Mastitis is inflammation of the breast that can occur in breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women, and even men. It is usually caused by blockage of milk ducts and can be treated with rest, hot and cold packs, massage, and proper nutrition. Mastitis can also be caused by diseases, illnesses, and lifestyle choices, and in rare cases, it can be a symptom of inflammatory breast cancer.
Mastitis is a medical condition characterized by an inflammation of the breast. It can occur in women who are breastfeeding, as well as in women who are not breastfeeding and even in men.
In lactating women, mastitis is usually caused by blockage of the milk ducts. This can cause pain in the nipples and other parts of the woman’s breasts. You may also experience flu-like symptoms, such as chills and a feeling of fatigue, and may develop a fever. The breasts may also feel warm to the touch and turn red in color.
Mastitis in breastfeeding women can be treated with plenty of rest, which helps the immune system work better. Alternating hot and cold packs on the affected breast may also help relieve pain and symptoms of mastitis, as cold packs help with pain and hot packs improve circulation. Applying warm water to the breasts, such as taking a hot shower or bath, is more effective than applying dry heat with a heating pad.
Massaging the breasts can also help improve circulation and loosen blocked ducts in the breasts. Combining massage with a warm bath is often an effective method of treating mastitis. Drinking plenty of fluids and maintaining proper nutrition can also be helpful.
Many breastfeeding women mistakenly stop breastfeeding when they develop mastitis. This just encourages the mastitis to progress. Rather, the milk should be kept flowing to prevent the breasts from becoming sore and inflamed. If the affected breast hurts too much to nurse, the mother should feed on the other side first to get the ducts flowing.
Mastitis can also be caused by a variety of diseases, illnesses, and lifestyle choices. Cigarette smoking and nipple piercings, for example, can lead to mastitis. Diabetes and thyroid problems can also cause mastitis. In these cases, surgery may be needed to alleviate the problem. This is especially true if the condition is chronic and unresponsive to treatment, such as the use of antibiotics or other treatments used for mastitis caused by breastfeeding.
In rare cases, mastitis can be caused by inflammatory breast cancer. This form of breast cancer is very aggressive and, therefore, has the highest mortality rate of all forms of breast cancer. Individuals experiencing mastitis for more than two weeks should see a doctor to rule out the possibility of inflammatory breast cancer.
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