What should I do if my breasts are swollen, painful, and not producing milk?

Written by Zhao Yang

Breast Surgery

Updated on September 18, 2024

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Breast engorgement and blocked milk flow can be attributed to the accumulation of milk. The simplest method to alleviate this is by clearing the milk ducts. You can either allow the baby to nurse more frequently or use a breast pump to assist. The most effective solution is to seek help from a lactation consultant or a professional medical practitioner to clear the ducts through milk expression. Both manual expression and nursing the baby are the best methods to relieve engorgement pain.

Other Voices

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Written by Wu Shi Ting

Breast Health Department

42sec

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How long will breast tenderness during pregnancy last?

Many early-stage pregnant mothers suffer from breast tenderness, leading to frequent inquiries about how long this discomfort will last. The duration of breast tenderness varies from person to person; no two cases are exactly the same. Generally, as the pregnancy progresses and enters the mid-term, the continuously rising hormone levels will stabilize, and the breast discomfort will significantly ease. Therefore, pregnant mothers should not worry too much. Relax, pay attention to your physical condition, and if the pain becomes unbearable, consider seeking help from a doctor at the hospital.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

51sec

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Is bilateral breast pain breast cancer?

Bilateral breast pain generally is not considered breast cancer, but rather breast hyperplasia. Diagnosis can be confirmed through breast ultrasound and mammography. The ultrasound of breast hyperplasia typically shows uneven low echo areas; if cysts are present, they appear as anechoic areas. Mammography may display a ground-glass or cotton wool-like shadow. However, it is important to be cautious of the possibility that breast hyperplasia and breast cancer may coexist. On one hand, patients with significant hyperplasia should be closely followed up, advised to return to the hospital every two to three months for follow-up examinations. On the other hand, patients with significant proliferative lumps or unclear boundaries in thickened breast areas are recommended to undergo a biopsy of the suspicious lesions to prevent misdiagnosis.

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Written by Wu Shi Ting

Breast Health Department

48sec

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How to deal with breast distention and pain?

There are many reasons for breast pain, and the methods of treatment vary according to the different causes. During our adolescence, before menstruation, and during pregnancy, many people experience breast pain, which is often caused by hormonal changes in the body. Generally, the symptoms are not particularly severe, so there is no need for excessive worry or special treatment. However, many diseases can also cause breast pain, such as mastitis during breastfeeding, fibrocystic breast changes, and various breast tumors, all of which may lead to breast discomfort and require significant attention. Therefore, it is recommended that patients with breast pain seek timely medical examination to identify the cause and receive targeted treatment.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

1min 9sec

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What is the cause of breast swelling and pain?

Breast pain is generally related to breast hyperplasia, and it can be diagnosed through the use of breast ultrasound or mammography. Currently, breast hyperplasia is believed to be associated with disruptions in the endocrine system leading to elevated levels of estrogen. Factors such as the external environment, work and living conditions, interpersonal relations, and various other stresses that cause neuropsychiatric impacts can alter the internal environment of the body. This, in turn, affects the function of the endocrine system, leading to abnormal secretion of one or more hormones. During the menstrual cycle, the receptors in the breast tissue undergo cyclical changes due to the fluctuation of hormone levels. An imbalance where estrogen levels are high and progesterone secretion is reduced can result in incomplete regression of breast hyperplasia after the growth phase, causing breast tissue hyperplasia. Additionally, differences in the quality and quantity of estrogen receptors in the breast tissue may contribute to uneven growth levels across different parts of the breast.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

1min 14sec

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Can you drink dandelion water for breast pain and swelling?

Breast swelling and pain can be treated with dandelion water, but the treatment effect for breast swelling and pain is not good. The swelling and pain in the breasts are often related to hormonal imbalances that lead to increased levels of estrogen. Typically, we use traditional Chinese medicine to treat this condition. By regulating liver functions and harmonizing the Chong and Ren meridians, we can alleviate pain and treat breast hyperplasia. Endocrine treatments are also available, though not typically preferred. However, they can be used before menstruation in pre-menopausal women with significant pain, and regular pelvic ultrasound monitoring is needed when using endocrine therapy. Vitamins can be used for treatment, including vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which improve liver function, regulate basal metabolism, and enhance autonomic nervous system functions, acting as adjunct therapies for this condition. In recent years, vitamins have also been recognized for their pain-relieving effects. If breast swelling and pain occur, it is necessary to visit a legitimate hospital for breast ultrasound and regular mammographic examinations.