Mastitis – Symptoms and Causes
What to Know About Mastitis
Mastitis causes the breast tissue to become inflamed, showing signs like swelling, redness, pain, and warmth. When infection is present, symptoms may include fever and chills.
This condition commonly affects breastfeeding individuals, referred to as lactation mastitis, though it can occur in non-breastfeeding people too.
The fatigue associated with lactation mastitis can make caring for a baby challenging. Some parents stop breastfeeding earlier than planned because of mastitis.
However, experts recommend continuing to breastfeed even while taking antibiotics, as this benefits both parents and baby.
Common Symptoms of Mastitis:
- Breast swelling and redness
- Pain and warmth in the affected area
- Fever and chills (when infection is present)
- Feeling unusually tired
Signs of Mastitis
Mastitis symptoms often appear quickly. They may affect one or both breasts. Common signs include:
- Tender or warm breast
- Swollen breast tissue
- Thickened breast tissue or a lump
- Constant pain or burning sensation, especially during breastfeeding
- Reddened skin (often wedge-shaped), which might be less visible on darker skin tones
- General feeling of illness
- Temperature of 101ยฐF (38.3ยฐC) or higher
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any breast symptoms that concern you. Early treatment can help prevent complications and provide relief from discomfort.
Causes
Mastitis often develops when milk builds up in the breast. This trapped milk creates conditions for infection.
Several factors can lead to mastitis:
Milk ducts that get blocked: When a breast isn’t completely emptied during feeding, milk can clog a duct. This blockage causes milk to back up, potentially causing infection.
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Bacteria entering the breast: Germs from your skin or your baby’s mouth can get into milk ducts. This typically happens through:
- Cracked or damaged nipples
- Openings in the milk ducts
When milk remains in the breast without being expressed, it creates an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply, leading to infection.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the chance of developing mastitis:
- Prior mastitis episodes
- Nipple damage, like cracks or soreness
- Restricted milk flow from tight clothing or bras
- Improper nursing techniques
- Fatigue and stress
- Poor nutrition
- Tobacco use
These factors can make infection more likely by creating conditions where bacteria may enter breast tissue or where milk flow becomes blocked.
Complications
Untreated mastitis or cases caused by blocked milk ducts may lead to breast abscesses. This serious complication happens when pus collects in the breast tissue, requiring surgical drainage in most cases.
Prompt treatment, typically with antibiotics, can prevent abscesses from forming.
Prevention
Taking steps to prevent mastitis is important for breastfeeding mothers. Consider meeting with a lactation consultant before you begin breastfeeding to learn proper techniques.
Effective Breastfeeding Practices
Following these practices can help reduce your risk of developing mastitis:
- Feed on demand or express milk regularly
- Ensure your breasts are completely drained during each feeding
- Allow your baby to empty one breast entirely before switching to the other
- Change breastfeeding positions between feedings
- Make sure your baby has a proper latch during each feeding
Additional Prevention Tips
It’s also helpful to wear loose-fitting clothes and a supportive bra that isn’t too tight. Keep your nipples clean and dry between feedings.
If you smoke, talk with your healthcare provider about quitting. Smoking can affect milk production and increase infection risks.
Regular breast checks can help you notice any unusual changes early. If you feel any hard, painful areas in your breast, gentle massage and warm compresses might help prevent the development of mastitis.
