Mastitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Management Tips

What is mastitis?

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that may sometimes involve infection. Characterised by breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness, it may also cause fever and chills. While mastitis predominantly affects women who are breastfeeding (lactation mastitis), it can occur in non-breastfeeding women and even men.

How common is mastitis?

Mastitis is quite common among breastfeeding mothers within the first three months after childbirth. According to a review published in the Journal of Human Lactation, approximately 10% of breastfeeding mothers globally experience at least one episode of lactational mastitis.

What are the symptoms of mastitis?

Mastitis symptoms usually appear abruptly.

They include:

• Breast tenderness or warmth
• Swelling of the breast
• Thickening of breast tissue or the presence of a breast lump
• Pain or burning sensation continuously or while breastfeeding
• Skin redness in a wedge-shaped pattern
• General feeling of illness
• Fever above 101 F (38.3 C)

If you experience any of these mastitis symptoms that concern you, immediately consult your healthcare provider.

What causes mastitis?

Mastitis causes can primarily be directed at trapped milk in the breast.

Other mastitis causes can include:

• A blocked milk duct: If a breast doesn't completely empty during feedings, a milk duct can become clogged, leading to infection.
• Bacteria entering your breast: Bacteria from your skin's surface and baby's mouth can enter the milk ducts through a crack in the skin of your nipple or through a milk duct opening.

What are the types of mastitis?

There are two main mastitis types are lactation mastitis and non-lactational mastitis.

• Lactation Mastitis: This mastitis type usually occurs during breastfeeding when the breast isn't properly emptied, leading to bacteria growth.
• Non-lactational Mastitis: This mastitis type affects women who aren't breastfeeding and men as well. It can be caused by injury to the breast, chronic infections, or certain diseases like diabetes.

What are the risk factors for mastitis?

Certain factors increase the risk of developing mastitis, including:

• Previous bouts of mastitis while breastfeeding
• Sore or cracked nipples
• Improper nursing technique
• Overly tired or stressed state
• Poor nutrition
• Smoking

Are all breastfeeding mothers at risk of developing mastitis? Not necessarily. With proper care and techniques, you can minimise your risk.

How is mastitis diagnosed?

A mastitis diagnosis involves a thorough physical examination by your doctor, who will ask about your signs and symptoms. In cases of severe infection, a culture of your breast milk might help determine the best treatment approach.

To rule out breast cancer that might initially be confused with mastitis, your doctor may recommend a mammogram, ultrasound, or both.

What is the treatment for mastitis?

When it comes to mastitis treatment, antibiotics play a crucial role. Typically, if you have an infection accompanying the inflammation of your breast tissue, a 10-day course of antibiotics is usually required. Being diligent about taking all of the medication is vital to minimising your chance of recurrence. If your mastitis symptoms persist despite completing the antibiotic course, make sure to follow up with your doctor.

In addition to antibiotics, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage the discomfort associated with mastitis. Interestingly, continuing to breastfeed during mastitis actually helps clear up the infection. Abrupt weaning can potentially worsen mastitis symptoms.

How can I prevent mastitis?

Preventing mastitis largely centres around proper breastfeeding techniques and self-care. Here are some tips:

• Fully drain the milk from your breasts during breastfeeding.
• Allow your baby to completely empty one breast before switching to the other during feeding.
• Vary your breastfeeding positions from one feeding to the next.
• Ensure proper latching of your baby during feeding.
• If you smoke, consider quitting immediately.

Implementing these tips can greatly reduce the risk of developing mastitis and help you maintain a healthy breastfeeding relationship with your baby.

What can I expect if I have mastitis?

If you have mastitis, expect sudden symptoms such as breast tenderness, warmth, swelling, and redness. You might experience a fever and feel generally unwell. If a blocked milk duct or bacteria causes mastitis, you might also notice thickening of the breast tissue or a breast lump. In severe cases, mastitis that isn’t adequately treated may develop into an abscess requiring surgical drainage.

Remember, timely mastitis treatment is essential to prevent complications. If you observe any signs and symptoms of mastitis, consult your healthcare provider promptly.

Does mastitis increase your risk of breast cancer?

It's natural to worry about the risk of breast cancer when faced with any breast-related condition. However, rest assured that having mastitis does not increase your risk of developing breast cancer.

Nonetheless, it is important not to confuse the symptoms of mastitis with those of inflammatory breast cancer, a rare but aggressive type of breast cancer. If symptoms persist even after completing a course of antibiotics, further diagnostic procedures may be required to rule out this possibility.

When to see a doctor?

Anytime you observe mastitis symptoms that concern you, such as those mentioned earlier, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Understanding mastitis and its associated aspects, such as mastitis symptoms, mastitis causes, and effective mastitis treatment, empowers you to better manage your health and continue with your breastfeeding journey without unnecessary distress. Remember, early diagnosis and immediate treatment are crucial to effectively managing mastitis, preventing complications, and ensuring a healthy breastfeeding experience.

If you are concerned about any symptoms or need reliable diagnostic services, consider Metropolis Labs for accurate pathology testing and health check-up services. Their qualified team of technicians ensures safe at-home sample collection, with results conveniently shared online via email or their user-friendly app.