A clogged duct is the obstruction of the mammary duct mainly during breastfeeding, and is caused by wearing a bra that is too tight, long intervals between feedings or excessive milk production, for example.
These conditions can lead to the formation of milk crystals that obstruct the passage of milk into the breast duct, causing symptoms such as a feeling of a hard lump in the breast, redness or pain in the breast.
Read too: Breast pain: 11 main causes (and what to do)
A blocked breast duct can be easily prevented by using suitable bras or increasing the frequency of feedings, however, if symptoms do not improve, you should consult an obstetrician, as obstruction of the duct can result in breast infections.
Clogged duct symptoms
The main symptoms of a blocked duct are:
- Pain or sensitivity in the region of the affected duct;
- Pain that may increase during or shortly after breastfeeding;
- Redness or darkening of the breast skin;
- Feeling of a hard lump when pressing on the breast;
- Thicker and stickier milk;
- Swelling or feeling of heat in the breast;
- Decrease or interruption of milk flow during breastfeeding.
Furthermore, it is common for women to have a milk bubble on their nipple when the duct is blocked and in cases of infection they may also have a fever or chills.
It is important to consult an obstetrician or mastologist if symptoms of a blocked duct appear, for appropriate guidance to promote unblocking of the duct, alleviate symptoms and avoid complications, such as mastitis.
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5 causes of blocked ducts
The main causes of blocked ducts in the breast are:
1. Wearing a bra that is too tight
Wearing a bra that is too tight can cause compression in the breasts and increase the risk of milk crystals forming in the duct, causing it to become blocked.
What to do: you should wear bras that are the right size for your breast and apply cold compresses to the area to relieve discomfort. If the pain does not improve, you should consult an obstetrician or mastologist, who may recommend analgesics, such as paracetamol, to relieve the pain.
2. Long gaps between feedings
Long intervals between feedings can also lead to blocked breast ducts, as low milk flow can promote the formation of crystals in the breast duct.
What to do: do not interrupt breastfeeding and breastfeed on demand, as the flow of milk helps to dissolve the milk crystals and unblock the duct. During breastfeeding it is important to use different positions and gently compress the breast, just behind the painful area.
Read too: 10 benefits of breastfeeding for your baby’s health
3. Excessive milk production
Clogged breast ducts can also be caused by excessive production of milk which can accumulate in the breast and lead to the formation of hard milk, also known as breast engorgement.
This usually happens in the first few days of breastfeeding, as milk production is greater. Understand better what breast engorgement is.
What to do: If the breast is very full of milk, you can offer the breast to the baby or gently express the milk with your hands to alleviate the discomfort. However, it is recommended not to breastfeed or express milk excessively, as it may worsen symptoms. Check out other ways to get rid of frozen milk.
4. Incorrect breast latch
When the baby has an incorrect attachment to the breast, the flow and release of milk does not occur properly, which can increase the risk of a blocked breast duct.
What to do: To have a good latch on to the breast, you must position the baby with his mouth at the nipple level. Then, the baby must move so that he/she grasps the nipple and areola of the breast, remaining with the chin against the chest and the nose free to breathe. See how to breastfeed correctly.
Read too: 6 best positions for breastfeeding
5. Applying too much pressure when massaging
Applying too much pressure when massaging the breast can result in obstruction of the breast duct due to damage or scarring of the breast tissue.
Additionally, putting too much pressure on the breast when massaging can increase the risk of inflammation.
What to do: Gently massage the chest, with the palm of your hand, making circular movements, without putting too much pressure.
When to go to the doctor
It is important for a woman to consult an obstetrician or mastologist when symptoms of a blocked duct last for more than 48 hours or when symptoms such as:
- Breast hardening;
- Fever above 38ºC;
- Chills;
- General malaise.
These symptoms may be suggestive of a breast infection, called mastitis, which must be treated with medical advice, and the use of medication to relieve pain or antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria may be recommended. See how mastitis is treated.
Can the duct become blocked outside of breastfeeding?
The breast duct can become clogged outside of breastfeeding, and occurs due to an accumulation of fluid in the duct, a health condition called mammary duct ectasia.
This causes the duct to become wider and thicker, which favors the accumulation of liquids.
Breast duct ectasia is a relatively common condition and can disappear spontaneously or be treated by a breast specialist with the use of medication or surgery in the most severe cases.
How to prevent
Some ways to prevent blocked ducts are:
- Avoid wearing tight bras or tight underwires or straps;
- Avoid bras and tight or tight clothing or baby carriers;
- Breastfeed frequently and on demand;
- Completely empty the breast after each feeding;
- Check that the baby has a good latch on to the breast.
Additionally, positions that place too much weight or pressure on the breast during breastfeeding should be avoided.
Read too: How to solve 6 common breastfeeding problems
