What are the symptoms of mastitis?

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue, often associated with a bacterial infection. The main symptoms of mastitis include:

1. Breast pain and swelling:

• Part of the breast becomes red, swollen, hard and extremely tender to the touch.
• The affected area may feel hot and painful.

1. Breast lump or wedge-shaped area:

• A localized, wedge-shaped area of the breast becomes inflamed and feels lumpy.

1. Flu-like symptoms:

• Fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher
• Chills
• Body aches
• Fatigue and malaise

1. Changes in breast milk:

• Breast milk from the affected breast may appear thicker, whiter, or have streaks of blood.

1. Burning sensation while breastfeeding:

• Pain or a burning feeling in the breast while nursing from the affected side.

Other possible symptoms:

• Skin redness extending beyond the affected area
• Nausea and vomiting
• Yellowish discharge from the nipple
• Swollen lymph nodes under the arm

Symptoms can develop gradually or come on suddenly. Mastitis most commonly affects breastfeeding mothers but can also occur in women who are not breastfeeding.

Left untreated, the infection can become more severe and spread throughout the breast. Prompt treatment with antibiotics and continued breastfeeding or pumping is usually recommended.

If symptoms like fever, chills or malaise are present, it is important to contact a doctor right away for evaluation and management.

What are the causes of mastitis?

Mastitis is typically caused by one or more of the following factors:

1. Milk stasis (obstruction of milk flow)

• Incomplete emptying of the breast during breastfeeding
• Infrequent breastfeeding or missed feedings
• Tight clothing or bras restricting milk flow
• Pressure on the breast from improper latch or positioning

1. Cracked or damaged nipples

• Allows bacteria from the baby’s mouth or environment to enter the breast tissue
• Can occur due to improper latch, dry/cracked nipples, etc.

1. Bacterial infection

• Common bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus can enter through cracked nipples
• Less commonly caused by bacteria spread through the bloodstream

1. Weakened immunity

• Fatigue, stress, anemia or poor nutrition can compromise the mother’s immune defenses

1. Blocked or plugged milk duct

• Leads to a back-up of milk, causing the breast tissue to become engorged and inflamed

1. Oversupply of milk

• Breasts become overly full, increasing risk of obstruction and milk stasis

While mastitis is most common in breastfeeding mothers in the first few weeks after birth, it can also develop in pregnant women or non-breastfeeding women under certain conditions.

Proper breastfeeding technique, managing milk supply, maintaining good hygiene, and allowing complete breast drainage during feeding can help prevent mastitis. Prompt treatment is important to allow continued breastfeeding.

What is the treatment for mastitis?

The treatment for mastitis typically involves a combination of approaches:

1. Antibiotics

• Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat the bacterial infection.
• Common choices include dicloxacillin, cephalexin, or clindamycin.
• Antibiotics are taken for 10-14 days to fully clear the infection.

1. Pain medication

• Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and relieve breast pain and inflammation.

1. Warm compresses

• Applying warm, moist heat to the affected breast before breastfeeding can help improve milk flow and comfort.

1. Frequent breastfeeding/pumping

• Continuing to breastfeed or pump frequently, including from the affected breast, helps drain the breast and prevent milk stasis.
• This removes the built-up milk and promotes healing.

1. Proper latch and positioning

• Correcting any issues with the baby’s latch and positioning during breastfeeding is important.
• This allows complete drainage and prevents further milk backup.

1. Supportive measures

• Getting extra rest, increasing fluid intake, using breast support garments can provide relief.
• Massaging the breast to help remove plugged ducts.

1. Milk culture (if recurrent)

• For recurrent mastitis, a milk culture may be done to identify the specific bacteria and guide antibiotic therapy.

In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for IV antibiotics and fluids. Most cases of mastitis resolve within 1-2 weeks of treatment without having to stop breastfeeding.

Good handwashing, applying warm compresses before feeds, and complete breast drainage at each feeding are also recommended preventive steps.