Summary about Disease
A breast infection, most commonly mastitis, is an inflammation of breast tissue that sometimes involves an infection. It's most common in women who are breastfeeding (lactation mastitis), but it can occur in women who aren't breastfeeding and, rarely, in men. Mastitis can cause pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the breast. Sometimes, you might also have fever and chills.
Symptoms
Breast tenderness or warmth to the touch
Breast swelling
Pain or a burning sensation continuously or while breastfeeding
Skin redness, often in a wedge-shaped pattern
Fever
Chills
Feeling generally ill (malaise)
Nipple discharge (may be white, yellow, or blood-tinged)
Causes
Blocked Milk Duct: Incomplete emptying of the breast during feeding can lead to a blocked duct. A backup results, leading to infection.
Bacteria Entering the Breast: Bacteria, often from the baby's mouth or skin surface, can enter the milk ducts through a crack in the nipple or a milk duct opening.
Medicine Used
Antibiotics: These are the primary treatment if a bacterial infection is present. Commonly prescribed antibiotics are dicloxacillin, cephalexin, or clindamycin. The specific antibiotic will depend on the suspected bacteria and the severity of the infection.
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and fever.
Is Communicable
Mastitis itself is not communicable in the sense that you can "catch" it from someone else. However, if the infection is caused by bacteria from the baby's mouth, ensuring proper hygiene is crucial. The baby might transmit bacteria back to the nipple, perpetuating the issue for the mother, but the infection isn't directly transmissible from one adult to another.
Precautions
Frequent Breastfeeding: Empty your breasts fully and frequently. If breastfeeding, ensure the baby is latched on correctly.
Proper Latch: Consult a lactation consultant to ensure a proper latch.
Vary Feeding Positions: Change feeding positions to ensure all areas of the breast are drained.
Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially before and after breastfeeding. Clean the nipples gently.
Avoid Tight Bras: Wear supportive but not restrictive bras.
Rest and Hydration: Get plenty of rest and stay well-hydrated.
How long does an outbreak last?
With antibiotic treatment, symptoms typically begin to improve within 2-3 days. Without treatment, the infection can worsen and lead to complications such as an abscess. In some cases, even with treatment, it can take a week or longer for symptoms to completely resolve.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Exam: A doctor will examine the breast for redness, swelling, and tenderness.
Medical History: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, breastfeeding history, and any other relevant medical conditions.
Milk Culture (Rare): A sample of breast milk may be sent for culture if the infection is severe, recurrent, or unresponsive to antibiotics.
Ultrasound: If an abscess is suspected, an ultrasound may be performed.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary, but generally follows this pattern:
Early Stages: Breast tenderness, mild pain, and a warm sensation in a localized area.
Progression: Increasing pain, swelling, redness, and development of flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, malaise). This can develop over a few hours to a day.
Advanced Stages (If Untreated): Increased intensity of all symptoms, potential development of an abscess (a painful, pus-filled lump).
Important Considerations
Early Treatment is Key: Seek medical attention promptly if you suspect a breast infection. Early antibiotic treatment can prevent complications.
Continue Breastfeeding (If Possible): While it might be painful, continuing to breastfeed (or pump) helps to clear the infection and maintain milk supply. It is generally safe for the baby.
Abscess Formation: If an abscess forms, it may need to be drained by a healthcare professional.
Rule Out Other Conditions: Ensure that your doctor rules out other potential causes of breast pain and inflammation, such as inflammatory breast cancer (rare).
Follow-Up: Attend all follow-up appointments with your doctor to ensure the infection is completely resolved.