Can an ice pack be applied for breast swelling and pain?

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on November 28, 2024
00:00
00:00

Breast pain is generally not treated with cold compresses using ice packs; instead, hot compresses can be considered. Breast pain caused by fibrocystic changes can be treated with traditional Chinese medicine. Methods such as soothing the liver and regulating the Qi, and harmonizing the thoroughfare and conception vessels can relieve pain. Endocrine therapy is also an option, though preferably minimized. It can be taken before menstruation in cases of significant pre-menopausal pain. Vitamin treatment, including vitamins B, C, and E, can improve liver function, regulate basal metabolic rate, and enhance autonomic nerve functionality, and thus can be used as auxiliary medication for this condition. In recent years, vitamin E is also considered to have pain-relieving effects. For those with a family history of breast cancer, or when the lesion is confined to a part of the breast and a noticeable lump persists after the menstrual period, a biopsy via fine-needle aspiration or MammoTome rotational biopsy may be conducted, and surgical treatment may be necessary if required.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
39sec home-news-image

Breast pain and bleeding after intercourse, what could be the reason?

Breast pain and nipple bleeding during intercourse are considered types of nipple discharge, possibly caused by intraductal papilloma or chronic inflammation of the ducts. Diagnosis can be made through mammography or ductoscopy. Generally, we choose ductoscopy, which allows direct observation on a computer screen whether the cause is inflammation or intraductal papilloma. If the issue is solely inflammation, it can be treated by flushing through ductoscopy. If intraductal papilloma is suspected, ductoscopy can be used to collect a tissue sample for pathology to determine whether it is due to intraductal papilloma or cancer within the ducts.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
40sec home-news-image

What should I do if my breasts are swollen and painful and I can't pump milk out?

If breast pain has already occurred, it is still necessary to actively treat the symptoms. Normally, if the milk cannot be completely extracted after stimulation, it is possible that a blockage in the milk ducts may be occurring. It is generally recommended to apply local heat and massage to the breasts before pumping. These treatments can effectively promote local blood circulation and help the milk ducts to clear, facilitating the complete extraction of milk. If there is continuous non-discharge of milk causing local breast swelling, it's necessary to consider the possibility of mastitis and seek medical advice promptly to receive appropriate treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 2sec home-news-image

What causes breast pain after menopause?

When experiencing delayed menstruation and symptoms of breast tenderness, the first consideration should be related to pregnancy. As long as there has been sexual activity, whether contraception was used or not, a pregnancy test should be conducted. However, not all cases of ceased menstruation and breast tenderness are related to pregnancy; some people may experience these symptoms before their period, which can only be differentiated by medical examination. If menstruation has stopped for two weeks and pregnancy is still ruled out upon re-examination, then intervention should be considered. An ultrasound should be performed. For some, symptoms of breast tenderness may be related to staying up late, excessive stress, the tightness of bras, or breast hyperplasia, among other factors.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
58sec home-news-image

How to treat mastitis and breast pain

For breast pain caused by mastitis during milk engorgement, we can use hot compresses and massage to fully expel the milk. Locally, a 25% magnesium sulfate poultice can be applied for 20 minutes, three times a day. After breastfeeding, cold compresses can be used to reduce the pain caused by milk engorgement. In cases of mastitis, it is important to keep the nipple clean, frequently washing with soap and warm water. Before and after breastfeeding, the nipples can also be washed with 3% boric acid solution. For inverted nipples, gently squeeze out the nipple before cleaning. However, it is not advisable to wipe with ethanol, as ethanol can make the skin of the nipple and areola brittle, leading to fissures. Develop good breastfeeding habits, feed at regular intervals, ensure the milk is fully drawn each time, and if not, manually express or use a breast pump to remove the milk.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 22sec home-news-image

What to do about breast pain before menstruation?

Under normal circumstances, if there is also breast swelling and pain usually, it is essential to go to the hospital for an ultrasound to check if there is breast hyperplasia or any organic breast diseases. If organic diseases are excluded, premenstrual breast swelling and pain are generally considered clinically, and traditional Chinese medicine believes that the liver meridian accumulates in the breast. For example, patients who are prone to anger or have liver depression and qi stagnation may experience premenstrual breast swelling and pain. At this time, treatment can generally involve taking some liver-soothing and depression-relieving medicine, such as Xiao Yao Wan, Ru Ning tablets, and other medicines for symptomatic treatment. Occasional one or two instances are not a big problem, but if premenstrual breast swelling and pain occur frequently, it is definitely necessary to take medicine for symptomatic treatment, as this condition is generally related to liver meridian and liver depression qi stagnation.