What should I do if I have breast engorgement and lumps during postpartum confinement?

Written by Zhao Su Min
Obstetrics
Updated on November 16, 2024
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Postpartum breast engorgement and pain with lumps may indicate milk stasis within the breast. It is recommended to let the child suckle more. If the engorgement and pain persist due to a significant amount of residual milk, you can manually express the milk or use an electric breast pump to remove it to prevent the accumulation of milk, which can lead to mastitis. If the pain is severe and accompanied by fever, it is advised to stop breastfeeding from that side and seek medical attention promptly. If necessary, oral anti-inflammatory medication may be administered. During the postpartum period, care should be taken to avoid putting pressure on the breasts.

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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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What causes breast pain after menopause?

After menstruation stops, if there are symptoms of breast pain and swelling, one should first consider whether it is related to pregnancy, as hormonal changes during pregnancy often lead to such symptoms. Some people experience breast pain and swelling due to ovulation, which is a typical symptom for many before menstruation. Occasionally, ovulation may be delayed, thus delaying the symptoms of breast pain and swelling. Others might experience these symptoms in relation to factors such as excessive staying up late, high stress, or considerable pressure. It is common to undergo hormonal tests and breast ultrasound examinations in such cases.

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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.

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What causes breast pain before menstruation?

In clinical practice, I often hear complaints from female friends that they experience breast tenderness before menstruation. What exactly is the cause of this? Mild breast tenderness may be due to hormonal changes in the body, which is a normal physiological condition. Of course, it could also be caused by diseases, such as the most common fibrocystic breast change, which is associated with cyclical breast pain during the menstrual cycle. There are also other diseases that can cause cyclical breast pain, and it is important to pay attention to them. Especially in cases of severe pain, or when even light touch causes significant discomfort, we recommend visiting a hospital for relevant examinations as soon as possible.

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What is the cause of breast pain before menstruation?

If breast pain occurs before menstruation, it is likely due to stagnation of liver qi, caused by discomfort of liver qi. Initially, one can use some traditional Chinese medicines that soothe the liver and regulate qi for treatment, which are very helpful in alleviating these symptoms. It is also important to avoid frequent anger, anxiety, and excessive heat, as these can affect menstruation and lead to breast pain during this period. If symptoms of premenstrual breast pain recur, it is also necessary to visit a hospital for a detailed examination, and an ultrasound of the breast can be performed to check for any breast lumps or related symptoms.