Mastitis and the presence of an abscess in the breast are associated with the presence of disease-causing germs in breast milk. In general, inflammatory mastitis disappears during lactation with appropriate antibiotic treatment and does not pose a threat to the health of the infant.

Breast abscess is much rarer and can develop inside the duct system, in which case the abscess releases large amounts of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus into the milk.

Breastfeeding from an abscessed breast is not recommended.

Symptoms of mastitis

Symptoms of mastitis include the following

Warmth of the breast to the touch.

breast swelling

Thickening of the breast tissue.

Pain or a burning sensation continuously or during breastfeeding.

Redness of the skin, often wedge-shaped.

Feeling generally ill.

Fever, where the temperature reaches 38.3 degrees Celsius or more.

Causes and risk factors for mastitis

The following is an explanation of the most prominent causes and risk factors

1. Causes of mastitis

The most prominent reasons include the following

Blockage of the milk duct

If the breast is not completely emptied during feeding, one of the milk ducts may become blocked, leading to regurgitation and infection of the breast.

Entering bacteria into the breast

Bacteria from the surface of the skin and the baby''s mouth can enter the milk ducts through a crack in the skin of the nipple or through the opening of the milk duct. Stagnant milk in the breast that has not been emptied provides a breeding ground for bacteria.

2. Risk factors for mastitis

The most prominent risk factors include

A previous bout of infection while breastfeeding.

Sore or cracked nipples, although mastitis can develop without the skin being involved.

Wearing a tight bra or squeezing your breasts when using a seat belt or carrying a heavy bag, which can limit your milk flow.

Feeling very tired or stressed.

Malnutrition.

smoking.

Complications of mastitis

Mastitis that is not adequately treated or that results from a blocked duct can cause a collection of pus or an abscess in the breast, as the abscess usually requires surgical drainage.

To avoid these complications, talk to your doctor as soon as you develop signs or symptoms of mastitis.

Diagnosis of mastitis

Your doctor will perform a thorough physical exam and ask you about your signs and symptoms. Breast milk culture may help your doctor determine the best antibiotic for you, especially if you have a severe infection.

A rare type of breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer, can also cause redness and swelling that can initially be mistaken for mastitis. Your doctor may recommend a mammogram, ultrasound, or both.

If your signs and symptoms persist even after completing a course of antibiotics, you may need a biopsy to make sure you don''t have breast cancer.

Treatment of mastitis

Treatment methods may include the following

1. Antibiotics

If you have an infection, a 10-day course of antibiotics is usually needed. It is important to take all of your medication to reduce the chance of a recurrence, but if your mastitis does not go away after taking antibiotics, follow up with your doctor.

2. Pain relievers

The doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Prevention of mastitis

To get the best way to breastfeed and to avoid complications such as mastitis, you should consult a lactation consultant, as a lactation consultant can give you invaluable advice and guidance for appropriate breastfeeding techniques. Prevention methods to avoid mastitis also include the following

Drain all the milk from your breasts while breastfeeding.

Allow your baby to completely empty one breast before switching to the other breast while feeding.

Change the position you use to breastfeed from one feeding to the next.

Make sure your baby is latching on properly while feeding.

Try to quit smoking if you smoke.