What is a common presentation of a plugged duct?

A plugged duct typically manifests as a palpable lump in the breast tissue, which results from milk stasis due to obstruction in the milk duct. This obstruction can lead to localized swelling and, in some cases, the development of a bleb, which is a small blister or plug at the nipple tip. The presence of this lump is a key indicator that a duct is plugged, as it directly reflects the body's response to blocked milk flow.

While the other symptoms mentioned may sometimes accompany breastfeeding issues, they are not characteristic of a plugged duct alone. For instance, a fever and chills are more indicative of mastitis, an infection that can develop if a plugged duct is left untreated, rather than being a primary symptom of the plugged duct itself. Severe aching in the breast could be associated with various conditions, including engorgement or infection, but the specific presentation of a palpable lump and bleb is more definitive for a plugged duct. Lastly, redness and warmth over the breast can also signal inflammation or infection rather than a plugged duct by itself, as these signs typically suggest more severe complications like mastitis. Therefore, the most common and telling presentation of a plugged duct is indeed the palpable lump and bleb at the nipple tip.