Wakad, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, care@sunmedhospital.com
Mastitis (Breast Inflammation) Care
Mastitis can feel like an uphill battle, especially for new moms juggling the joys of motherhood with the discomfort of sore, swollen breasts. The pain and inflammation often make breastfeeding challenging, adding stress and fatigue to an already demanding time.
At SunMed Hospital, compassionate care is just around the corner. Our skilled team of obstetricians and medical experts are here to guide you through this journey. From soothing pain relief tips to mastering breastfeeding techniques and offering the right medical treatments, we focus on helping you recover quickly so you can enjoy precious moments with your little one.
Mastitis is a painful swelling of breast tissue, often affecting breastfeeding mothers. It usually happens when a milk duct gets blocked or infected, leading to symptoms like redness, warmth, tenderness, and sometimes fever or chills. If not treated promptly, it can worsen and cause complications like abscesses.
1. Lactational Mastitis
This common form occurs in breastfeeding women. It’s often linked to blocked milk ducts or improper breastfeeding techniques, which can lead to milk buildup and bacterial infections. Symptoms include sore, red, and swollen breasts, accompanied by fever and chills. Severe cases may require additional medical care to prevent complications like abscesses.
2. Non-Lactational Mastitis
This type isn’t related to breastfeeding. Instead, it may be caused by breast injuries, infections, or conditions like ductal ectasia, where milk ducts become clogged with thick fluid. Chronic inflammation or autoimmune issues can also play a role, requiring tailored treatments for effective management.
Several factors can lead to mastitis, depending on its type:
Certain factors can make you more likely to develop mastitis. Here's what to watch out for:
Addressing these factors can reduce the chances of mastitis and maintain healthier breasts.
Mastitis symptoms can vary in intensity but typically include:
These symptoms can disrupt daily life, so seeking prompt medical attention is important to prevent complications.
Diagnosing mastitis involves a few steps to confirm the condition and understand its cause:
Medical History and Physical Exam: Your doctor will review your symptoms and check for signs like redness, swelling, or tenderness.Breast Ultrasound: This imaging test helps spot fluid buildup, swelling, or abscesses in the breast.Mammography: In some cases, a mammogram may rule out other conditions, such as breast cancer.Milk Culture: A sample of milk may be tested to identify bacteria, guiding the right antibiotic treatment.Blood Tests: These check for infection markers, like an elevated white blood cell count.Fine Needle Aspiration: If an abscess is suspected, fluid may be drawn with a needle to confirm the presence of pus.Biopsy: Rarely, a biopsy may be done to rule out other conditions if symptoms are unusual or don’t improve with treatment.These steps ensure an accurate diagnosis and allow for a treatment plan tailored to your needs, helping you recover faster and more effectively.
The treatment for mastitis varies based on its severity and underlying cause. Common approaches include:
If mastitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics are crucial to eliminate the infection. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are usually prescribed initially. If symptoms persist or the infection is severe, a milk sample may be taken to pinpoint the specific bacteria, allowing for a more precise antibiotic treatment.
For bacterial infections, antibiotics are the main course of treatment. If unusual symptoms like nipple discharge are present, additional treatment for the discharge may be necessary alongside antibiotics.
It's important to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication, to prevent the infection from returning or worsening.
Prescribed pain relief medications can help ease the pain and reduce the inflammation caused by mastitis. These medications also help manage fever, a common symptom of the condition. If the pain is intense, a stronger pain reliever may be recommended. These medications are typically safe to use while breastfeeding.
Regular breastfeeding is crucial for treating lactational mastitis. This helps clear blocked milk ducts and prevents milk stagnation, which could worsen the infection. Ensuring proper latching is important, as poor latching can lead to incomplete milk drainage, contributing to mastitis. If breastfeeding is painful, using a breast pump can help relieve the discomfort while draining the breast effectively. Our lactation consultant can assist with proper techniques if needed.
Applying warm compresses to the affected area before breastfeeding or pumping can help promote milk flow and ease discomfort. Heat helps to open up milk ducts, facilitating easier milk flow. Gently massaging the breast in a circular motion toward the nipple can also assist in clearing any blockages. Combining this with frequent breastfeeding can enhance effectiveness.
If an abscess forms due to severe or untreated mastitis, it may need to be drained to prevent further complications. This can be done through needle aspiration, a fine needle to remove the pus, or a small surgical incision. Regardless of the method, continuing antibiotics and other treatments are essential for a full recovery.
If left untreated or inadequately managed, mastitis can lead to several complications, including:
Breast Abscess: A common complication of untreated mastitis is the development of a breast abscess, where pus collects in the breast tissue, forming a painful lump that requires drainage.
Chronic Mastitis: Mastitis that recurs or doesn’t resolve may become chronic, leading to persistent inflammation and ongoing pain and discomfort, especially in non-lactational mastitis.
Sepsis: In rare cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream, causing sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Symptoms include high fever, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and confusion, requiring urgent medical attention.
Milk Supply Issues: Mastitis can temporarily reduce milk supply in the affected breast, causing breastfeeding difficulties. In severe cases, long-term damage to milk ducts may result in a permanent reduction in milk production.
Scarring of Breast Tissue: Severe or recurrent infections can lead to scar tissue formation in the breast, altering the appearance and texture of the breast and potentially affecting milk flow.
Fistula Formation: Chronic infections can lead to the formation of abnormal connections between the milk ducts and the skin (fistulas), requiring surgical repair and complicating breastfeeding.
Taking steps to ensure proper breast health, particularly during breastfeeding, can help prevent mastitis. Key preventive measures include:
Frequent and Complete Breastfeeding: Regular breastfeeding or pumping prevents milk stagnation, which can lead to duct blockages. Emptying the breast during each feeding helps keep milk flowing and avoids build-up.Proper Latching Technique: A proper latch ensures efficient milk flow and prevents nipple trauma, which can lead to infection. Consulting a lactation specialist for guidance can help prevent complications.Vary Breastfeeding Positions: Changing positions while breastfeeding can help fully drain the breasts, reducing the risk of clogged ducts. Trying different positions ensures complete emptying of the breast.Avoid Tight Clothing and Bras: Wearing tight bras or clothing that compresses the breasts can block milk ducts. Choosing well-fitted, comfortable bras is crucial, especially while breastfeeding.Maintain Good Hygiene: Keep the nipples clean and dry between feedings to reduce the risk of bacterial infections. Always wash hands before breastfeeding and handle breast pumps and devices with care.Address Breastfeeding Issues Early: If any issues, such as nipple pain or cracks, arise during breastfeeding, seek help promptly to prevent them from leading to mastitis.Stay Hydrated and Rested: Proper hydration and rest are vital for breastfeeding mothers. Staying hydrated promotes milk flow, while rest boosts the immune system, reducing the risk of infection.Promptly Treat Blocked Ducts: If a milk duct becomes clogged, apply warm compresses and massage the area to clear the blockage before it develops into mastitis. Continuing to breastfeed from the affected breast can also help resolve the blockage.By following these steps, the risk of developing mastitis can be significantly reduced.
Yes, you can continue breastfeeding. In fact, breastfeeding or pumping helps clear the blocked ducts, which can reduce symptoms and speed recovery. Ensure proper latching to avoid further complications. If breastfeeding is too painful, pumping can also help.
Recovery from mastitis typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, especially if treatment begins early. Antibiotics should start showing results within a few days, but it's important to finish the entire course to prevent the infection from returning.
No, mastitis is not contagious. It’s typically caused by blocked milk ducts or bacteria entering through cracked nipples and cannot be transmitted from person to person, even through breastfeeding.
If mastitis keeps coming back, consult with your doctor or a lactation consultant to address any underlying causes, such as poor latching or incomplete breast drainage. You may need to adjust your breastfeeding technique to prevent further infections.
Mastitis usually affects one breast at a time, but both breasts can be affected either simultaneously or at different times. However, this is less common.
No, mastitis does not increase the risk of breast cancer. Although mastitis causes inflammation, it is unrelated to cancer. However, if a lump persists after treatment, it’s wise to have it checked by your doctor.
See a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve within 24 to 48 hours, if you develop a high fever, or if a lump becomes more painful. Additionally, seek medical attention if mastitis recurs, as it may indicate an underlying issue.
