Mammary duct ectasia is a benign condition in which the milk ducts get blocked by an excess filling of fluid. The ducts become more widened and thickened which causes the thinning of its innermost layers. This condition usually does not show any symptoms. If it does, then symptoms are pain, discomfort, a sensation of the lump in the area near the nipples and thick greenish discharge from the nipple. Mammary duct ectasia resolves by itself without treatment. Antibiotics, pain medications and rarely surgery can treat the condition. There are few natural treatments discussed below by which the condition can be managed successfully.
Natural Treatment For Mammary Duct Ectasia
Below mentioned are some of the natural treatments for mammary duct ectasia:
A Warm Bath or Warm Compresses– a warm bath or shower can reduce the inflammation. An application of warm compresses around the nipple and neighboring area can reduce the pain and is a natural treatment for mammary duct ectasia.
Breast Pads– A natural treatment for mammary duct ectasia is the use of breast pads or nursing pads as they can absorb the discharges of the breast.
Support Bra – it is advisable to use support bra that can minimize the discomfort of the breast.
Sleeping Position– it is better to avoid sleeping on the same side of the affected breast. This will ease your discomfort and will help to prevent swelling.
Smoking-smoking provokes the condition as it interferes with any treatment. It also induces recurrent infections and abscess formation in the body.
Other Applications– when you apply coconut oil or potatoes or lavender tea packs on the breast can relieve the swelling.
Diet– Diet is a natural treatment for mammary duct ectasia. Garlic, pineapple juice or sunflower lecithin has the potential to reduce inflammation and risk of clogging.
Probiotics– probiotics are better alternatives than antibiotics and are a natural treatment for mammary duct ectasia. They treat any infection of the breast and also prevent its recurrence.
Mammary duct ectasia is a noncancerous benign condition of the breast which is characterized by the blocking of the ducts by a thick sticky fluid beneath the nipple. The ducts become dilated (widen), shorter and engorged with a fluid. The fluid, filled in the ducts, is thick and sticky which often discharge through nipples. The excess filling of the fluid may lead to clogging of the milk ducts and result in irritation and inflammation of the duct.
Its exact cause is not known. But inverted nipple growing age mostly premenopausal age and smoking are the risk factors that can trigger the condition.
Mammary duct ectasia does not show any sign or symptom. If it represents any symptom; you may experience the following-
- Discharges from one or both the nipples may appear due to continuous clogging of the duct. The discharge is a dirty and sticky fluid that can be white, green or black in color.
- It may cause pain and tenderness in the nipple and around the nipple
- Redness near the nipple and neighboring area may be present. The nipple may turn inward.
- Hard breast lump or thickening may appear near the blocked duct.
Treatment
Mammary duct ectasia gets improved by itself. When the symptoms do not go by themselves and are troublesome, then they require treatment. It includes-
Antibiotics- antibiotics help to treat the infections caused by the disease. It is recommended to take the antibiotics as the prescription to gain full action of the medicine and avoid resistance against the antibiotic. It is usually prescribed for 10- 14 days.
Pain Medicines– anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are prescribed to control inflammation and pain.
Surgery– surgery is helpful when antibiotics and pain medicines fail to provide relief.
Conclusion
Mammary duct ectasia is marked by the blocking of the milk ducts near the nipple. It is a self-limiting disorder, still, it may require treatment in some cases. it is treated by antibiotics, pain medicines and surgery (in rare cases). Warm compresses, support bra with breast pads, cessation of smoking, management of sleeping positions and many others discussed above are the natural treatment options of the disorder.
Also Read:
- What Causes Mammary Duct Ectasia?
- Is Mammary Duct Ectasia Cancerous?
- Home Remedies For Mammary Duct Ectasia
- How Do You Treat Mammary Duct Ectasia?
- Is There A Diet For Mammary Duct Ectasia?
- What Are The Complications Of Mammary Duct Ectasia?
- What is the Alternative Treatment For Mammary Duct Ectasia?
