What happens if milk duct blockage is left untreated?
Nov 11, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
If milk duct blockage is left untreated, it may lead to worsening breast pain, acute mastitis, formation of breast abscesses, impaired milk production, and difficulties with breastfeeding. Without timely intervention, it could have long-term effects on breast health. If symptoms such as high fever, redness, swelling, and severe breast pain occur, immediate medical attention is recommended. Milk continues to accumulate in the mammary ducts.
If milk duct blockage is left untreated, it may lead to worsening breast pain, acute mastitis, formation of breast abscesses, impaired milk production, and difficulties with breastfeeding. If symptoms such as high fever, redness, swelling, and severe breast pain occur, prompt medical attention is recommended.
1. Worsening breast pain: Continued accumulation of milk within the mammary ducts increases pressure in breast tissue, causing progressively more intense pain. The discomfort becomes more pronounced upon touch or movement, significantly affecting daily activities and rest.
2. Acute mastitis: Stagnant milk provides a favorable environment for bacterial growth. As bacteria multiply, they can trigger inflammation of the breast, resulting in redness, swelling, warmth, and local pain, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and chills.
3. Breast abscess formation: If acute mastitis is not controlled, the infection may progress further, leading to necrosis and liquefaction of breast tissue and the development of an abscess. This condition causes severe pain and typically requires treatment through needle aspiration or surgical incision and drainage.
4. Impaired milk production: Prolonged milk duct blockage can compress breast tissue and disrupt normal glandular function, potentially reducing milk supply over time or even causing milk regression, thereby interfering with breastfeeding.
5. Breastfeeding difficulties: Blocked ducts hinder smooth milk ejection, making it difficult for infants to extract sufficient milk during nursing. This may lead to infant irritability or refusal to feed, while mothers may also avoid breastfeeding due to pain, creating a vicious cycle.
To prevent these complications, it is important to breastfeed regularly or use a breast pump to fully empty the breasts and avoid milk stasis. Clean the nipples with warm water before and after feeding to maintain hygiene. For mild cases of blocked ducts, applying warm compresses and gently massaging the breasts can help restore duct patency.
