Is It Breast Infection Or Mastitis?

Mastitis or breast infection is the infection of breast tissues that occurs more frequently at the time of breast feeding.

Breast infection is usually caused by a bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, which is found on normal skin.

Breast infection occurs in the fatty tissues of your breasts and leads to swelling and this swelling pushes on milk ducts, which finally causes pain and lumps in the infected breast.

If you are not breast feeding and you got breast infection, then it might be a rare form of breast cancer.

Menopausal women can also get breast infection.

What causes breast infection?

An opening on your breast or passage of bacteria through milk-secreting ducts can lead to breast infection. The risk of getting breast infection is more when there is restricted or blocked milk flow. Here are some causes that increase your risk of developing breast infection:

• Restriction or blockage in the milk ducts


• Usage of nipple shields


• Irregular breastfeeding


• Smoking cigarettes


• Irregularities in your breast


• Undergoing breast surgery


• Injury to the breasts


• Overuse of upper part of your arm


• Using items which exert pressure on the breasts


• Longer gap in between the feedings


• Incorrect placement of the baby while breastfeeding


• Medical conditions such as diabetes, stress and anemia which reduce your body’s immunity


• Missing the feeding session


• Wearing restricted cloths or usage of underwire bra
  

What are the symptoms of breast infection?

• Fever and presence of flu like symptoms


• Swelling and redness in the area of the breast


• Breast soreness that is associated with ache


• Feeling warmness in the breasts


• Nipple discharge
  

When you consult your doctor, he/she will perform a physical exam by considering your past medical history. Surface of the skin or breast milk culture could be performed to find out the bacteria. If there is blurred result, then your doctor will recommend to under a mammogram or biopsy of your breast.

What are the treatments for breast infection?

• Your doctor will suggest you a course of antibiotics to reduce the breast infection. Sometimes they can cause stomach disturbances and allergic flare ups.


• Wear a good nursing bra, which can help to reduce the unwanted swelling. Apply warm compress over the inflamed area.


• If it is bearable pain, you can continue breast feeding or use a breast pump to draw out the milk.
  

Are there any possible complications of breast infection?

If you have chronic breast infection, immediately consult your doctor because it can cause pus formation in the breasts. You need to undergo surgery to remove the pus from breasts. During these cases, discontinue breast feeding.

Are there any tips to reduce the chances of developing breast infection?

• Use both the breast while feeding


• Keep hydrated


• Maintain regular feeding sessions


• Wash your hands before breastfeeding


• Place your baby correctly while breastfeeding


• Resolve any medical conditions like anemia


• Avoid wearing tight cloths that put pressure over the breast area


• Avoid overexertion of upper arms