Mastitis is a medical condition characterized by an inflammation of the breast. It can occur in women who are lactating, as well as in women who are not lactating, and even in men.
In lactating women, mastitis is generally caused when the milk ducts become blocked. This can cause the woman’s nipples and other parts of her breast to become painful. She may also experience symptoms that are similar to the flu, such as the chills and a feeling of fatigue, and may develop a fever. The breast may also be warm to the touch and turn red in color.
Mastitis in lactating women can be treated with plenty of rest, which helps the immune system function better. Alternating warm and cold compresses on the affected breast can also help alleviate the pain and symptoms of mastitis, as the cold compresses help with the pain and the warm compresses improve circulation. Applying warm water to the breast, such as by taking a warm shower or bath, is more effective then applying dry heat with a heating pad.
Massaging the breast can also help improve circulation and loosen up the plugged ducts in the breast. Combining massage with a warm bath is often a successful method for treating mastitis. Drinking lots of fluids and maintaining proper nutrition can also be beneficial.
Many breastfeeding women mistakenly stop breastfeeding when they develop mastitis. This only encourages mastitis to progress. Rather, the milk should be kept flowing to prevent the breast from becoming sore and inflamed. If the effected breast hurts too much to breast-feed, the mother should feed from the other side first in order 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 necessary to relieve the problem. This is particularly true if the condition is chronic and does not respond to treatment, such as the use of antibiotics or other treatments used for mastitis caused by lactation.
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 in order to rule out the possibility of inflammatory breast cancer.