Mastitis is a breast infection, which is commonly found in nursing women but it can also be found in women, who are not giving breastfeed to their newborns after childbirth. Women, who have a low immunity, are at a higher risk of getting the infection. The infections starts from a crack on the skin and it can take the shape of an infection of the milk duct caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria are commonly found in skin and it multiplies to form superficial inflamed areas and sometimes, the infection goes deep into the tissues. The infection can grows and in certain conditions, you may have to contact the medical practitioner to take medicines to get rid of the infection.
1. Swelling or lumps.
2. Enlargement of one side of breasts and pain.
3. Body pain, fatigue, fever and itching, which can cause vomiting or nausea.
4. Nipples may have pus discharge and sensation changes in nipples.
5. Swelling and redness can be seen on the surface.
6. The busts become tender to touch and lymph nodes in the underarm may swell.
7. The temperature of the sore part may be high and many nursing mothers develop the problem in the first week of delivery.
The infection goes away on its own on giving the feed to the baby, although the risk of mastitis is high in first two months of childbirth.
Chronic mastitis: There is a condition called chronic mastitis, which can be seen in women who are not nursing and it can also be seen in women after menopause. The condition is caused due to changes in hormone secretion, where the nipples get inflamed and the milk ducts becomes clogged resulting in infections. The problem caused by clogged milk ducts may come back on taking antibiotics. If the condition does not improve after two to three days, you should contact a medical practitioner.
Diagnosis
1. Nursing mothers are generally not diagnosed as it is commonly found in breastfeeding mother but if it happens in other women, you may have to undergo an ultrasound to find out, the cause of the condition.
2. Sometimes the lumps are formed due to fluid and sometimes, it contains a solid mass. There are also certain non invasive tests, which can be done to diagnose the condition.
3. The doctor may take the milk samples to test the organism causing the lump.
4. For non-feeding mothers, the doctor may either conduct a biopsy or do a mammogram screening.
Treatment: The doctor may give you pain killer to reduce pain although it is not recommended to take antibiotics because it will be transferred to the baby. It is advised to continue breastfeeding and emptying the breast that is infected, because it helps in clearing the breasts and as the milk is reduced, the bacteria may not grow. Warm compress can reduce pain but ice packs can reduce the flow of milk and it should be avoided. Drink a lot of water to clear the body of toxins.
