Mastitis
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that is often associated with infection, typically caused by staphylococcal bacteria. This condition is most commonly observed in breastfeeding women but can also occur in those who are not breastfeeding. The bacteria may enter through cracks or sores in the nipple, although some individuals may not experience any visible injuries. Symptoms of mastitis include swelling, redness, tenderness, and pain in the breast, along with flu-like symptoms such as fever and fatigue.
Treatment usually involves continued breastfeeding, increased milk expression, and the application of hot and cold packs to reduce discomfort. Pain relief can be managed with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In cases where symptoms persist despite effective milk removal, antibiotics may be necessary. Preventive measures include regular breastfeeding and lifestyle adjustments to enhance overall health and immune function. Recurrent cases often relate to irregular breastfeeding patterns and stress. Prompt and appropriate treatment is essential to avoid complications like breast abscesses.
Subject Terms
Mastitis
Anatomy or system affected:Breasts, glands
Definition:An inflammatory condition of the breast usually associated with a bacterial infection of the mammary gland.
Causes and Symptoms
Mastitis is usually caused by a staphylococcal infection of the breast. The bacteria may enter the breast through a sore or crack in the nipple, although some patients do not report having sore or cracked nipples. Generally, mastitis occurs in women who are breastfeeding, but women who are not breastfeeding may also experience the disease. Onset of the infection is often associated with stress, reduced immunity, or missed or increased intervals between feedings of a breastfed baby. Milk stasis, or the inefficient removal of milk from the breast, is a common cause of noninfectious mastitis and may be due to ineffective infant suckling, poor latching of the infant at the breast, blockage of the milk ducts, or restricted duration or frequency of feedings. Around 10 percent of lactating women in America are reported to develop mastitis, but the condition likely affects 30 percent of lactating women globally.
Common symptoms of mastitis are swelling, redness, hotness, tenderness, an area of hardness, and pain in part or all of the infected breast. In some cases, there is a localized area of soreness in the breast, while in other cases, the entire breast may be inflamed. The victim typically has flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, aches, chills, fever, and fatigue. These feelings often occur prior to breast soreness. Blocked ducts usually resolve themselves naturally within twenty-four to forty-eight hours, although a blocked duct may sometimes lead to mastitis.
Treatment and Therapy
Continued breastfeeding using both breasts is considered safe during mastitis. Increased milk expression from the affected breast can help ease discomfort. Alternate hot and cold packs applied to the sore area of the infected breast help reduce the inflammation and pain and provide comfort. Gently massaging the tender area increases circulation and helps loosen any plugged ducts. Fever can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen without any harm to a breastfeeding baby. Patients should also drink plenty of fluids. For nursing mothers, unless the pain is too intense, breastfeeding should be continued during the treatment of mastitis. If breastfeeding is discontinued, then the breast should be drained regularly with manual expression or a breast pump.
Once a diagnosis of mastitis is made, proper antibiotics should be administered if symptoms do not improve after twelve to twenty-four hours of effective milk removal. Once they are administered, the soreness usually starts to disappear within two to five days. Redness may continue for up to a week or more. Lactobacilli probiotics are associated with lower recurrence rates and decreased pain compared to antibiotic therapy in women with infectious mastitis. Bed rest helps relieve stress and builds up the immune system. If not treated properly and in a timely manner, mastitis can lead to a breast abscess that requires surgical draining.
Perspective and Prospects
Mastitis is most common among nursing mothers during the first three months postpartum. The most important preventive measure against mastitis for these women is regular breastfeeding. Recurrent mastitis is associated with irregular breastfeeding patterns, fatigue, and stress. Frequent breastfeeding and lifestyle changes that promote good health and a strengthened immune system are key ingredients for reducing the occurrence of mastitis. If antibiotics are prescribed for treatment, it is important that the full course be taken even though the patient improves quickly; otherwise, the risk of mastitis returning increases.
Bibliography
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Icon Health. Mastitis: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References. ICON Health, 2004.
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Reddy, Pavani. “Postpartum Mastitis and Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.” Emerging Infectious Diseases, vol. 13, no. 2, 2007, p. 298.
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