While a women’s breasts can feed life, they can become troublesome, especially when infection sets in. In such cases the breasts provide discomfort. Mastitis is a common infection experienced by many women.
Mastitis Overview
Mastitis is the inflammation of the breast, usually caused by an infection. The swelling and inflammation is usually accompanied by pain and redness, as well as an increase in the temperature of the breast. When it occurs in lactating mothers, it is called puerperal mastitis, and it is non-puerperal when otherwise. If you think this is another of those women-only diseases, think again. Mastitis does occur in men, although it is rather rare.
Mastitis often occurs during the first six weeks after giving birth (called postpartum), although it happening during breast-feeding is also possible. If you’re a woman and you have mastitis, the condition will often leave you exhausted and worn off, making taking care of your newborn baby a real chore. Mastitis shouldn’t be a reason for you to stop breastfeeding, though; you can still continue the function even if you have mastitis.
Causes of Mastitis
Mastitis is primarily caused when bacteria enters your breast. There are several possible ways for this to happen. Bacteria that is normally found in a baby’s mouth may find their way through the small cracks in the skin of the nipple, enter the milk ducts, and then multiply rapidly in the breast milk. Two things can stem from this: a superficial small area of inflammation or a deeper, walled-off abscess. As the infection progresses, the characteristic pain, swelling, and redness begin to manifest themselves. Usually, mastitis is only found in the affected breast.
One to three percent of breastfeeding mothers develop mastitis. Usually, this happens within the first few weeks of the baby’s delivery. Incomplete breast emptying or just plain engorgement can exacerbate the problem and make the symptoms worse. For women who are not breastfeeding, chronic mastitis can occur. Chronic inflammation of the ducts below the nipple is also another probable cause of mastitis. Milk ducts can also become clogged with dead skin cells and other debris due to hormonal changes in the body, making them more prone to bacterial infection. Even with the use of antibiotics, this type of infection usually recurs.
Symptoms of Mastitis
Like most infections, mastitis has signs and symptoms that are readily apparent to anyone. The symptoms can appear suddenly and usually include:
- tenderness and swelling of the breast, which can be warm to the touch
- general malaise and feelings of fatigue and exhaustion
- feelings of being ill or indisposed
- body pains
- redness on the skin, usually wedge-shaped
- persistent fever that usually does not show any signs of improvement within the next 48 to 72 hours of treatment
- pus draining from the nipple
- pain or burning sensation when breastfeeding
You don’t have to worry about mastitis contracting to the other breast. It just stays confined to one breast, not both.
Getting Rid of Mastitis
Mastitis is bacterial, meaning that the organism that causes it is a strain of bacteria. As such, it can be treated using the methods used for most bacterial infections.
- Use antibiotics. Mastitis usually requires that you take antibiotics for 10 to 14 days. The two most common antibiotics chosen are cephalexin and dicloxacillin. If you’re allergic to common antibiotics, your doctor may prescribe erythromycin for you. In any case, the antibiotic will largely depend on the situation, the doctor’s preference, and your medical history and allergies. Your doctor will also make sure that the antibiotic used will be safe for the breastfeeding babyEven if you will feel well 24 to 48 hours after you’ve taken the medication, it is advised that you take the full course of medication to minimize recurrence.
- Take other medications. Pain relievers are good for reducing the amount of pain you feel. Medications for fever will also help ease the fever symptoms. Just be sure that any medication you take will not harm the breastfeeding baby. If you’re not sure, consult your doctor.
- Don’t stop breastfeeding. If you’re afraid of the pain that comes from having the affected breast being sucked by your baby, don’t be. Frequent emptying of the milk from the breast will ensure that there won’t be any clogging on the ducts or engorgement that may worsen your condition. The bacteria shouldn’t harm the baby since it may have originated from him or her in the first place, but if you’re still hesitant to do so, then use a breast pump to empty your breast.
- Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest. Boost up your immune system by eating proper foods and getting enough rest. A souped-up immune system will get rid of the bacterial infection even without the help of medications. Also, drink plenty of fluids, both to keep yourself hydrated and to increase your milk supply.
If your condition does not improve or if it worsens in the next two or three days even after taking antibiotics, then go for a check-up. It might be something more serious than just mastitis and the sooner you can confirm, the better, both for you and your baby.
Related Posts :
Tags :
Health And Beauty
Subscribe by Email
Follow Updates Articles from This Blog via Email
No Comments