What is Mastitis?
Mastitis is an infection of the breast usually caused by bacteria. This bacterial infection commonly happens to pregnant or breastfeeding mothers because their breasts are susceptible to injury and damage, allowing possibilities of entry for bacteria. However some women without nipple injury or damage do get mastitis, including women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. In very rare cases, it even happens to children who have not yet reached puberty or to babies.
The symptoms of mastitis usually include a tender or swollen area that occurs in one breast, and it is usually reddish as well. There may also be a hard or firm mass in the breast.
While these symptoms sound like it could be a plugged duct, it is important that you be able to tell the difference between the two. The pain from a plugged duct is often mild discomfort whereas mastitis pain is more intense. Mastitis also usually comes with fever, the chills, muscle aches around the body, and feeling like you have the flu. Also mastitis must be treated with antibiotics. It should be noted though that a severe plugged duct can lead to mastitis.
To determine whether or not you have mastitis, look for pain, redness with swelling of the breast, and hardness in the breast. If you have pain in your breast without the hardness, redness or swelling, you could have thrush and not mastitis.
Mastitis in breastfeeding mothers is usually caused by incorrect positioning or latching on while feeding. When this happens, nipple damage can occur and bacteria can enter the breast. Also incorrect latching and positioning can lead to the milk ducts not being drained enough, and as a result, mastitis occurs. The causes for mastitis in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding or mastitis in young children are not yet known.
Treatment for mastitis often includes antibiotics as well as mild pain medication. The antibiotic is usually taken for ten to fourteen days, and you should begin feeling relief within the first two days of being on the medication. Applying a warm compress to the affected or tender area can also help relieve some pain. If you cannot see any improvement in your situation though, consult your doctor again so that your case can be attended to specially.
Breastfeeding mothers are recommended to continue feeding their children as this can help relieve some of the pain. You can also choose to massage your breasts before, during, and after a feeding session in order to help relieve your pain. The infection cannot be passed down to your baby, and there is little for you to worry about in this regard. If you do have concerns, however, you can consult your doctor or a lactation consultant regarding the matter.
In some cases, an abscess grows along with the mastitis. This abscess will have to be attended to by a doctor or surgeon because they will have to drain the liquid. The presence of an abscess will not affect your breast milk so you should continue breastfeeding your baby. It is best to have it removed as soon as possible, though, so if you notice an abscess growing, consult your doctor and set up a schedule for removal.
Some women who have mastitis symptoms observe a decrease in the symptoms within the same day that it started. If this is the case, there is no need for antibiotics. The infection will probably resolve itself within the next few days. Because of this, most women can choose to wait for a full day to see if their symptoms are worsening, remaining the same, or getting better before beginning antibiotic treatment. Consult your doctor for the best treatment plan for you.
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