What is a plugged duct?
Each breast contains a complex system of milk (mammary) ducts that convey the milk from the milk secreting glands, called alveoli, to the nipple. Certain conditions can lead to a milk duct becoming temporarily pluggedor blocked. The blockage then causes milk to backlog in the breast; pressure builds up and the milk leaks into adjoining tissue, causing a tender, lumpy area in the breast. A plugged duct is more commonly found where there is an oversupply of milk from breast engorgement, missed feeds or the breast not being fully emptied, OR where some form of constriction prevents the milk from passing through a duct to the nipple. Occasionally a tiny white plug can be seen at the opening of the nipple, but a plugged (blocked) duct can also develop further back in the breast. Although it can be painful a plugged duct is not a serious condition. As there is no infection involved women generally feel well. However, if left untreated a plugged duct may lead to mastitis (but not always).
