Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast that causes symptoms such as pain, swelling or redness, which may or may not be accompanied by infection and therefore cause fever and chills.
This problem is generally more common in breastfeeding women, especially in the first three months after birth, due to obstruction of the canals through which milk passes or bacteria enter the baby’s mouth; However, it can also occur in men or at any time.another stage of a woman’s life due to the penetration of bacteria into the breast in the event of nipple injury, for example.
- In most cases.
- Mastitis affects only one breast.
- And symptoms usually develop in less than two days.
- Mastitis is curable and needs to be treated as soon as possible to prevent infection and thus make symptoms worse.
Mastitis causes symptoms of breast congestion, such as
Untreated mastitis can progress to a breast abscess and the need for surgical drainage.If you experience these symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor, as antibiotics, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs may be necessary.
Some situations that promote mastitis are tiredness, stress, work outside the home, and especially the way the baby’s breasts as this can cause cracks in the nipples and milk extraction can be affected, still leaving traces of milk in the breasts.
Here are some ways to ease mastitis symptoms at home
If breastfeeding becomes very painful or if the baby refuses to drink inflamed chest, milk can be removed manually or with an extractor.Learn how to store breast milk.
In cases where an infection develops, sodium and chloride levels in milk will increase and lactose levels will decrease, leaving milk with a different taste, which may be rejected by the child.Infant formula may be opted for until mastitis is treated.
In some cases, antibiotics may be needed.Learn more about treatment options for mastitis.
For women who breastfeed, the likelihood of developing mastitis may be reduced as follows:
In other cases, it is important to properly treat the wounds near the nipple to avoid the entry of bacteria that cause mastitis. A good example is properly treating wounds caused by nipple piercing.
There are several risk factors that can cause mastitis, and it is more likely to occur in women who breastfeed, being more common in the first few weeks after birth, especially if breastfeeding is always in the same position.
Also, if your mother is too tired or stressed, has a poor diet, wears overly tight clothing, or if she wears too heavy bags, she may also have mastitis more easily.
In men or women who do not breastfeed, cuts or sores on the nipple can cause mastitis, but its development can only occur due to the natural aging of the breasts, especially in menopause.