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Mastitis
Mastitis refers to a bacterial infection within the breast tissue. This problem often occurs in the immediate postpartum period. In the postpartum female, there is increased breast swelling and enlargement due to lactation. This is thought to increase the risk of mastitis. Breast infections may also occur as the direct result of abrasion, cut, puncture wound, or bite (human or animal) to the breast. Common symptoms of mastitis include: redness, swelling, pain, and tenderness to a particular area of the breast. Fever and chills may accompany the more significant infections. Normal lactation can cause discomfort, but it does not occur with a fever or the typical skin changes seen with mastitis
Evaluation will be by history and physical examination. Diagnosis is often made by physical examination alone. Blood tests will be done in the more serious cases.
Treatment is with oral antibiotics. Avoidance of breast feeding is necessary until the infection has cleared. Breast feeding should not be resumed while you are taking antibiotics. Although some antibiotics used to treat this infection are safe in infancy, the baby will usually receive too concentrated a dose of antibiotic (present in the breast milk). Unnecessary antibiotic administration can precipitate an oral thrush infection or diaper rash (fungal variety). Wet, warm compresses should be applied to the site several times a day. Pain medications or anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen) may only be used when you are not breast feeding. Acetaminophen is effective for fever control. You cannot save this milk in bottles, because it will contain medications that may be toxic to the baby. Close medical follow-up is suggested.
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