What is the difference between a plugged duct and a Breast Infection?
A tender, sore spot or lump on one of your breasts without having a fever is usually plugged duct. A plugged duct may be the cause if: • It comes on gradually • The spot changes from one area to another. • Your breast does not feel warm or hot where the spot is. • The pain is mild and stays just in the area of the lump. • You feel O.K. other than the sore spot on your breast. • Your fever is less than 38.4C (101F) For a breast infection it may: • Happen all of a sudden. • Stay in the same spot. • Cause the breast to be red, hot, and swollen. • Really hurt in one spot. • Cause flu-like symptoms. • Cause a fever that is higher than 38.4C (101F) You may also have the following, which may mean a breast infection: • A crack in your nipple with redness and swelling around it. • You may notice blood or pus in the milk. • There are red streaks coming from the sore spot on your breast. Treatment: • Nurse frequently on the breast with the discomfort (at least every 2 hours) to help keep the milk
