Mastitis is inflammation of breast tissue. It is most common while breastfeeding but can also occur in women who are not. With early treatment most people recover quickly.
What are the symptoms?
- Redness, warmth and pain in one area of the breast
- Firmness or swelling of the breast
- Fever, shivering and tiredness
- A crack or discharge at the nipple
What causes it?
The main causes are blocked milk ducts, bacteria entering through cracks in the nipple and incomplete emptying of milk. In women who are not breastfeeding, duct problems, smoking or nipple piercings can pave the way.
How is it treated?
Examination and, if needed, ultrasound separate infection from an abscess. In most patients antibiotics, painkillers and supportive care are enough. In breastfeeding mothers, continuing to breastfeed or express milk is often advised if possible; decide together with your doctor.
When to seek help at once
- High fever and shivering
- Rapidly growing, very painful swelling of the breast
- Findings that do not improve within 2–3 days despite antibiotics
Important: Always have “infection” findings that do not heal or keep returning examined; rarely, inflammatory breast cancer can mimic infection.
Doç. Dr. Ebru Şen
General surgeon whose area of interest is breast surgery. Sees patients at Istinye University Medical Park Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital and Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital.
