Breast aches and is warmer to the touch - plugged duct?

[mariacm]

I am nursing my 13 mo old, about 6 full feedings a day, every 3 hours or so.  Today the top half of one breast hurts, like an ache, and is warmer to the touch than the rest of my skin.  I can't feel any lumps on palpation.  Does this sound like a plugged duct?  The only one I've had before was an obvious lump before the pain started and a much smaller area was hurting.

TIA!

ps. Could it already be infected even tho symptoms only started today?

[mariacm]

Bumping...

anyone?   I'm wondering if I should worry about this, or do anything specific to try to treat...

[Chamomile Girl]

THe only time I had this happen to me it ended up being mastitis.  Plugged ducts always have a hard spot IME.

I would up the Vit-C and make sure you get enough sleep if you can.  The latter is huge for me...I staved off a nasty infection the second time because I demanded my partner let me sleep.

If it is mastitis most medical folks will prescribe antibiotics over the phone.

[Limabean1975]

Sounds like a plugged duct to me.  I have had many many plugged ducts that did NOT get hot, but a few that did, that never turned into anything I required professional treatment for.  Massage, comb (with a thick toothed comb), apply ice for pain relief (and take ibuprofen if you want). massage and comb in warm shower, try warm compresses, drink plenty, and relax if you can.   Consult kellymom.com for more tips.  

[mariacm]

Thank you both for your replies.  Sounds like it could be either mastitis or plugged duct.  Hoping no AB required!  Will tell DH to help out more tonight over night!  ;-) 

[motherhendoula]

Treat yourself like you are coming down with a cold - extra fluids, extra rest, hot showers or compresses on the affected area and NURSE on that side as often as you can.  Both mastitis and plugged ducts can occur when we are run down ...and it 'tis the season - to be worn out and run down!

[Anna's Lovey]

If you can, get yourself some lecithin. I've had quite a few clogged ducts(not fun) and lots of lecithin, rest, and hot compresses always did the trick. 

good luck.