How do I know the difference between....

JMC11511

a clogged duct and mastitis? My right breast has always had lower supply than the left. I had surgery to remove a cyst when I was 15 and I suspect some of the plumbing got messed up in there. Anyway, I've had a clogged duct before, or at least I thought it was a clogged duct. It's a hard lump from the very top of my right breast about 1.5 inches from armpit, all the way over to the left into my cleavage, and it goes all the way down my breast. It is a little warm, but I would not say it's hotter than usual. It is not red, and there are no streaks. I do not have a fever and am not feeling sick in any way. My breast is just very sore and very painful. LO has been starting his feedings on that side all day, but gets pretty frustrated because there is not much coming out. We do weighed feedings because of previous supply issues and twice today he has only been able to get 1/2 an ounce from the right side. SIL suggested I think about seeing a doctor because it could be mastitis as opposed to a milk duct. How can I determine the difference? Or should I go ahead and see a doctor? 

jlsimon56

Clogged ducts can lead to mastitis.  The symptoms of mastitis are the fever, etc. - basically, flu-like symptoms.  If you don't have those, it's not mastitis.  BUT you do have a clogged duct.  Make sure you're nursing on that side as much as possible.  Take a hot shower, do compressions, etc.  I have had clogged ducts last for daaaays but never have gotten mastitis.  

lolosmom

I've had both - it sounds like a clogged duct - they can be very painful!  Mastitis is an infection in the breast, you likely have flu like symptoms - chills, fever, sometimes red streaking/blotchy on the breast.

 Take a hot shower...check your nipple to see if you have anything clogging a duct - sometime milk can get dried and crusted in the cracks.  After that while you have the hot water running, start massaging the hard spot from the top by your arm pit and working your way down to the nipple.  It's painful, but basically you have to push the clog out.

lraley

I agree with pp.  I had mastitis twice.  When nursing you really have to massage the area vigorously.  It is painful, but it will work the clog out and prevent you from getting mastitis.