What is Mastitis?

Mastitis is a painful inflammation of the breast tissue. Sometimes, this inflammation can lead to a bacterial infection.

While mastitis can happen to anyone, it is most common in breastfeeding mothers. Although it is rare, men and women who are not breastfeeding can also get it.

What are the signs of mastitis?

Because mastitis is an inflammation, your breast may feel swollen, painful, or warm to the touch. You might also notice:

• Breast pain or a burning feeling that gets worse when your baby nurses.
• Hard bumps or red spots on the breast.
• Flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills (this usually means there is an infection).

It is common to feel engorged (very full and heavy) in the first few days after giving birth, but mastitis can happen any time you are producing milk.

Why does mastitis occur?

The most common cause is hyperlactation, which means your body is making too much milk. When there is too much milk, the surrounding breast tissue presses against the milk ducts and narrows them. This causes the breast to become very full and swollen (engorgement). This stage is called inflammatory mastitis.

If that swelling is not managed, it can turn into bacterial mastitis, which is an infection. In some cases, a bacterial infection can lead to an abscess, which is a collection of fluid that a doctor may need to drain.

What are the risk factors for mastitis?

You have a higher risk if you are breastfeeding and have an oversupply of milk.

In the past, doctors used to tell patients to empty their breasts as much as possible to fix an oversupply. However, new research shows that pumping or feeding more than usual actually makes the problem worse. It signals your body to make even more milk, which increases the swelling.

How is a diagnosis of mastitis made?

To diagnose you, your doctor will perform a physical exam and talk to you about your symptoms. If you are not breastfeeding, the doctor might order a breast ultrasound or a mammogram to rule out other issues like breast cancer.

What is the most effective way to treat mastitis?

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and swelling and to stop an infection from happening. Because medical advice can change, it is important to talk to your doctor for the latest information.

In the past, people used heat, strong massage, and extra pumping, but doctors now advise against these. Mastitis is more like a sprained ankle—you would rest it and use ice, not massage it hard or use heat. Mastitis is not a plug of milk to force out, but swelling that needs to go down so milk can flow again.

At-home treatments for inflammatory mastitis:

• Ice: Lie on your back and use a cold pack or a bag of frozen vegetables to reduce swelling. Do not use heat.
• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen or naproxen (NSAIDs) can help reduce both pain and swelling.
• Lymphatic Drainage: This is a very light touch, like petting a cat. Gently move your hand from the breast toward the lymph nodes in your armpit or above your collarbone. This helps move fluid out of the breast.
• Reverse Pressure Softening (RPS): If your nipple area is too swollen for the baby to latch, use two fingers to press gently around the base of the nipple and push the fluid back toward the chest.
• Wear a Supportive Bra: Use a bra that fits well but is not tight or restrictive.

What to avoid:

• Deep or vigorous breast massage.
• Using handheld massagers on the breast.
• Soaking the breast in water.
• Applying heat.

What drugs are used to treat bacterial mastitis?

If at-home care does not work, the inflammation may turn into a bacterial infection. In this case, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. These are meant to kill the bacteria in the milk ducts. While the infection usually takes about 10 days to go away completely, you should start feeling better within 48 to 72 hours. Note that medicine like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help with pain, but only antibiotics can cure the infection.

What side effects might mastitis cause?

If a breast infection is left untreated, it can turn into an abscess. An abscess usually requires a doctor to perform a small procedure to drain the pus using a needle or a small cut.

What is the duration of mastitis?

Inflammatory mastitis usually resolves in 10 to 14 days. If you manage it correctly with ice and gentle care, symptoms should improve significantly within 24 to 72 hours.

Is it safe to continue nursing when you have mastitis?

Yes. You should continue to nurse your child. Breast milk will not pass the infection to your baby; in fact, breast milk contains natural properties that help protect babies from getting sick. Most antibiotics prescribed for mastitis are also safe for the baby. While nursing might be uncomfortable while you are sore, it is important to keep going.

Can I get mastitis more than once?

Yes, it is possible to have mastitis multiple times.

What can I anticipate if I get mastitis?

While mastitis is very painful and frustrating, it rarely causes long-term health problems. Most people recover well using at-home treatments. You might notice your milk supply drops slightly while your body is fighting the infection, but your supply should return to normal once you feel better.

Does having mastitis make you more susceptible to breast cancer?

No, mastitis does not increase your risk of breast cancer. However, a rare type of cancer called inflammatory breast cancer can look very similar to mastitis. It can cause redness, swelling, and skin that looks like an orange peel. If you notice these skin changes or if your symptoms do not go away, you must see your doctor immediately for an accurate diagnosis.

How can mastitis be avoided?

The best way to prevent mastitis is to only pump or feed as much as your baby needs. Avoid over-pumping to try and empty the breast completely.

It can also help to:

• Consult a lactation specialist to ensure your baby has a good latch.
• Avoid tight-fitting bras.
• Avoid using nipple shells or other plastic devices that stay against the breast.

When should I visit my doctor?

You should contact your doctor if your at-home treatments for swelling are not working, or if you notice:

• Severe breast pain.
• New lumps that do not go away.
• Strange discharge from the nipple.
• Symptoms that get worse even after 24 hours of antibiotics.

What inquiries ought I to make of my doctor?

• What likely caused my mastitis?
• How long should I expect recovery to take?
• What is the best treatment for my specific symptoms?
• How can I prevent this from happening again?

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Mastitis treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Mastitis treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced gynecologists and breast health specialists, known as some of the best doctors for breastfeeding-related conditions. We provide accurate diagnosis through clinical evaluation and imaging when required, personalized medical treatment including antibiotics and pain management, and lactation support to ensure quick recovery. Our women’s health care team has decades of experience in successfully treating Mastitis in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Mastitis treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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