Breast abscess
AliasAcute Mastitis
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
Acute Mastitis, also known as Mammary Abscess, is documented in traditional Chinese medical texts as a lump in the breast accompanied by redness, pain, and falls under the category of surgery. According to "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," Mammary Abscess is caused by the obstruction of the breast channels, stagnation of Qi and blood stasis, and the accumulation of heat. Symptoms include local redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the breast, accompanied by chills, fever, and loss of appetite.
In clinical practice, Mammary Abscess is a common disease in traditional Chinese medicine, with its core pathogenesis being the obstruction of the breast channels, stagnation of Qi and blood, and the accumulation of heat. Common triggers include improper breastfeeding after childbirth, milk stasis, emotional disharmony, and irregular diet. In the process of differentiation, attention should be paid to the following key points: if there is marked redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the breast, accompanied by fever and irritability, it is mostly attributed to the syndrome of liver and stomach heat stagnation, and the treatment should focus on soothing the liver and clearing the stomach, and promoting lactation and reducing swelling. If the breast lump increases in size, is painful, and the fever does not subside, it is mostly due to an excess of heat-toxin, and the treatment should be based on clearing heat and detoxifying, and promoting the discharge of pus. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the overall adjustment for Mammary Abscess should focus on harmonizing Qi and blood, clearing heat and detoxifying, to promote the smooth flow of the breast channels, eliminate the lump, and alleviate inflammation.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Liver and Stomach Stagnation with Damp-Heat Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Bilateral breast redness, swelling, heat, and pain, fever, irritability
Management Approach: Drain Liver and Clear Stomach, Promote Lactation and Reduce Swelling
Exuberant Heat-toxin Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Breast mass enlargement, jumping pain, persistent high fever
Management Approach: Clear Heat and Detoxify, Disperse and Drain Abscess
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
When encountering patients with Mammary Abscess, who exhibit local redness, swelling, heat, and pain, it is essential to promptly differentiate the severity of fire-toxin and the deficiency of vital energy.
— Tang Yulan Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (Apprentice)
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)