately empty the milk to prevent infection in the engorged breast.
3. Mammary Gland Hyperplasia
Mammary gland hyperplasia is a common benign breast condition characterized by non-cancerous overgrowth of breast tissue, often related to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. During the weaning phase, changes in hormone levels may make one breast more sensitive to hormones, causing pain and swelling, while the other breast, less responsive, remains unaffected. Patients may take medications such as Rupixiao Capsules or Xiaoyao Pills under medical guidance.
4. Mastitis
Some postpartum women may abruptly stop breastfeeding during milk engorgement, which can lead to milk stasis. Stagnant milk is prone to bacterial growth, potentially causing mastitis—often affecting one breast—and accompanied by symptoms such as breast pain, redness, and swelling. Immediate milk expression is necessary, along with antibiotic treatment under a doctor’s supervision using medications like Amoxicillin Capsules, Cefixime Capsules, or Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets.
5. Fibroadenoma of the Breast
Fibroadenoma is a relatively common benign tumor in breast tissue. It may exert pressure on surrounding breast tissue, potentially obstructing or compressing milk ducts in one breast, resulting in a sensation of fullness and pain. The other breast remains unaffected and thus does not experience discomfort. Patients should seek treatment at a reputable hospital, where surgical removal may be recommended.
If one breast becomes painful and swollen while the other does not during the weaning period, it is advisable to promptly visit a qualified medical facility to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment to avoid delaying recovery.
