Breast Infection

A breast infection, also known as mastitis, is an infection that happens inside the breast tissue. Breast infections are most common among women who breastfeed when bacteria enter and invade the breast from a baby's mouth.

This is also called mastitis in lactation. In women who are not breastfeeding, mastitis also occurs, but this is not as severe.

Infection usually affects the breast's fatty tissue and causes swelling, lumps and pain. Although most infections are due to breastfeeding, rare forms of breast cancer are associated with a small percentage of breast infections.

Symptoms of breast infection:

Symptoms of a breast infection may start suddenly and may include:

• Swelling, one breast becoming larger than the other
• Pain
• Fever, chill
• Nipple discharge containing pus
• Breast is warm
• A painful lump in your breast
• Redness of the skin in a wedge-shaped pattern

Before you notice any changes in your breasts you can experience flu-like symptoms. If you have any combination of those symptoms, please contact your doctor.

How do you treat breast infection?

A doctor may typically diagnose mastitis in a breastfeeding woman based on a physical exam and a review of your symptoms. Your doctor will also want to rule out if the infection has created an abscess that needs to be drained and can be done during the physical examination.

If the infection begins to return, then breast milk may be sent to a laboratory to decide what bacteria may be present.

If you have a breast infection and you're not breastfeeding, other tests may be needed to determine the cause. Testing can involve a mammogram or even a breast tissue biopsy to rule out breast cancer.

A mammogram is an imaging procedure that scans the breast using low-energy X-rays. A breast biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue from the breast for laboratory testing to determine whether there are any changes in cancerous cells.

Treatment available for breast infection:

The most successful form of treatment for this type of infection is usually a 10 to 14 day course of antibiotics, and most women feel relief within 48 to 72 hours.

It is important to take all medical products as prescribed to ensure that the infection does not happen again. While on most antibiotics, you will continue to breastfeed, but if breastfeeding becomes unpleasant, a breast pump can be used to reduce engorgement and prevent loss of milk supply.

If you have an abscess due to severe breast infection, you may need to lance and drain it. It helps the breast recover more quickly. You may continue to breastfeed but ask a lactation consultant or health care provider for advice on how to care for an abscess. 

If your doctor decides the symptoms are caused by inflammatory breast cancer, they will start treatment depending on the stage of your cancer. Care using intravenous drugs to kill cancer cells, radiation therapy or surgery to remove lymph nodes in the breast and surrounding areas.

Lumps and bumps are very rare cancers during breastfeeding. Usually, they are due to a plugged or swollen milk duct.

How to care breast infection at home?

You can also take steps to relieve uncomfortable symptoms at home whilst receiving infection treatment:

• Dry compresses can alleviate pain and may help to lactate. Try applying a dry, wet washcloth for 15 minutes, four times a day, to the infected area.
• Breastfeed using varied positions.
• During breastfeeding, prevent excessive engorgement where possible. Feed or pump when time is ripe.

Meeting with a lactation consultant to change your breastfeeding technique or position could help prevent the return of the infection.

How to prevent breast infection?

If you're breastfeeding, use these tips to reduce breast infection

• Don't let yourself get engorged because for feedings you're late. Pump or feed
• Avoid abrupt feeding schedule changes.
• Avoid the use of soap and intense nipple cleaning. The areola has the ability to self clean and lubricate.
• Massage your breasts, especially if you feel a lump or thickening.
• Before feeding, apply dry, moist towels to the breast to improve milk flow.
• When you feel a plugged duct try to breastfeed, rub the breast, add heat and adjust the location of the infant.

What are the long term prospects for breast infection?

Check with a doctor if you're breastfeeding and have a recent history of plugged ducts, and experience flu-like symptoms, fever, and redness and heat pain in the breast. Antibiotics in the treatment of an infection are very successful. You will probably feel better within two days of starting the antibiotics, but it is important to finish the whole antibiotic course. The chosen antibiotics are safe for continued breastfeeding.

You can reduce your risk of recurrence by taking diligent self-care and adhering to the directions of your doctor.

To know more information about Breast infection Contact Dr. Priyadarshan Plastic and Cosmetic Center in Bangalore. Give a call now at - 9844070904

Dr. Priyadarhan is an eminent Plastic Surgeon in Bangalore having expertise in all forms of breast surgeries. He holds a high repute for his world-class breast implants and breast lift surgical procedures. He undertakes all types of breast surgeries such as augmentation, breast uplifts and breast reductions. Apart from this, Dr. Priyadarhsan is highly reputed for his expertise in undertaking breast cancer surgeries successfully.