A clogged milk duct occurs when milk flow in the breast is blocked, leading to milk accumulation and inflammation. This can happen due to various reasons such as infrequent feeding, improper baby latch, wearing tight clothing, and not emptying the breast.

Signs include a painful lump in your breast, swelling, a sense of fullness, and, sometimes, a decrease in milk supply. You might also notice a pinkish color on your skin or a tiny white dot on your nipple.

Yes, if a clogged duct is not treated promptly, it can lead to mastitis, an inflammation of the breast tissue that can result in infection. Symptoms of mastitis include fever, flu-like symptoms, and increased redness and pain in the breast.

Some effective home remedies include applying warm compresses to the affected area, gentle breast massage, and continuing to breastfeed or pump to keep the milk flowing. Soaking the breast in warm water and using vibrations from an electric toothbrush can also help clear the blockage.

Therapeutic ultrasound is a treatment that uses sound waves to produce heat and friction in tissues, which can help break up the blockage and improve milk flow. It's a painless procedure that usually requires only one or two short sessions.

Besides therapeutic ultrasound, other treatment options may include medication to reduce inflammation or, in severe cases, medical procedures to remove the blockage. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the best action.

Prevention strategies include ensuring your baby has a proper latch, breastfeeding or pumping regularly to avoid milk buildup, avoiding tight clothing, and changing feeding positions to ensure all breast areas are emptied.

Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial if home remedies and professional treatments don't relieve the blockage. Persistent clogged ducts may require further evaluation to rule out other issues and prevent complications like mastitis.