Ductitis

Ductitis is an inflammatory condition affecting a duct or a ductal system, a non-specific term used for inflammation in various organs. It can arise from infection, obstruction, autoimmune processes, or chemical irritation. In clinical practice, it is most often described in exocrine duct networks such as the breast, salivary glands, or lacrimal system, but the term may be applied to other ducts as well.

Common sites include the breast (lactiferous ducts), salivary ducts, and the lacrimal duct system. In breast ductitis, patients typically experience localized breast or nipple pain, swelling, and sometimes clear or purulent nipple discharge; fever and systemic illness may occur with infection or abscess. In salivary ductitis, there is swelling and tenderness along the affected duct, sometimes worsened by meals and accompanied by reduced saliva flow. Lacrimal ductitis presents with tearing, eye redness, discharge, and eye pain. Less common or more chronic forms can be related to ductal obstruction, ductal ectasia, or autoimmune conditions.

Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on history and examination. Additional tests may include targeted imaging such as ultrasound of the breast or salivary glands, dacryocystography for lacrimal ducts, and culture of any discharged material when infection is suspected. Management depends on the site and cause and may involve antibiotics for infection, analgesia, and measures to relieve obstruction (for example, warm compresses, massage, or gentle drainage). Chronic or recurrent ductitis may require procedures to relieve obstruction or, in some breast cases, surgical removal of affected ducts. Prognosis is generally favorable with appropriate treatment, though complications can occur with untreated infection or obstruction.