Breast Redness, Swelling, Pain, and Lump: Causes and Treatments

Breast redness, swelling, pain, and the presence of a lump can be caused by mastitis or breast hyperplasia. Regardless of the underlying cause, it is essential to seek prompt medical attention and undergo appropriate treatment. Regular exercise can help improve blood circulation, and warm compresses can also be used to alleviate discomfort. It is advisable to avoid excessive stress, maintain a light diet, and refrain from consuming spicy or irritating foods.

How to Address Breast Redness, Swelling, Pain, and Lump?

These symptoms often occur during breastfeeding, possibly due to milk stasis resulting in mastitis. Antimicrobial therapy may be prescribed, along with the use of blood-activating and stasis-resolving medications to reduce swelling and relieve pain. In cases of breast hyperplasia following weaning, the approach to treatment involves managing psychological stress and buffering pressure for mild pain. For severe pain, traditional Chinese medicine is recommended, and regular follow-up is essential.

Causes of Breast Hyperplasia

Breast hyperplasia can arise from various causes leading to an imbalance in endocrine hormone metabolism, elevated estrogen levels, excessive breast tissue proliferation, and incomplete regression. Over time, the proliferative breast tissue may not fully resolve, resulting in breast hyperplasia.

Symptoms of Mastitis

Mastitis is a common condition among women and can be classified into different types based on its etiology, including acute suppurative mastitis, lacteal duct fistula, and plasma cell mastitis. Acute suppurative mastitis is the most common form and often occurs during breastfeeding, especially within 1-2 months after childbirth in first-time mothers. It is also known as acute lactation mastitis or puerperal suppurative mastitis in traditional Chinese medicine. The incidence of acute mastitis in first-time mothers can be as high as 2%-4%, twice that of experienced mothers. The condition is caused by milk stasis complicated by bacterial infection, presenting with acute inflammatory symptoms such as redness, swelling, heat, pain, chills, and high fever. Early management includes manual milk expression and traditional Chinese medicine treatment. Surgical intervention, such as incision and drainage, may be necessary in cases of abscess formation. Mastitis can be a distressing condition for mothers, affecting their ability to breastfeed and potentially impacting the health of their infants. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt preventive measures during the later stages of pregnancy and maintain good postpartum care to reduce the risk of developing acute mastitis.