Definition of "Mastitis"
Last modified: 5 days
Inflammation of breast tissue.
Staph aureus, that's the most common.
It's usually in only 1 breast, and it happens quickly. Early on, there's localized signs of inflammation, so pain, warmth, redness, swelling. Later on, it can spread throughout the body, causing fever, ache. The breast inflammation itself, can become a collection of pus, known as an abscess, later on.
Frequently empty breasts, if lactating. Massage and heat can help. Enough fluid.
Mastitis is inflammation of breast tissue.
Patient information
What is mastitis?Inflammation of breast tissue.
Oh, as in mastectomy. That's removal of the breast 
That's correct 
!
Pathophysiology
- Caused by:
- Staph aureus, most commonly
- S epidermis
- Streptococcus spp
- E coli
- Salmonella spp
- Mycobacteria
- Candida
Patient information
What causes breast inflammation?Staph aureus, that's the most common.
As in golden staph! A common cause of skin infection and abscess?
Yep !
Sx
- Unilateral problem in 1 breast, in lactation mastitis
- Sx can develop quickly, in lactation mastitis
- Early stages:
- Breast tenderness
- Local pain or burning sensation continuously, or whilst breat feeding
- Warmth to touch
- Skin redness, often in a wedge-shaped pattern
- Swelling of the breast
- Later stages:
- Systemic Sx, like:
- Fever and flu-like Sx
- Malaise
- Aches
- Shivering/chills
- Feeling anxious/stressed
- Fatigue
- Affected breast can then start to appear lumpy and red
- Breast abscess (see page), in rare cases
- Systemic Sx, like:
It is common that Sx can develop very quickly, without any warning
Patient information
What happens in breast inflammation?It's usually in only 1 breast, and it happens quickly. Early on, there's localized signs of inflammation, so pain, warmth, redness, swelling. Later on, it can spread throughout the body, causing fever, ache. The breast inflammation itself, can become a collection of pus, known as an abscess, later on.
Classification
Distingushed by leukocyte count and bacteria culturing:
- Milk stasis
- Non-infectious inflammation
- Infectious inflammation
- Abscess
Tx
- Not necessary to wean an infant, except in severe cases. It doesn't present any risk to the nursing infant. In fact, nursing is the most effective way to remove the blockage, and allevaite Sx's. Sudden weaning can cause or exacerbate mastitis Sx, and cause hyponatremic shock in the infant. In fact, continuing breastfeeding is very beneficial for the mother!
- Frequent emptying of both breasts by breastfeeding is essential, in lactation mastitis. Use of pumps to empty the breast is controversial
- Massage and application of heat prior to feeding, can help as it may aid unblocking the ducts, in breastfeeding women w/ light mastitis. However, in more severe cases of mastitis, heat/massage could make the Sx worse and cold compresses are better suited to contain the inflammation
- Adequate fluid supply for both the mother and baby
- Abx are NOT needed in most cases of lactation mastitis, and should ONLY be used for bacterial infections. Dicloxacillin or cephalexin are sometimes recommended, due to high rates of penicillin resistant staph
Patient information
What can you do to fix an inflammed breast?Frequently empty breasts, if lactating. Massage and heat can help. Enough fluid.
Since an inflammed breast is usually due to Staph aureus, which is a bacteria. How about antibiotics?
You can, but you usually don't need it for lactation mastitis.
You say frequently empty breasts. Can you breastfeed whilst there's a bacterial infection in the breast?
You can, and it actually helps.
See also
Synonyms:
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