How to Overcome Swollen Breasts
Sunday 8 January 2023
The breast has four main tissues, namely fatty tissue, connective tissue, glands and milk ducts. If there is interference with the breast tissue, for example due to blocked milk ducts, the breasts can become swollen.
When swollen, the breasts feel larger, the blood vessels sometimes appear more clearly, the skin texture becomes rough, and the breasts may feel warmer. This change in the shape of your breasts can make you feel sore.
Causes of Swollen Breasts
One of the common causes associated with swollen breasts is mastitis, which is an infection of the breast tissue that often occurs in nursing mothers. This infection is caused by bacteria that enter the milk ducts through sore nipples.
Wounds can appear due to the wrong position of feeding the baby, breastfeeding the baby too late, a bra that is too tight, or using breast cream on the nipple.
Another cause of swollen breasts is the menstrual cycle. These complaints usually appear together with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and occur due to hormonal changes in a woman's body before menstruation. Swelling and pain may occur in both breasts. This pain that can be felt every month will end when menopause arrives.
There is also swelling and pain in the breasts that occur outside of the menstrual period. This condition usually occurs in women aged 30–50 years. This breast pain and swelling tends to occur only in one breast, and can be caused by a cyst or fibroadenoma (a lump in the breast).
In addition to the conditions above, blockages in the lymphatic ducts of the breast, hormonal disorders, and breast cancer can also make the breasts swell.
Swollen Breast Management
How to deal with swollen breasts depends on the cause. If swollen breasts occur due to mastitis, treatment can be done in the following ways:
Compresses and breast massage
Compress the breasts with a towel that has been soaked in warm water for a few minutes, then do the massage when you want to breastfeed. After feeding the baby, compress the breast with cold water. To reduce the blockage, milk the swollen area first.
Empty the breast
Continuing to breastfeed is an important way of dealing with mastitis. Swollen breasts can occur because milk is not secreted. To empty the breast, feed the baby or do a breast pump. Look for a breastfeeding position that is correct and comfortable so that the milk flows smoothly.
Consult a doctor
If the blockage is still there within 8-12 hours, see a doctor immediately. Treatment of mastitis should be done as soon as possible. The doctor may prescribe pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol and antibiotics.
If swollen breasts occur during the menstrual cycle, this can be relieved through self-care at home, namely:
1. Warm compresses on the breast
Compress the breast with a towel that has been soaked in warm water. This warm temperature can relax tense muscles and help reduce pain. Apart from that, you can also take a warm bath or shower.
2. Cold compresses to the breast
Apart from warm water, you can also compress with a towel that has been soaked in cold water or wrap ice using a towel, then apply it to the swollen breasts. You can also use ice gel, which is usually found in breast milk bags.
3. Use a comfortable bra
A comfortable bra can help relieve pain and relieve pressure on the breasts. Avoid using underwire bras as long as your breasts are swollen and sore. If possible, wear a bra that fits and is comfortable while sleeping so it can support your breasts properly.
You can also wear a special sports bra (sports bra), because these bras are specifically designed to support your breasts and help protect them from pressure. Don't forget to always pay attention to the size of the bra that fits your breasts.
4. Pay attention to food and drink
When your breasts are swollen, you are advised to pay more attention to your food and drink intake. Reduce consuming fatty foods, such as fried foods, and replace them with fruits and vegetables. In addition, reduce consumption of caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate) and foods that are too salty.
5. Take painkillers
If the pain is really uncomfortable and doesn't get better after doing some of the tips above, you can take painkillers such as paracetamol.
If your breasts are swollen with unbearable pain, there is a lump on one side of your breast, or brown or bloody discharge comes from your nipples, consult a doctor immediately. This condition needs to be further examined by a doctor to ensure that swollen breasts are not caused by a serious medical condition.