Understanding Mastitis – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention
Mastitis is a frequent but debilitating problem occurring in a substantial number of breastfeeding mothers. It’s an inflammation of the breast, often due to infection or blocked milk ducts, and is typically accompanied by breast pain, swelling, redness, and fever. Mastitis can be an overwhelming condition, especially for a breastfeeding mother, but it is treatable — particularly when early in its development. Early care and correct treatment are important in order to prevent complications such as abscesses. In this blog, we will cover what mastitis is, the first signs of mastitis, mastitis causes, what mastitis treatments work, and how to prevent mastitis, as well as when to get help if you need it.
What is Mastitis?
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast, and most often occurs in breastfeeding women, but can also develop in women who are not breastfeeding. It’s frequently caused by a plug in a duct that results in milk getting stuck inside the breast, which provides a clear path for infection.
Although mastitis may start as a simple irritation, it can quickly develop into a painful infection and a great overall body burden. Signs may arise with little warning, and delay in seeking help is never advisable. Treatment with breast seed ointment has not only quick recovery but also the pleasure of feeding for mothers.
What Causes Mastitis?
Being aware of the mastitis causes is important for treatment and prevention. The most frequent triggers are:
- Blocked milk ducts, which can lead to built-up milk and pressure and inflammation.
- Bacterial infections like those that may be caused by Staphylococcus aureus, and can be triggered by cracked nipples or sores.
- Inadequate ways of latching causing inadequate breast emptying.
- Nipples, some of which are cracked or damaged, provide access to bacteria.
- Engorgement, frequently caused by skipped or inadequate feedings.
- Lowered immunity, heightened levels of stress and exhaustion — all common for new mothers — can open the way for illness.
Understanding these triggers can assist mothers to make simple adjustments that may help to decrease their likelihood of experiencing mastitis.
Early Signs of Mastitis
Early detection is the catchphrase when it comes to preventing mastitis. The early symptoms are often:
- Pain or tenderness in the breast in a localised region.
- Red exudate and heat around the segment.
- A mass, usually firm or hard, with associated swelling.
- Low-grade fever or flu-like symptoms, such as chills and muscle aches.
These or any of these signs, if observed, seek prompt medical care. The right treatment in a timely manner, however, can be the difference between a minor inflammation and a more severe infection.
Mastitis Symptoms
Symptoms of mastitis can be exacerbated and become more systemic if not addressed early. These can include:
- Breast pain and swelling can be so bad that a baby can’t nurse well or touch the breast.
- Chronic redness and heat in the breast.
- Severe fever, normally over 38.5°C (101.3°F).
- Unbearable fatigue, body pain, and nausea, very flu-like symptoms.
Disclaimer: It’s important to know the difference between plain ol’ engorged breasts, which can be treated at home, and full-blown mastitis, which often needs to be addressed by a doctor, especially in the case of infection.
Mastitis – When to Go to Hospital
Mastitis can usually be treated at home with advice from a GP or midwife. But there are times when hospital care is needed:
- Fever is greater than 39°C (102°F) or lasts more than 24 hours.
- Breast milk contains blood or pus.
- Pain increases despite some of our home remedies or the medication that is prescribed.
- It results in an abscess, which is a sore, hard lump that develops redness of the skin.
These signs may suggest a more significant infection that may require antibiotic treatment or small, superficial surgical drainage. Immediate hospital care means any complications can be dealt with rapidly and safely.
Mastitis Treatment
Management and treatment for both inflammatory and infective mastitis depends on the type; however, the majority of cases may be managed with:
- Antibiotics, in cases of confirmed or suspected bacterial infection.
- Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol to help reduce inflammation and ease pain.
- Breastfeeding or pumping frequently (as often as eight to 12 times daily) is also important to help keep the breast drained and the milk flowing so it doesn’t heap up in the breast.
- Warm packs and soft massaging before feeds to help milk flow.
- Good rest and fluids, important factors in recovery and general maternal well-being!
An untreated mastitis can develop into an abscess which needs drainage – that’s why it’s really important to deal with it.
How to Prevent Mastitis
As always, a little bit of prevention is better than a pound of cure, so here are some things you can do to help prevent your mastitis risk:
- It is important to get the right latch every time you are feeding your baby so that your nipples don’t get damaged and milk is effectively removed from the breasts.
- If your breasts feel full, you may pump, or manually express by hand, some milk.
- Heal sore or cracked nipples immediately with soothing salves or shields.
- Wear comfortable, not-too-tight bras that don’t constrict the flow of milk.
- Keep hydrated and moisturised, especially when breastfeeding.
Being in tune with your body and feeding schedule can go a long way to avoid mastitis.
How to Avoid Mastitis
Remember to add a few more preventive strategies to your list:
- Feed in different positions to empty all the parts of the breast thoroughly.
- Empty both breasts as much as possible during each feed.
- Stay on top of stress and make sure you are getting enough sleep and support whenever possible.
By following such small habits you can reduce the chances of getting infected again.
Conclusion
Mastitis is a very common problem but it can be painful if not treated early. It is a condition whose symptoms, causes, and treatment options can be learned by mothers to enable them to empower themselves to take charge of their own health. If symptoms continue or worsen, then seek medical advice.
For further details or personal attention, speak with your GP or visit the NHS website.
Chase Lodge Hospital is here to support your health journey with expert care tailored to your needs.
