Mastitis
Mastitis is inflammation of the breast tissue. It occurs most often in women who are breastfeeding, but it can also affect other women, and sometimes even men. Mastitis will sometimes go away on its own. A health care provider will help determine if medical treatment is needed.
What are the causes?
This condition is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Bacteria can enter the breast tissue through cuts, cracks, or openings in the skin. This usually occurs with breastfeeding because of cracked or irritated nipples.
Sometimes, mastitis can occur when there are no cuts or openings in the skin. This is usually caused by plugged milk ducts. Plugged milk ducts block the flow of milk in the breast.
Other causes include:
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition include:
Swelling, redness, tenderness, and pain in an area of the breast. The area may also feel warm to the touch. These symptoms usually affect the upper part of the breast, toward the armpit region.
Swelling of the glands under the arm on the same side.
Discharge from the nipple.
Fatigue, headache, and flu-like muscle aches.
Fever and chills.
Nausea and vomiting.
Rapid pulse.
Symptoms usually last 2–5 days. Breast pain and redness are at their worst on days 2 and 3, and they usually go away by day 5. If an infection is left to worsen, a collection of pus, or an abscess, may develop.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition can usually be diagnosed based on a physical exam and your symptoms. You may also have other tests, such as:
Blood tests to check if your body is fighting an infection from bacteria.
Mammogram or ultrasound tests to rule out other problems or diseases.
Fluid tests. If an abscess has developed, the fluid in the abscess may be removed with a needle. The fluid may be checked to see whether bacteria are present.
Breast milk testing. A sample of breast milk may be tested for bacteria. This is done only when breastfeeding or pumping.
How is this treated?
Mastitis that occurs with breastfeeding will sometimes go away on its own, so your health care provider may choose to wait 24 hours after first seeing you to decide whether a prescription medicine is needed. If treatment is needed, it may include:
Continuing to breastfeed or pump from both breasts to allow adequate milk flow and prevent an abscess from forming.
Applying hot or cold compresses to the affected area.
Medicine for pain.
Antibiotic medicine to treat a bacterial infection.
Self-care, such as rest and drinking more fluids.
Using a needle to remove fluid from an abscess if one has developed.
Follow these instructions at home:
Breast care
-
Keep your nipples clean and dry.
-
If directed, apply heat to the affected area of your breast. Use the heat source that your health care provider or lactation specialist recommends.
- If directed, place ice on the affected area of your breast. To do this:
Put ice in a plastic bag.
Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
Remove the ice if your skin turns bright red. This is very important. If you cannot feel pain, heat, or cold, you have a greater risk of damage to the area.
Breastfeeding and pumping tips
Continue to breastfeed your baby on demand. This means feeding your baby whenever he or she is hungry.
Ask your health care provider or lactation specialist whether you need to change your breastfeeding or pumping routine.
Avoid using nipple shields for feedings, if possible. Ask a lactation specialist for assistance if needed.
Alternate the breast you offer first at each feeding to make sure your baby feeds from both breasts equally.
Offer both breasts to your baby at every feeding.
Use gentle breast massage during feeding or pumping sessions only as told by your health care provider or lactation specialist.
Avoid allowing your breasts to become very full with milk (engorged). If your breasts are engorged, you can hand express a small amount of milk for comfort.
If you are pumping, continue to pump on the same schedule as you were before. In the breast with mastitis, pump until very little milk is coming out.
Do not empty your breast. Emptying your breast causes your body to make more milk and can make symptoms worse.
Medicines
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines as told by your health care provider.
If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
Contact a health care provider if:
-
Your pain and swelling are getting worse.
-
You have pain that is not controlled with medicine.
-
You have a red line extending from the breast toward your armpit.
Summary
-
Mastitis is inflammation of the breast tissue. It occurs most often in women who are breastfeeding, but it can also affect non-breastfeeding women and some men.
-
This condition is usually caused by a bacterial infection.
-
This condition may be treated with hot and cold compresses, medicines, self-care, and breastfeeding.
-
If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.