Mastitis is an infection in the breast that results to pain and inflammation. The condition affects both non-breastfeeding and breastfeeding women.
- Lactation or puerperal mastitis – breastfeeding women
- Periductal mastitis – non-breastfeeding women
What are the indications?
- Discharge or drainage from the nipple
Among non-breastfeeding women, the cause for mastitis is a bacterial infection. - Hardened lump or area in the breast
- Reddened or swollen area in the breast
- Flu-like symptoms including chills, aches and tiredness
What are the causes?
Among non-breastfeeding women, the cause for mastitis is a bacterial infection. The infections can arise from a sore or cracked nipple or a pierced nipple. When it comes to a cracked or tender nipple, the bacteria can move into the milk ducts. This form of infection generally arises among women in the late 20s to early 30s. This develops more often among women who smoke. In some cases, infection can also occur due to duct estasia of the milk ducts at the rear of the nipple, usually due to the aging process.
Among breastfeeding women, the infection arises if there is buildup of milk in the milk ducts. This accumulation occurs once breast milk is not properly removed from the breast. The usual causes of milk stasis include:
- Incorrect attachment of the baby to the breast
- Sucking issues for the infant
- Missed or infrequent feedings
- Pressure on the breast
- Child’s preference for one breast over the other
Management of mastitis
Among non-breastfeeding women, the treatment for mastitis generally involves prescribed antibiotics. As for breast-feeding women, simple care measures can manage the condition such as:
- Maintaining proper hydration of the body
- Adequate rest
- Continue to breastfeed the infant and ensuring that he/she is properly attached to the breast
- Expressing milk from the breast if needed
- Using over-the-counter pain medications to lower the fever or pain
In most instances, mastitis is easy to manage and women can resume daily activities.
If mastitis is suspected, a doctor should be consulted right away. The condition might lead to an abscess in the breast. The doctor might decide to drain the abscess surgically. If not promptly treated, a breast abscess can lead to incapacity to breastfeed using the breast.