What is Mastitis? – Signs and symptoms to note

Author: Dr. Jayashree Jayakrishnan, Lactation Skill Support Expert, Fortis Malar, Adyar

India

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New Delhi, August 02, 2022;

Mastitis is nothing but an inflammation of breast tissues which leads to an infection that results in tenderness and pain. Mastitis during breastfeeding is frustrating. But when there is an awareness of the condition, and if it is identified early, we have options to treat it and relieve from the symptoms. We will further discuss about the cause of the issue and ways to treat it.

What is Mastitis?

Mastitis is typically due to prolonged engorgement of milk ducts, with infectious components from the entry of bacteria through skin breaks which leads to inflammation. A hard lump due to blocked duct are usually pale, sore, tender and redness in appearance.

It is necessary that the blocked ducts should be treated immediately to prevent the progression to mastitis. The lactating mother should not stop feeding and should do expression of Breastmilk in between the feeding, if necessary. If the lumps fail to get cleared within 12 hours and the mother develops a chill, body shivers or pain, fever, then it is important to consult an Obstetrician/Gynecologist/Breast Surgeon.

Signs and symptoms of Mastitis:

Mothers should take care of themselves besides taking care of their babies. Early diagnosis is the key to prevent future complications. For which it is important to be aware of the symptoms. Please visit the obstetrician/Gynecologist to check yourself if you notice any of these symptoms.

• Flu like signs like fever, pains, and tiredness
• Feeling warm to touch
• Breast tissue thickening or tender lump in one or both the breasts
• Breast swelling
• Red patches in wedge-shaped pattern
• Burning sensation or pain while feeding

Causes of Mastitis:

There are risk factors which might increase the probabilities of developing the disease. They are

• Incorrect breast feeding (latch) technique and inefficient withdrawal of Breastmilk from the breast is one of the main reasons to develop mastitis.
• Inefficient withdrawal during breastfeeds or even wrong usage of Breast pump with improper flange sizes will lead to milk ducts clogged and result in the formation of tender lumps. There are chances for infection to set in
• Milk blister is a spot of thickened milk at the tip of the nipple opening, it is painful too. It blocks the flow of milk from the breast. This will result in mastitis which further leads to Abscess
• Putting pressure on the breast in the form of tight cloths like brassieres will restrict milk ducts and lead to lump formation
• Weekend immune system due to poor nutrition will make you more vulnerable to mastitis infection
• Previous infection and smoking also led to mastitis infection

Treatment for mastitis:

If you are diagnosed with mastitis your primary physician will prescribe antibiotics that are safe to both you and your baby. Milk itself is not affected due to the infection. Hence, more than antibiotic the other best way to treat this is nursing the baby continuously. It helps in efficient with drawl of milk from the breast and prevent from formation of lumps. Your health expert might also suggest for painkiller to help to ease the discomfort and continue breastfeeding.

In addition to the recommendations, you may also try these self-care tips to relieve from mastitis, they are

• Taking plenty of fluids and getting ample rest
• Breastfeeding from each breast at each feeding.
• Can try hand-expressing after the breastfeeds , if Breast is heavy
• Increase feeding frequency to avoid milk supply drop and recovery time
• Maintain a regular feeding. If there are long feeding gaps, if there is heaviness in breast or try feeding the baby or hand express breastmilk.
• Luke Warm water fermentation on breast and cold packs for pain before feeding or expressing. You can also take lukewarm shower
• Gently massage the affected breast area while breastfeeding or during Pumping
• Avoid tight cloths and wear correct-fitting tops

Treating mastitis early is important. If you feel that it’s time to wean have consultation with your primary physician to discuss on gradual weaning as abrupt weaning may result in Mastitis. If the infection left untreated symptoms can get worse and an abscess can form. Visit your gynecologist or lactation Skill Support expert if the symptoms do not clear up promptly and for guidance.

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