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Mastitis(Breast Infection)DefinitionMastitis is painful swelling and redness in the breast. It is especially common among women who are breastfeeding. While it is most common in just one breast it can occur in both. Mastitis  © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. CausesMastitis is often caused by trapped breast milk in a milk duct. The trapped breast milk can irritate the tissue around it and cause swelling and pain. Mastitis can also be caused by a bacterial infection in the breast tissue. Milk ducts or cracked skin around the nipple can allow bacteria to enter the breast and cause an infection. Mastitis often occurs during breastfeeding but, it is possible to get mastitis at other times. This article will focus on symptoms and treatment of lactation-associated mastitis. Risk FactorsA risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors include:
SymptomsSymptoms may include:
DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam of your breast will also be done. If the diagnosis is uncertain, or if mastitis recurs, your doctor may order the following tests:
TreatmentTreatment may include: Methods to Clear Blocked Breast DuctsRelieving the blockage in the milk duct is an effective way to decrease the pain and swelling. To clear blocked breast ducts try:
Pain ReliefTo reduce pain and swelling in the breast:
MedicationAntibiotics may be used to treat the infection. They may help cure the infection or reduce the risk of more serious but rare complications such as blood infection. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about which antibiotics are best for you to take so you can continue to breastfeed. The bacteria known as Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for many cases of bacterial mastitis. In recent years some forms of “staph” have become resistant to many of the commonly used antibiotics. So far the resistant bacteria have been rare in cases of mastitis. If mastitis does not respond to antibiotics, a localized collection of pus called an abscess might be present. This is usually treated with other antibiotics and a drainage procedure or surgery. If you are diagnosed with mastitis, follow your doctor's instructions . PreventionStrategies to help prevent mastitis include:
RESOURCES: The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Family Doctor.org Women's Health.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES: Health Canada Women's Health Matters References: American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: http://www.aap.org/ . Accessed July 20, 2009. Amir L. Breastfeeding and Staphylococcus aureus : three case reports. Breastfeed Rev . 2002;10:15-18. Barbosa-Cesnik C, Schwartz K, Foxman B. Lactation mastitis. JAMA . 2003;289:1609-1612. Berkow R. The Merck Manual of Medical Information . 17th ed. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster, Inc; 2000. Breast infection. US National Library of Medine, Medline Plus website. Available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001490.htm . Updated May 2008. Accessed July 20, 2009. Laibl VR, Sheffield JS, Roberts S, McIntire DD, Trevino S, Wendel GD Jr. Clinical presentation of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol . 2005;106:461-465. Mastitis. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mastitis/DS00678 . Updated March 2009. Accessed July 21, 2009. Last reviewed October 2009 by Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2009 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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