Mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue that is commonest in breastfeeding girls and may be associated with infection. This inflammation causes redness, wedge-shaped swelling, warmth and breast pain. 

It may cause flu-like symptoms too. Fever, chills and rigors are common. 

Mastitis can also occur in non-lactating women and also in men. 

Sometimes there may be chronic mastitis and occasionally a rare form of cancer called inflammatory cancer may mimic mastitis in older women. Patients with reduced immunity like those who have Diabetes, AIDS, those on steroids and drugs which suppress immunity can have mastitis. 

Why does this problem occur? 

A blocked milk duct due to incomplete feeding can cause one of the milk ducts to get clogged. Bacteria entering these ducts due to cracked nipples, mostly from the baby’s mouth can cause the same. Incorrect positioning of the baby while feeding and improper latching can also cause cracks in the nipple. 

In postmenopausal women, there is clogging of the ducts due to cells and debris that can precipitate this infection.

What are the risk factors? 

Previous bouts of mastitis when lactating , wearing too tight a bra , improper nursing techniques, poor nutrition , hygiene and smoking are risk factors . 

What are the signs and symptoms? 

Pain in the breast, generally on one side, redness, swelling, a breast lump, general malaise or high-grade temperature with chills. 

Complications? 

There may be a collection of pus or an abscess that may be caused due to mastitis. This may then require surgical drainage. 

What is the solution? 

Most times your doctor can make a diagnosis on physical examination. If there’s pus discharge from the nipple signifying an abscess, it will require a culture of breast milk or nipple discharge. 

Inflammatory Cancer may require an ultrasound of the breasts or mammography. 

Treatment 

Antibiotics, painkillers, hot compresses before completely emptying the breast and cold compresses after painful lactation, massaging the breast when feeding or pumping from the affected area towards the nipple are some of the tips in treatment. 

Proper latching techniques and continuing to breastfeed even alongside mastitis helps. Breastfeeding from the affected side first when your baby is hungrier helps to empty the breast due to stronger suckling.

Proper rest and hydration also help. 

Most times it resolves within days to a couple of weeks. If it does not, you must meet your doctor.