Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue and is common to women who are breast-feeding. However, this condition can also occur in women who aren’t breast-feeding. It may cause breast pain, swelling, warmth and redness together with fever and chills.
Lactation mastitis usually occurs within the first six to 12 weeks after giving birth (postpartum). Lactation mastitis tends to affect only one breast.
Signs and symptoms of mastitis can appear suddenly and may include:
DIAGNOSIS
To diagnose mastitis, the doctor might perform a physical exam. One clear sign is a wedge-shaped area of redness on the breast that points toward the nipple and is tender to the touch. He or she may also ask for the existing symptoms to add with the diagnosis.
Your doctor will try to rule out other conditions that brings your symptoms such as breast abscess and inflammatory breast cancer. In that case, you may undergo several tests like mammogram. A culture of your breast milk might help guide your doctor in determining the best antibiotic for you, especially if your infection is severe.
TREATMENT
Mastitis treatment usually involves:
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