Abstract
The term “plugged duct” has been commonly used for decades among lactating individuals and lactation professionals to describe a swollen region of the breast associated with insufficient milk flow.1–3
According to the 2022 Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol Mastitis Spectrum, 4 the term “plugged ducts” mischaracterizes the pathology that it is meant to represent, leading to worsened outcomes because of attempts to “massage out” or “draw out” plugs in ducts. Although there are cases where gentle expression may rapidly improve an area of over-fullness, that is more the exception than the rule. The reason areas of the breast feel “plugged” is because of regional edema that prevents milk from coursing through the ductal tissue.
This condition would be more appropriately termed regional breast congestion or possibly focal breast swelling. Using accurate terminology will help breastfeeding medicine physicians and other providers convey accurate pathology and thus reasonable management. In addition, allied health professionals and the lay public will reframe their understanding of what is happening in the breast so that appropriate breast care is promoted. Only then can we prevent severe complications due to clinical mismanagement.
Disclosure Statement
No competing financial interests exist.
Funding Information
No funding was received for this article.