Mastitis

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Mastitis
Synonyms	Breast infection, lactation mastitis
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Breast pain, swelling, redness, warmth, fever, chills
Complications	Abscess formation
Onset	Sudden
Duration	Days to weeks
Types	N/A
Causes	Bacterial infection, blocked milk duct
Risks	Breastfeeding, nipple trauma, poor breastfeeding technique
Diagnosis	Based on symptoms, physical examination
Differential diagnosis	Breast engorgement, breast abscess, inflammatory breast cancer
Prevention	Proper breastfeeding technique, frequent breastfeeding
Treatment	Antibiotics, pain relief, continued breastfeeding
Medication	Dicloxacillin, cephalexin, ibuprofen
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common in breastfeeding women
Deaths	N/A

Mastitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of breast tissue that results in breast pain, swelling, warmth and redness. It may also cause flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills. It's most commonly caused by a bacterial infection and frequently affects women who are breastfeeding, though it can occur in women who aren't breastfeeding and in men as well.

Mastitis in breast

Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis and Cystic Neutrophilic Granulomatous Mastitis

Etiology and Pathophysiology

Mastitis is most often caused by common skin or oral bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, that enter the breast tissue through a cracked or sore nipple. This can result from a blocked milk duct or from bacteria entering the breast tissue during breastfeeding.

Pecho enrojecido

Once the bacteria have infiltrated the breast tissue, the body's immune system responds, leading to inflammation and swelling. This inflammation can increase pressure in the breast tissue, causing pain and discomfort.

Clinical Presentation

Symptoms of mastitis can appear abruptly and may include:

• Swelling, tenderness, or pain in one breast
• Redness of the breast often in a wedge-shaped pattern
• The affected breast feels warm or hot to the touch
• Fever of 101 F (38.3 C) or greater
• Chills and flu-like symptoms

Diagnosis

Mastitis is primarily diagnosed based on physical examination and patient's symptoms. If an abscess is suspected or if mastitis recurs, further diagnostic procedures, such as a breast ultrasound or mammography, may be conducted. In some cases, a milk culture or biopsy may be necessary.

Treatment

Mastitis treatment involves antibiotics to clear up the infection. Pain relievers may also be prescribed to alleviate pain and discomfort. It's important to continue breastfeeding during this time, as emptying the breast helps clear the infection. In the event an abscess forms (a pocket of pus), it may need to be drained. This is done either with a needle or with a small incision, under local anesthesia.

Prevention

Proper breastfeeding technique and ensuring the breast is fully emptied of milk can help reduce the risk of mastitis. A lactation consultant can provide helpful guidance on these methods.

See also

• Breastfeeding difficulties
• Breast abscess
• Lactation consultant

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