What are swollen glands and what causes them. How can you recognize swollen glands. When should you seek medical attention for swollen glands. What are the treatment options for swollen glands.

What Are Swollen Glands and Why Do They Occur?

Swollen glands, medically known as lymphadenopathy, refer to the enlargement of lymph nodes. These small, bean-shaped structures are part of the body’s lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in fighting infections and diseases. When the body detects a threat, such as a virus or bacteria, lymph nodes can swell as they work to filter out harmful substances.

Lymph nodes are located throughout the body, with large clusters found in the neck, armpits, and groin. While normally about half an inch in diameter, they can swell to two or three times their usual size when the body is combating an illness.

Common Causes of Swollen Glands

• Viral infections (e.g., mononucleosis)
• Bacterial infections (e.g., strep throat)
• Skin infections
• Ear infections
• Dental issues (infected teeth or mouth sores)
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Autoimmune conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
• Certain medications or vaccinations
• Cancer (e.g., lymphoma, leukemia)

Recognizing the Symptoms of Swollen Glands

Identifying swollen glands is an important step in determining whether you need medical attention. Here are some key symptoms to look out for:

• Visible or palpable lumps, especially in the neck, armpit, or groin
• Tenderness or pain when pressure is applied
• Warm, red, or swollen skin over the affected area
• A “lumpy” feeling when touching the glands
• Accompanying symptoms such as sore throat, fever, or mouth sores

Can swollen glands be painless? Yes, in some cases, swollen lymph nodes may be hard, painless, and immovable. These characteristics could be warning signs of more serious conditions and should be examined by a healthcare professional.

Diagnosing the Underlying Cause of Swollen Glands

When you visit a doctor for swollen glands, they will likely perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history. Depending on the suspected cause, additional tests may be necessary:

• Blood tests to check for infections or autoimmune disorders
• Imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds
• Biopsy of the lymph node if cancer is suspected

How long do swollen glands typically last? The duration can vary depending on the underlying cause. In many cases, swollen glands due to minor infections may resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, persistent swelling lasting more than two weeks warrants medical attention.

Treatment Options for Swollen Glands

The treatment for swollen glands depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, home remedies can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing:

Home Remedies

• Applying warm, wet compresses to the affected area
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Getting plenty of rest to support the body’s healing process
• Staying hydrated to help flush toxins from the body

Are there any natural remedies for swollen glands? Some people find relief using natural remedies such as herbal teas, honey, or essential oils. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.

Medical Treatments

If the swollen glands are caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. For viral infections, supportive care is typically recommended as antibiotics are not effective against viruses. In cases of underlying autoimmune disorders or cancer, more specialized treatments may be necessary.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Swollen Glands

While many cases of swollen glands resolve on their own, certain symptoms indicate the need for professional medical evaluation:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• High fever (above 104°F or 40°C)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats
• Persistent swelling lasting more than two weeks
• Hard, immovable lymph nodes
• Reddened skin over the swollen area

Should you be concerned about swollen glands that don’t go away? Persistent swelling could indicate a more serious underlying condition and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Swollen Glands in Specific Populations

Certain groups may experience swollen glands differently or be at higher risk for complications:

Children and Swollen Glands

Children are more prone to swollen glands due to their developing immune systems and frequent exposure to infections in school settings. Common childhood illnesses like strep throat or ear infections often cause swollen lymph nodes.

Is it safe to give aspirin to children with swollen glands? No, it’s important to avoid giving aspirin to children, as it can increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition. Consult with a pediatrician for appropriate pain relief options.

Swollen Glands in Adults with Chronic Conditions

Adults with chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, or lupus may experience swollen glands as part of their underlying disease. Regular check-ups and communication with healthcare providers are crucial for managing these symptoms effectively.

Prevention and Long-Term Management of Swollen Glands

While it’s not always possible to prevent swollen glands, certain lifestyle choices can support overall lymphatic health and reduce the risk of infections:

• Maintaining good hygiene practices
• Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients
• Staying physically active to promote lymph circulation
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques
• Getting adequate sleep to support immune function

Can lifestyle changes help prevent swollen glands? While they may not prevent all instances of swollen glands, healthy lifestyle choices can strengthen your immune system and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of swollen lymph nodes.

Understanding the Connection Between Swollen Glands and Other Health Conditions

Swollen glands can sometimes be indicative of underlying health conditions beyond common infections. For example, persistent or recurrent swollen lymph nodes may be associated with:

Autoimmune Disorders

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the lymph nodes. In these cases, swollen glands may be one of many symptoms experienced by patients.

How can you differentiate between swollen glands caused by infection versus autoimmune disorders? While it can be challenging to distinguish based on symptoms alone, autoimmune-related swelling tends to be more persistent and may be accompanied by other systemic symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, or skin rashes.

Cancer

Certain types of cancer, particularly lymphomas and leukemias, can cause swollen lymph nodes. These swollen glands are often painless and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fatigue.

Does having swollen glands always indicate cancer? No, most cases of swollen glands are not related to cancer. However, persistent, painless swelling, especially when accompanied by other concerning symptoms, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Chronic Infections

Some infections, such as HIV or tuberculosis, can cause chronic or recurrent swelling of lymph nodes. Regular medical check-ups and appropriate testing are crucial for individuals with persistent swollen glands to rule out these underlying conditions.

The Role of Diagnostic Imaging in Evaluating Swollen Glands

When swollen glands require further investigation, various imaging techniques may be employed to gain a better understanding of the underlying cause:

Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to create detailed images of soft tissues, including lymph nodes. This non-invasive technique can help determine the size, shape, and internal structure of swollen glands.

CT Scan

Computed tomography (CT) scans provide cross-sectional images of the body, allowing doctors to visualize lymph nodes in relation to surrounding structures. This can be particularly useful in cases where cancer is suspected.

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers detailed soft tissue imaging and can be helpful in evaluating complex cases of lymphadenopathy.

How do doctors decide which imaging technique to use for swollen glands? The choice of imaging modality depends on various factors, including the location of the swollen glands, the suspected underlying cause, and the patient’s overall health status.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Understanding Swollen Glands

As medical science advances, researchers continue to explore new aspects of lymph node function and the implications of swollen glands:

Immunotherapy and Lymph Nodes

Recent studies have focused on the role of lymph nodes in cancer immunotherapy. Understanding how these treatments interact with the lymphatic system could lead to more effective cancer therapies.

Genetic Factors

Ongoing research is investigating genetic predispositions that may make some individuals more prone to developing swollen glands or related conditions.

Novel Diagnostic Tools

Scientists are working on developing new, non-invasive methods for assessing lymph node health and function, which could lead to earlier detection of various diseases.

What potential breakthroughs in swollen gland research might we see in the coming years? While it’s difficult to predict specific outcomes, advancements in areas such as personalized medicine, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence may revolutionize how we diagnose and treat conditions related to swollen glands.

In conclusion, understanding swollen glands is crucial for maintaining overall health and recognizing potential warning signs of underlying conditions. By staying informed about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for swollen glands, individuals can make informed decisions about their health and seek appropriate medical care when necessary. As research continues to evolve, we can look forward to improved diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for managing swollen glands and related health issues.

Swollen Glands – Auckland ENT

What are swollen glands?

“Swollen glands” refer to swollen lymph nodes, indicating that the body is fighting an infection or some other type of illness. This condition is typically characterised by sore throat, headache and fatigue.

What are lymph nodes and what is their purpose?

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped masses of tissue components of a large lymphatic system. We have hundreds of lymph nodes located throughout our body. They help our body battle infections and other diseases. When lymphatic fluid moves through our body, viruses, bacteria and other harmful substances are trapped by the lymphocytes (immune cells) within the lymph glands and are destroyed. This keeps the pathogens from spreading further.

Tonsils are lymph tissues and can become swollen and inflamed to fight illnesses like tonsillitis. This condition, though more common among children, may occur among adults as well. Swollen lymph nodes may be felt in different areas of the body, like behind the ears, under the jaw, the lower part of the back of the head, armpits and the groin area.  

What are the causes and concerns?

Following are the most common causes of swollen glands:

• Viral infections, including mononucleosis, or “mono”
• Skin infections
• Ear infections
• Bacterial infections, including strep throat
• Infected teeth or mouth sores
• Sexually transmitted diseases, also known as STDs
• Immunodeficiency conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), HIV infections and lupus
• Possible side effects from certain medication or vaccines
• Cancers like Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukaemia and breast cancer

When the swollen glands are soft, tender and moveable, it typically indicates inflammation or infection. Hard, painless and immovable lymph nodes are usually warning signs of more serious conditions. They should be examined by a head and neck specialist.

What are its symptoms?

Normally, our glands are approximately one-half inch in diameter and we should not feel them. However, they may swell up to twice or thrice their usual size when our body is fighting off an illness. At this point, we can feel them very easily. Some more signs and symptoms of swollen glands are:

• Sore throat, sores in the mouth and/or fever 
• Glands that feel “lumpy”
• Pain or tenderness when pressure is applied
• The skin over the gland is warm, red and swollen

What are the solutions and treatment options?

As with many conditions, treatment for swollen glands depends on the cause. There are some home remedies that you can try to reduce the pain and discomfort that accompany this condition, like:

• Warm, wet compresses: Apply to the affected areas for a soothing effect.
• Over the counter painkillers: Tylenol (Acetaminophen) and anti-inflammatory medications like Advil (Ibuprofen) help in reducing the swelling and inflammation. However, one must take care never to administer aspirin to a child, as there is a significant risk for Reye’s syndrome.
• Rest: Rest helps the body recover from illness.

Usually, after the condition has been treated and you feel better again, the lymph nodes shrink back to their standard size.

In some cases, swollen glands require treatment from a healthcare professional, typically when they are accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Breathing difficulties
• Problems swallowing
• High fever (more than 104 degrees F)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Tender, hard, large swollen nodes that do not reduce in size
• The skin over the top of the swollen lymph nodes appears reddened
• Night sweats

In conclusion

Swollen glands can generally be treated at home and are no cause for great concern. However, if you have more serious symptoms, it is best to take the help of qualified healthcare professionals. Book an appointment with us and our head and neck specialists will help you get the care and treatment you need!

Additional Reading:

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/swollen_lymph_glands/page8_em.htm

http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/swollen-glands

Are Your Swollen Glands a Symptom of RA? Signs and Symptoms

You have hundreds of lymph nodes throughout your body, and large clusters of them in three particular areas: your neck, your armpits, and your groin.

Lymph nodes (also known as glands) filter waste out of lymph, a sticky, clear fluid that contains white blood cells, which help fight infection. In a nutshell, lymph nodes help keep you healthy.

Lymph Nodes May Become Enlarged

When lymph nodes become swollen or enlarged, doctors refer to the condition as lymphadenopathy. Sometimes the swelling is localized (in only one place in the body), and sometimes it’s diffuse (throughout the body).

RELATED: What Does Arthritis Pain Feel Like?

A lump that you see or feel, especially in your neck, armpit, or groin, can be a symptom of lymphadenopathy. Some swollen lymph nodes are only slightly noticeable. The lump may or may not be tender or painful, and you may feel one lump or several. Swollen glands may accompany a sore throat — which can cause painful swallowing and may feel like there is a soreness, discomfort, pain, or scratchiness in the throat — depending on the cause of the pain.

If you’ve ever experienced this symptom and you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may have wondered whether the two are related.

According to Scott Zashin, MD, an internist and rheumatologist in Dallas, there are several common causes of lymphadenopathy, and most are not directly related to rheumatoid arthritis. But some are in the same general category of rheumatic diseases as RA.

Is RA Behind the Swelling in Your Lymph Nodes? Probably Not

Dr. Zashin explains some of the possible root causes of swollen glands:

• An infection Both viral and bacterial infections can cause lymph node swelling, including strep throat, COVID-19, or the common cold, which can include a sore or scratchy throat, a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, a headache, aching joints or fatigue, measles, mononucleosis, an ear infection, a tooth infection, HIV, or a skin infection. If the trigger is a bacterial infection, you may need an antibiotic. If it’s a viral infection, you may just have to wait it out.
• Sjögrens syndrome Some people who have inflammatory arthritis also develop Sjögren’s syndrome. Common symptoms of this autoimmune disease include dry eyes, mouth, and skin, as well as swelling of the parotid glands, which are located in front of and below the ears. A small number of people with Sjögren’s may have enlarged lymph nodes.
• Still’s disease This form of inflammatory arthritis is rare in adults, but people with Still’s disease may develop lymphadenopathy. “In 30 years, I might have had one or two patients with this,” says Zashin. People with Still’s disease who have swollen lymph nodes may also have a fever, rash, and an enlarged liver and spleen.
• Cancer Many kinds of cancer can cause swollen lymph nodes. People who have rheumatoid arthritis, as well as those who have Sjögren’s syndrome, are at higher risk for developing lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, compared with those who don’t have these conditions. “Lymphoma is not common with rheumatoid arthritis, but it does correlate with disease activity. So the higher the disease activity, the higher the risk of lymphoma,” says Zashin. While early studies have hinted that some drugs used to treat RA, known as biologics, might increase lymphoma risk, subsequent longitudinal studies, where researchers studied patients over a period of time, have not confirmed this risk, says Zashin. He notes, however, that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning some time ago regarding this risk. While that can’t be excluded as a possibility — and the topic is still under debate — more recent research suggests that biologics do not increase lymphoma risk. Beyond swollen nodes, other common symptoms of lymphoma include weight loss, rash, fever, and unusual fatigue or bleeding.
• Very active, uncontrolled rheumatoid arthritis, especially if the condition has lasted for many years “It’s rare, but you can sometimes see lymph node enlargement related to rheumatoid arthritis activity,” Zashin says. “This is usually more of a diagnosis of exclusion.” In other words, your doctor will probably want to rule out other possible causes of swollen glands first, such as infection or cancer, before blaming your rheumatoid arthritis. “I would refer a patient to an oncologist unless I saw an obvious reason for it, like if the patient has mono or another infection,” he says.

RELATED: Can Drinking Tea Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Treatment of swollen lymph nodes varies widely, depending on the cause. If you alert your doctor about your symptoms right away, you can work together to figure out next steps. You might be prescribed antibiotics, advised to watch your condition and wait to see if it gets worse, or be called into the office for a biopsy. Whether the cause is serious or not, your doctor can help steer you in the right direction and get you feeling your best again.

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Severe edema in oncology: what to do, treatment and causes, swelling of the extremities in oncology

Edema is a common complication of advanced cancer, in addition, any cancer patient may have other reasons for the development of edematous syndrome, which significantly aggravate the condition and increase tissue swelling . The peculiarity of edema in cancer is their resistance to treatment and a frequent severe course with severe pain.

Types of edema in cancer

Edema in cancer, or rather edematous syndrome, caused by the release of fluid from the vascular bed and a long delay in the tissues, can be symmetrical or generalized and local, with a predominant lesion of a separate anatomical part.

The generalized variant includes accumulation of fluid in the internal cavities of the body – ascites or pleurisy, as well as pericarditis – fluid in the heart shirt.

Such a severe condition of general edema of the body as anasarca, which is characteristic of terminal heart diseases, is rare in cancer, however, with cancer cachexia, the fatty tissue of a cancer patient can imperceptibly absorb up to 5 liters of “excess” fluid, forming a latent edematous syndrome. In a person without exhaustion, you can notice an excessive accumulation of already 2 liters of interstitial fluid, with advanced cancer and reduced activity, it is very difficult to notice an increase in volume.

Local edema in malignant processes is almost always not of an inflammatory nature, but is due to blockage of the outflow of interstitial fluid through the lymphatic vessels.

Causes of edema in cancer

Puffiness is formed when the process of exit of the supplying plasma cell from the bloodstream into the tissues is unbalanced, from where it is almost completely, but already in a “waste form”, must be absorbed by the venous capillaries. Normally, only a tenth of the fluid is retained in the intercellular space and subsequently goes into the lymphatic channel.

In most malignant processes, the balance is disturbed by insufficient functioning of the lymphatic collector, when the vessels and lymph nodes become clogged with cancer cells, and the tumor conglomerates of the lymph nodes stop pumping lymph. A similar mechanism for the formation of edema up to elephantiasis occurs with inoperable cervical cancer with metastases to the inguinal and pelvic lymph nodes. The same happens with operated breast cancer with lymphedema – lymphostasis, when axillary lymph nodes are completely removed, and with inoperable breast cancer with metastatic regional lymph nodes, not only not functioning, but also additionally squeezing large vessels.

Lymphatic insufficiency is often aggravated by compression of a vein by a conglomerate of tumor lymph nodes and its thrombosis, which is a violation of the blood coagulation system associated with a widespread malignant process. A pronounced swelling of the head and neck develops in the syndrome of the superior vena cava, when a malignant tumor rapidly growing in the mediastinum disrupts the venous outflow. A similar mechanism is activated when the liver is damaged by cancer metastases and the organ enlarges to a gigantic size – in the entire abdominal cavity.

An uncommon paraneoplastic nephropathy that accompanies the development of a malignant process with a high need for the L-asparagine protein directly damages the renal glomeruli, which leads to protein loss and the development of generalized edema.

Mechanism of edema in cancer exhaustion

In case of cachexia in cancer patients, the mechanism of the formation of “hungry” edema is due to a decrease in the concentration of proteins circulating in the blood. Hypoproteinemia leads to a massive release of plasma into the intercellular space, which is automatically accompanied by a decrease in blood pressure and, in turn, the inclusion of a compensatory mechanism for its increase. An increase in vascular pressure again leads to the removal of the liquid part of the blood into the interstitial space and even greater swelling of the tissues. In a similar way, edema is formed in kidney diseases complicated by renal failure, cirrhosis of the liver with an outcome in liver failure.

In the terminal stage of cancer, the patient’s malnutrition is associated with a drop in the functionality of liver cells that do not synthesize a sufficient amount of proteins, and is supplemented by the highest need of cancer cells for energy due to the “robbing” of all other tissues of the body. That is, a vicious circle is formed when, with insufficient hepatic synthesis and low intake from the outside, the protein is intensified burned by cancer cells.

Excess fluid in the tissues with a lack of circulating plasma volume forces the body to release hormones and biologically active substances that maintain blood pressure, which further undermines the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, worsening the condition of a cancer patient.

Hidden edema and anasarca in case of cancer cachexia require active therapeutic measures, it is impossible to remove them only with droppers with protein solutions. Active and immediate actions are needed to stop pathological reactions, which the specialists of the Clinic carry out according to an individually developed and pathogenetically oriented treatment program.

Edema as a side effect of anticancer therapy

Some patients experience leg swelling after chemotherapy. This is due to various mechanisms:

• Some anticancer drugs increase fluid retention in the body.
• Chemotherapy may cause liver damage. As a result, the level of protein and osmotic pressure in the blood decreases. The fluid is worse kept in the bloodstream, rushes into the tissues, and the patient’s legs swell after chemotherapy, as well as other parts of the body.
• Some drugs used to treat cancer cause damage and deterioration of the heart muscle. Swelling of the legs after chemotherapy can also be associated with this.

Diagnosis and clinical symptoms

In cancer, the diagnosis of edema is simple – it is a thickening and change in the skin, which becomes warmer or colder, when pressed, a dimple remains for a long time.

With a progressive deterioration in well-being and severity of condition, an emaciated patient has a rapid and inexplicable weight gain of several kilograms. The fabrics thicken, resembling soft dough in consistency.

The most easily detected is asymmetric lymphedema, a typical symptom is swelling of the back of the foot or hand like a pillow, when it is impossible to collect the skin in a fold. Gravity leads to fluid stagnation, first in the lower sections, gradually capturing the entire limb from bottom to top. With the progression of lymphatic edema, the limb acquires a cyanotic color with marble stains, soft tissues are significantly thickened and swelled, all this is accompanied by an increase in pain and limitation of movements.

Swelling of the extremity due to outflow blockade by metastases in the inguinal or axillary-supraclavicular lymphatic group, increases very quickly without a tendency to regression even with the most sparing regimen and a constant elevated position. The limb acquires a gigantic volume with marble-bluish cracking skin. The slightest movement leads to severe pain, which is extremely difficult to stop. Patients complain that the limb is bursting from the inside, and fear that it “may burst.” Compression of blood vessels by edematous muscles leads to secondary vein thrombosis, which aggravates the patient’s suffering and is fraught with the migration of thrombotic masses into the pulmonary vessels with the threat of death.

In superior vena cava syndrome, tissue edema literally compresses the upper airways and neck vessels. The tongue and lips increase in size, petechial hemorrhages in the conjunctiva of the eye and visual impairment are not uncommon. A constant headache is disturbing, when turning the head, a deep fainting is possible. The condition deteriorates rapidly, severe pulmonary heart failure accompanies, death is possible due to rupture of a cerebral vessel.

In cancer, any edema progressively worsens the condition due to decompensation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, due to stagnation in the lungs and inadequacy of gas exchange in tissues, multiple organ failure develops.

It is impossible to cope with edema syndrome of any severity in an oncological patient with diuretics alone, the treatment of edema in cancer requires complex measures, including the use of special equipment and resuscitation techniques, and a multidisciplinary team of specialists: oncologist, cardiologist, resuscitator, nutritionist, nephrologist. Treatment of edema after chemotherapy caused by side effects of drugs often requires changes in the regimen and dosages of maintenance therapy. The doctors of the clinic have extensive experience in palliative care, including the successful fight against severe edema.

Appointment for consultation around the clock

+7 (495) 668-82-28

References:

1. Suvorova G.Yu., Martynov A.I. /Edematous syndrome: clinical picture, differential diagnosis, treatment // M.: GEOTAR-Media; 2009.
2. Libis, R.A., Liskova Yu.V. / Differential diagnosis of edematous syndrome: textbook // Orenburg: Publishing House of Orgma, 2011.
3. López-Novoa J.M., Rodríguez-Peña A.B., Ortiz A. et al./Etiopathology of chronic tubular, glomerular and renovascular nephropathies: clinical implications // J. Transl. Med.; 2011 Vol. 9.
4. Moore K.P., Wong F., Gines P. et al. /The management of ascites in cirrhosis: report on the consensus conference of the International Ascites Club // Hepatology; 2003 Vol. 38. No. 1.

Breast engorgement symptoms and first aid

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One of the most common breastfeeding problems faced by mothers is breast engorgement. While occasional engorgement while breastfeeding is normal, it can be uncomfortable and lead to other problems if not addressed and dealt with. It is important for mothers to understand what breast engorgement is and how to alleviate it.

Let’s look at all the important issues, including prevention, symptoms, and help with engorgement.

What is breast engorgement?

Engorgement is an increase in the size of the mammary glands, in which the breast becomes painful and tender. This condition is associated with increased blood flow and increased milk production, so it very often occurs during the first few days after childbirth. In addition, engorgement may develop within one to two weeks after childbirth or at any time during breastfeeding. Although this is quite normal during breastfeeding, it can be uncomfortable and sometimes lead to other complications. Therefore, the main thing is to deal with engorgement of the mammary glands immediately when it occurs.

How long does engorgement last?

All women are different, and, accordingly, the duration of this condition may vary. Some experience mild symptoms for only one day, while others may experience this condition for up to two weeks.

Breast engorgement occurs for various reasons. The most common:

– Missing a feeding or pumping session.

– Making more milk than the baby eats.

– Insufficient outflow of milk (improper latching on to the breast by the baby).

– Inflammation.

Breast engorgement symptoms

Breast engorgement symptoms vary, but the most common are:

• Breasts become hard or firm.
• Breasts become sore or warm to the touch.
• Breasts become heavy and swollen.
• Breasts become lumpy and swollen.

Although engorgement and mastitis may appear similar, they are actually completely different conditions. How can a mother determine what exactly she has: engorgement or mastitis? Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast that typically results in fever (>38.5°C) and reddening of the breast, while engorgement is the result of excessive milk production and incomplete emptying of the breast. Engorgement can lead to problems such as blockage of the milk ducts or infection of the mammary glands, so it is important to start treating engorgement at the first sign of engorgement.

Prevention of engorgement

There are several ways to prevent this condition. Prevention of breast engorgement in the first days after childbirth can be difficult as the mother’s body adapts to the changes. But you can try to avoid it as follows:

1. Check the mammary glands. Moms should schedule breast checks before the baby is born. The doctor will be able to recommend corrective measures, if needed, to make breastfeeding more comfortable, as well as explain how to distinguish engorgement from mastitis and how to relieve breast engorgement.
2. After your baby is born, feed on demand or express milk regularly if you are separated from your baby. Breastfeeding mothers produce milk regularly, so it is important to breastfeed or express milk frequently. Moms should try to feed their baby at least eight times a day and make sure that their breasts are completely empty each time. If a mother is unable to breastfeed her baby, she should express milk with a breast pump.
   Electronic breast pump will help you to comfortably and efficiently express the right amount of milk between feedings, if necessary, or instead of feeding when the mother is away from the baby.

3. Make sure your baby is latching on correctly. To learn how to properly breastfeed a baby, a mother can seek advice from a breastfeeding specialist. Proper gripping of the breast during feeding is important for complete emptying of the breast. It also helps prevent other problems such as sore, irritated or cracked nipples.

4. Wean the baby gradually. When it’s time to stop breastfeeding, moms shouldn’t do it abruptly. It is best to wean the baby gradually, gradually reducing the number of daily feedings. This will gradually slow down milk production and prevent breast engorgement.

Helping with breast engorgement

Breastfeeding with engorgement is not only safe, but essential to prevent symptoms from getting worse and provide relief. While the body is learning how to produce the right amount of milk, moms can use the Philips Avent bra pads to absorb excess milk and prevent stains on clothes all day long.

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Now on to tips to help breastfeeding women relieve engorgement:

• Apply warm and cold compresses to your breasts. A warm compress stimulates milk flow, while a cold compress reduces pain and swelling.

Philips Avent 2 in 1 thermal pads can both warm and cool your breasts to both stimulate and soothe your breasts after feeding. Mom only needs to place them in a bra for 15-30 minutes before or after feeding (depending on the desired result).

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  • Massage your breasts. It is important to achieve optimal outflow of milk during feedings. To stimulate the outflow of milk, during feeding, you can gently massage the breast.
  • Express milk. There are situations when a nursing mother cannot be with the baby during feeding. It is important to empty your breasts by expressing milk to prevent engorgement and other problems.
  • When feeding, change positions and alternate breasts. Changing your position while breastfeeding can be beneficial, as it improves the outflow of milk from different parts of the mammary glands. In addition, mothers can change their breasts during one feeding so that the baby can empty both of them.

  Remember that minor pain and discomfort is completely natural during breastfeeding, but if these symptoms persist or worsen, the mother should consult a doctor.

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