MASTITIS

Mastitis is an infection of the breast. It is most frequently seen in women who are breastfeeding. It is usually caused by bacteria that pass from the baby's mouth, nose, or throat into a milk duct through a crack in the nipple while breastfeeding. Other things such as missed feedings, wearing restrictive clothing (tight bras) or pressure to the breast can also cause mastitis.

The infection causes pooling of milk, which can clog the milk duct that is the pathway out to the nipple. Not completely emptying the breast of milk while breastfeeding, or moms who have not mastered a good latch on technique when breastfeeding can develop problems too. Lack of sleep, feeling stress, and not eating well are other factors why men and women develop a lower resistance to bacteria. For women that are not breastfeeding and develop mastitis, a mammogram, ultrasound, or breast biopsy may be necessary to rule out a breast abscess or a rare form of breast cancer.

Symptoms of mastitis include all or parts of the breasts becoming painful, hot, tender, red or swollen. Some women also have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and swollen glands in the armpit.

Treatment of mastitis includes:

antibiotics
analgesics for pain and fever
warm compresses
continuing to breastfeed during treatment
regular emptying of the breasts by nursing more often
rest
drinking plenty of fluids and
keeping nipples clean and dry between feedings

If it is too painful to breastfeed your baby or breastfeeding does not relieve breast fullness, consider using an electric pump. The tenderness should be relieved with emptying the breast.

Contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of mastitis, especially if you are not breastfeeding.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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