Mastitis & Blocked Milk Ducts

Mastitis is an inflammation or infection of breast tissue that causes pain, swelling, warmth and redness in one or both breasts. It is common in breastfeeding women and usually occurs in the first few weeks. Causes can include oversupply of milk, blocked milk ducts, infection, and injury to the breast tissue.

Blocked ducts refers to a blockage in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple when breastfeeding. Early treatment is crucial to prevent breast engorgement and infective mastitis. Simple home strategies can help; seek advice for breastfeeding and exercise for lymph drainage. Therapeutic ultrasound is key treatment in helping clear the blockage.

Symptoms of Blocked Milk Ducts

The most common symptoms are:

• Tenderness
• Swollen
• Pink or red area
• Discomfort/pain when feeding or to touch
• Firm lump

Symptoms of Mastitis

The symptoms of mastitis can include the above symptoms of a blocked milk duct, and may also include:

• Fever
• Fatigue/aching
• Feeling generally unwell

How we Diagnose Mastitis and Blocked Milk Ducts

During your consult, we will discuss your symptoms and explore possible risk factors of mastitis or blocked milk ducts.

We may:

• Discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and other and other factors that might contribute to mastitis or blocked milk ducts
• Check the breast for other possible causes of your symptoms
• Recommend additional tests or a review with your GP
• How to Manage Mastitis and Blocked Milk Ducts at Home

How to manage mastitis and blocked ducts at home

You may be able to manage mastitis and blocked milk ducts with home strategies. It is safe and important for you to continue to breastfeed your baby.

You can help by gently massaging towards the nipple during feeding. If the breast is not fully drained at the end of the feed, you can express the remaining milk via hand expression. Using a breast pump is generally not recommended. Ensure your baby has latched on correctly and see a lactation consultant if you are unsure, or if you have recurring blocked ducts.

Strategies for home that may help include:

• Changing breastfeeding strategies
• Sometimes a simple change to the breastfeeding position can assist the blockage. Try lying on your side to breastfeed or pointing baby’s chin towards the blockage.
• Applying heat or cold compresses to the breast tissue
• Ease symptoms by using a warm flannel on your breast or having a hot bath or shower before breastfeeding. A cold pack after feeding can help reduce pain and inflammation of the breast.
• Wearing more comfortable clothing
• Avoid a tight-fitting bra or clothing that puts pressure on the breast.
• Over-the-counter painkillers and probiotics
• Painkillers including ibuprofen or paracetamol, and probiotics such as Qiara which have been studied to reduce the recurrence of breast pain and mastitis.

Treatment for Mastitis and Blocked Milk Ducts

This blog post can provide further education on how milk production works the role of women’s health physiotherapy. In most cases of blocked ducts, symptoms can be resolved in fewer than four short sessions.

If you have flu-like symptoms, we may refer you to your GP for further assessment and a possible course of antibiotics.

If you have breast pain, please book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists today. Our team is here to help!