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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffTo relieve discomfort associated with mammary duct ectasia, you might try these self-care measures:
- Apply warm compresses. A warm compress applied to your nipple area can reduce the pain and swelling often caused by mammary duct ectasia.
- Wear a bra pad. If you have nipple discharge, wear a bra pad or nursing pad to keep the fluid from leaking through your clothing. These pads are available at drugstores and at most retail stores with a large selection of baby-care products.
- Wear a support bra. Wear a bra with good support to keep your breasts more secure and help reduce breast discomfort. Also, a support bra can help keep bra pads in place if you have nipple discharge.
- Sleep on the opposite side. Try not to sleep on the side of your affected breast. This helps to prevent further discomfort and to keep any swelling down.
- Stop smoking. Smoking may make it harder to treat an infection, and ongoing smoking may result in recurrent infections or an abscess.
References
- Non-cancerous breast conditions. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6X_Non_Cancerous_Breast_Conditions_59.asp?sitearea=CRI&viewmode=print&. Accessed May 14, 2010.
- Hari S, et al. Bilateral severe mammary duct ectasia. Acta Radiologica. 2007;48:398.
- Understanding breast changes: A health guide for women. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understanding-breast-changes. Accessed May 14, 2010.
- Rosen PP. Inflammatory and reactive tumors. In: Rosen PP. Rosen's Breast Pathology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:33.
- Guray M, et al. Benign breast diseases: Classification, diagnosis, and management. The Oncologist. 2006;11:435.
- Santen RJ, et al. Benign breast disorders. New England Journal of Medicine. 2005;353:275.
- Miltenberg DM, et al. Benign breast disease. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2008;35:285.
- Pruthi SP (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 19, 2010.
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