| Basic Information |
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| Description |
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Inflammation and infection in the breast, usually of a woman who
has recently given birth. It occurs in about 1% of new mothers and
is more likely in women who are breast-feeding
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| Frequent Signs and Symptoms |
Symptoms may occur anytime while nursing, but usually begin 3 to
4 weeks after delivery. Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Tender, swollen, hard, hot breast(s)
- Redness and red streaking of the breasts
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| Causes |
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Infection from bacteria that enter the mother's breast from the
nursing baby's nose or throat. The most common bacteria are Staphylococcus
aureus and beta-hemolytic streptococci. Infection with the mumps virus
is another cause
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| Risk Increases With |
- Abrasion of the nipple
- Blocked milk ducts from wearing too-tight bras, sleeping on the
stomach or waiting too long between feedings
- Use of an electric or manual breast pump
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| Preventive Measure |
- Wash nipples before nursing. Wash hands before touching breasts
- Wear a comfortable bra that is not too tight
- If a nipple cracks or fissures, apply lanolin cream or other
topical medication recommended
- Don't sleep on your stomach
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| Expected Outcome |
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Usually curable in 10 days with treatment
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| Possible Complications |
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Without treatment, may lead to breast abscess
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| Treatment/Post Procedure Care |
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| General Measures |
- Diagnostic tests may include laboratory blood studies, culture
of pus or fluid, and, occasionally, ultrasound, mammography and
breast biopsy if something other than infection may be causing symptoms
- Apply an ice pack (ice in a plastic bag, covered with a thin
towel) to the engorged breast 3 to 6 times a day. Use for 15 to
20 minutes at a time. Don't use ice packs within 1 hour of nursing;
use warm compresses instead
- Wear an uplift bra during treatment
- Continue to breast-feed, even though breasts are infected. Offer
the affected breast first to promote complete emptying
- Massage nipples with cocoa butter or a cream recommended by the
doctor
- If an abscess develops, stop breast-feeding on the affected side.
Use a breast pump to empty the infected breast regularly, and continue
breast-feeding on the unaffected side
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| Medication |
- Antibiotics to fight infection. Finish the prescription, even
if symptoms subside quickly
- Pain relievers. For minor discomfort, you may use nonprescription
drugs such as acetaminophen
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| Activity |
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Rest in bed until fever and pain diminish
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| Diet |
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No special diet. Drink extra fluids while you have fever
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| Notify Your Healthcare Provider If |
- You or a family member has symptoms of mastitis
- During treatment, temperature rises to over 101oF (38.3oC)
- Signs of a developing abscess (a localized area with increasing
redness, pain, tenderness and fluctuance that feels like pushing
on an inflated inner tube)
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