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Mastitis - Mastitis symptom, treatment, causes


Mastitis occurs due to the inflammation of the breast caused by bacterial infection. Mastitis is most common in the early weeks of breastfeeding, when bacteria usually get into the breast through a cracked nipple.The infection causes a painful red swelling in the breast, and often high fever, If the infection is not treated promptly with antibiotics, an abscess may form.

Swelling and tenderness of both breasts due to hormones used to be called mastitis. Because this condition is not caused by intlammation, the term hormonal MASTALGIA is now preferred.

Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammalian breast. Mastitis most commonly affects women who are lactating breast-feeding or nursing an infant although in very rare circumstances this condition can occur outside of lactation. This inflammation can be related to tissue injury, infection, or both. About 1 in 5 breast-feeding women develop mastitis sometime during their babies' first 6 months of life. Women aged between 18 and 50 are the most commonly affected. Usually mastitis is an acute condition, which means it is a short period of inflammation. In rare cases, women have chronic mastitis, when it lasts a long time. Chronic cystic mastitis , also called fibrocystic disease , a condition rather than a disease, is characterized by noncancerous lumps in the breast. Sometimes mastitis leads a mother mistakenly to wean her baby before she intends to. But you can continue breast-feeding while you have mastitis. Gain a better understanding of this condition, including how it's treated, what you can do at home to relieve your discomfort and what complications may arise.

Mastitis means that the breast is inflamed, and there is swelling, redness, tenderness and pain. Most cases of mastitis happen in breastfeeding mothers, although it can also happen in women who are not breastfeeding. It can be caused by blocked milk ducts (non-infective mastitis) or a bacterial infection (infective mastitis). If a blocked milk duct is not cleared, flu-like symptoms such as fever, aches and pains will probably develop. Sometimes, the term ' chronic mastitis' is wrongly used to describe a condition in which the breasts are of an irregular rubbery consistency and contain painful or tender nodules or cysts which feel lumpy. These nodules change with the menstrual cycle. This is properly known as benign mammary dysplasia, or fibrocystic disease.

Causes of Mastitis

The common Causes of Mastitis :

  • Nipple trauma .
  • Poor attachment to the breast.
  • A tight constricting bra leading to overfilling of breasts, poor drainage and blocked ducts .
  • Inadequate drainage of breastmilk.
  • Rapid weaning.
  • Missed feeds .

Symptoms of Mastitis

Some Symptoms of Mastitis :

  • A chy, flulike feeling .
  • Breast redness.
  • Chills .
  • Headache.
  • Breast firmness .
  • Fever .
  • Breast pain .

Treatment of Mastitis

  • Antibiotics are usually prescribed by a physician to help clear up the infection. Women with mastitis should schedule an appointment with a doctor.
  • Breast-feed only until the breast is soft.
  • Drink fluids and get enough rest.
  • Apply icy compresses to the breasts after breast-feeding to relieve pain and swelling.
  • Ask a physician about whether over the counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen are safe to reduce pain.

 


Mastitis - Mastitis symptom, treatment, causes

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