Mastitis is an inflammatory disease of the mammary glands and is most common in women who are breastfeeding. This condition is characterized by pain, redness, swelling in the breast and sometimes fever. In rare cases, it can also occur in women who are not breastfeeding and in men.
Types of mastitis
1. Lactational mastitis
It usually occurs in women who are breastfeeding, usually in the first 6 weeks after giving birth.
The main cause is a blockage of the milk duct or an infection (bacterial).
Bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus can enter the mammary gland through cracks in the nipple.
2. Non-lactational mastitis
Occurs in non-breastfeeding women and sometimes in men.
It is usually associated with blocked sebaceous glands, smoking, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.
It is more common in young women.
Symptoms
Severe pain in the breast
Redness and swelling
Skin that is warm and tender to the touch
Fever and general malaise
Sometimes purulent discharge or abscess (collection of pus)
If mastitis is left untreated
An abscess may form (surgical intervention may be necessary).
Breastfeeding may become difficult or may have to stop.
The inflammation may spread (risk of sepsis is rare).
Treatment
Antibiotics (if there is a bacterial infection)
Exhaustion of milk (continue breastfeeding or express the breast)
Rest and fluids
Anti-inflammatory and pain medications (ibuprofen, paracetamol)
Mastitis is an inflammatory disease of the mammary glands and is most common in women who are breastfeeding. This condition is characterized by pain, redness, swelling in the breast and sometimes fever. In rare cases, it can also occur in women who are not breastfeeding and in men.
Types of mastitis
1. Lactational mastitis
It usually occurs in women who are breastfeeding, usually in the first 6 weeks after giving birth.
The main cause is a blockage of the milk duct or an infection (bacterial).
Bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus can enter the mammary gland through cracks in the nipple.
2. Non-lactational mastitis
Occurs in non-breastfeeding women and sometimes in men.
It is usually associated with blocked sebaceous glands, smoking, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.
It is more common in young women.
Symptoms
Severe pain in the breast
Redness and swelling
Skin that is warm and tender to the touch
Fever and general malaise
Sometimes purulent discharge or abscess (collection of pus)
If mastitis is left untreated
An abscess may form (surgical intervention may be necessary).
Breastfeeding may become difficult or may have to stop.
The inflammation may spread (risk of sepsis is rare).
Treatment
Antibiotics (if there is a bacterial infection)
Exhaustion of milk (continue breastfeeding or express the breast)
Rest and fluids
Anti-inflammatory and pain medications (ibuprofen, paracetamol)
