What is Mastitis or breast infection?

Mastitis is infection in the breast; in this the tissue gets infected during breast feeding. The infection can lead to twinge, redness, swelling with the increase in temperature of the breast. The conditions arises when bacteria enters the milk duct, from the baby’s mouth, through the splits in the nipple. Inflammation and pain thus results.

It is commonly observed that, infections occur after two to three months of delivery. There is another chronic from of infection called chronic mastitis; it is a form of cancer. The inflammation is called as carcinoma. If the infection leads to abscess, then the condition becomes serious, and may require surgical drainage.

What are the causes of infections?
Mastitis occurs usually after childbirth, during breast feeding. However, among healthy women such conditions are rare. There are chances, that a women suffering from diabetes, illness, AIDS or weak immune system may develop this condition. Among women who do not breast feed chronic mastitis happens. Sometimes, in postmenopausal women, due to change in hormones, this condition can also occur.

Some common symptoms are:-

Pain, redness, swelling are some of the most commonly associated problems. The temperature of the breast also increases and breast engorgement is also observed. Tenderness, fatigue, fevers and chills, shaking along with body ache is also noticed.

Can abscess cause difficulties in treatment of mastitis?

Yes, it is true that sometimes the condition of abscess may get complicated. Abscesses are tender mobile harmless masses and they are frequently mobile underneath the skin. Among serious conditions the indications is in form of:-

• Pus flowing from the nipple
• Constant fever
• If the lump does not gets smaller after breast feeding

It’s better to seek medical help immediately to avoid further complications.