Mastitis Treatment

Mastitis is a medical condition, which causes inflammation of the breast tissues. Usually, nursing mothers are affected by this condition, which may also occur in women who do not lactate. Such inflammation can be caused by various reasons, but the most common one is infection. Infection is mostly caused by bacteria (either from the baby's mouth or from the mother's skin), which may enter the breast tissues through cracked nipples or opening of milk ducts. Other causes are engorgement of the breast (filling of the breast with milk) and blocked milk ducts, which can cause infection. However, infection is considered as the common cause for mastitis, even though the other two causes may also lead to this condition. It has been observed that mastitis is a condition that develops within the first six weeks of childbirth, but may happen at later stages too. In rare cases, males too may develop this condition.

What are the Symptoms of Mastitis

The symptoms of mastitis may differ in intensity according to the cause. Most severe symptoms are caused by infection, which is characterized by swelling and redness of the breast, which may look shiny. Sometimes, pus may come out of the nipple and the temperature of the affected breast also increases. Affected women may also experience fever, shivers, nausea or vomiting, and muscle pain. A burning sensation may also develop while breastfeeding the baby. Mastitis due to infection affects one breast only, but in some cases, both breasts may get affected. In case of engorgement, the breasts are not emptying properly after feeding and this results in accumulation of milk in the milk ducts, which makes the breasts swollen and sore. This condition affects both breasts, which can be painful too. Blocked milk ducts affect only a part of the breast, which carries the blocked duct. The affected women may feel dull pain, but extreme cases may cause severe pain and flu-like symptoms too. However, mastitis due to infection is the most severe among all causes. The symptoms are also severe in case of infection.

How is Mastitis Treated

Mastitis treatment is decided as per the cause and intensity of the condition. According to health experts, breastfeeding has to be continued, even if there is infection and any bacteria in breast milk will be destroyed by the baby's digestive system. It is very important to seek medical attention at the earliest to determine the exact cause of the condition and to avoid complications. In case of non-infectious mastitis, the doctor may prescribe some pain killers for relieving the pain. The main requirement is the draining of the accumulated breast milk, which may otherwise lead to infection. Feed the baby frequently from the engorged breast and massaging the affected area may also prove to be beneficial.

In case of blocked milk ducts, the affected part of the breast can become swollen and red, with a firm mass inside. This is a temporary condition, which may subside within a few days. However, it can lead to mastitis in some cases, as it develops infection. In order to avoid that, feed the baby frequently, massage the area well and apply warmth. Both the above said conditions: engorgement of the breast, or blocked milk ducts, may lead to infection. Otherwise too, mastitis can be directly caused by infection of breasts.

Infectious mastitis treatment is often done with oral antibiotics for a stipulated period, along with painkillers. This antibiotic treatment is usually prescribed for simple mastitis. In case of acute mastitis, treatment is aimed at healing the abscess developed in the affected breast due to infection along with the other symptoms. It includes draining the abscess, which may take around one week to heal, oral antibiotics to eliminate the infection and emptying the breast by feeding or pumping. If there is an abscess, the doctor may advise you to refrain from feeding the baby from the affected breast. Severe cases of breast infection and abscess may require surgery too.

As soon as you notice the symptoms, seek medical attention and take mastitis treatment. You may also prevent this condition by frequently feeding your baby, ensuring that the breast is drained after each feeding, drinking lots of fluids, boosting your immune system with a good diet and practicing good personal hygiene.