What are the symptoms of menopausal mastitis. How is menopausal mastitis diagnosed. What treatments are available for breast infections in postmenopausal women. Can mastitis occur after menopause. How does chronic mastitis differ from acute mastitis in older women. What are the risk factors for developing breast infections later in life.

Understanding the Anatomy of the Breast

To comprehend menopausal mastitis, it’s crucial to first understand the structure of the breast. The breast is a complex organ composed of various glands and ducts that play essential roles in milk production and delivery.

• Milk-carrying ducts extend from the nipple into the underlying breast tissue
• Lactiferous ducts are located under the areola and fill with milk during lactation
• Mammary glands produce milk and can extend to the armpit area
• Fat deposits increase in breast tissue during puberty due to hormonal changes

This intricate network of ducts and glands is susceptible to infection, particularly during hormonal changes such as those experienced during menopause.

Menopausal Mastitis: A Unique Form of Breast Infection

Menopausal mastitis is a specific type of breast infection that occurs in women after they have gone through menopause. While mastitis is most commonly associated with breastfeeding, it can affect women at various stages of life, including post-menopause.

Why does mastitis occur in menopausal women?

In postmenopausal women, breast infections are often linked to chronic inflammation of the ducts beneath the nipple. Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can cause milk ducts to become clogged with dead skin cells and debris, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth.

Symptoms of Menopausal Mastitis

Recognizing the symptoms of menopausal mastitis is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Common signs include:

• Pain, redness, and warmth in the breast
• Tenderness and swelling
• Body aches and fatigue
• Fever and chills

In some cases, menopausal mastitis may progress to form an abscess, which is a more severe complication. Symptoms of an abscess may include:

• A tender lump in the breast that doesn’t diminish
• Pus draining from the nipple
• Persistent fever
• No improvement of symptoms within 48-72 hours of treatment

Causes and Risk Factors for Menopausal Mastitis

Understanding the causes and risk factors for menopausal mastitis can help women take preventive measures and seek timely treatment.

What causes mastitis in postmenopausal women?

The primary cause of menopausal mastitis is the hormonal changes that occur during menopause. These changes can lead to:

• Clogged milk ducts due to accumulation of dead skin cells and debris
• Increased susceptibility to bacterial infections
• Chronic inflammation of the ducts beneath the nipple

Risk factors for developing menopausal mastitis

While any postmenopausal woman can develop mastitis, certain factors may increase the risk:

• Diabetes
• Chronic illnesses
• Compromised immune system (e.g., due to AIDS or certain medications)
• History of breast surgery or radiation therapy
• Nipple piercing

Diagnosing Menopausal Mastitis

Accurate diagnosis of menopausal mastitis is crucial for appropriate treatment. Healthcare providers typically use a combination of methods to diagnose this condition.

How is menopausal mastitis diagnosed?

The diagnostic process for menopausal mastitis usually involves:

1. Physical examination: The healthcare provider will examine the breast for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and tenderness.
2. Medical history: Information about symptoms, duration, and any previous breast issues is collected.
3. Ultrasound: This non-invasive test may be used to distinguish between simple mastitis and an abscess, or to diagnose an abscess deep in the breast tissue.
4. Culture tests: Samples of breast milk or fluid from an abscess may be cultured to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection.

In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to rule out other conditions, such as inflammatory breast cancer.

Treatment Options for Menopausal Mastitis

The treatment of menopausal mastitis aims to eliminate the infection, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications. The approach may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the presence of an abscess.

Antibiotics for menopausal mastitis

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for menopausal mastitis. The choice of antibiotic depends on the specific bacteria causing the infection, which is determined through culture tests. Common antibiotics prescribed include:

• Dicloxacillin
• Cephalexin
• Amoxicillin-clavulanate

It’s crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from recurring.

Managing pain and inflammation

To alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, the following measures may be recommended:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Application of warm compresses to the affected breast
• Gentle massage to promote drainage
• Adequate rest and hydration

Treatment for breast abscesses

If an abscess has formed, additional treatment may be necessary:

• Needle aspiration: A thin needle is used to drain the abscess
• Surgical drainage: For larger or recurring abscesses, a small incision may be made to drain the pus
• Intravenous antibiotics: In severe cases, antibiotics may be administered intravenously

Preventing Menopausal Mastitis

While it’s not always possible to prevent menopausal mastitis, certain measures can help reduce the risk of developing this condition.

How can postmenopausal women reduce their risk of mastitis?

To minimize the risk of developing menopausal mastitis, consider the following preventive strategies:

• Maintain good breast hygiene
• Wear well-fitting, supportive bras
• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet
• Manage underlying health conditions, such as diabetes
• Avoid nipple trauma or irritation
• Perform regular breast self-exams to detect any changes early

Chronic Mastitis in Postmenopausal Women

Chronic mastitis is a persistent form of breast infection that can affect postmenopausal women. It differs from acute mastitis in several ways and may require a different approach to treatment.

How does chronic mastitis differ from acute mastitis in older women?

Chronic mastitis in postmenopausal women is characterized by:

• Recurring episodes of infection
• Persistent inflammation of the breast tissue
• Possible formation of fistulas (abnormal passages between ducts)
• Resistance to standard antibiotic treatments

Managing chronic mastitis often requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving breast specialists, infectious disease experts, and sometimes surgeons.

Long-term Outlook and Follow-up Care

The prognosis for menopausal mastitis is generally good with prompt and appropriate treatment. However, follow-up care is essential to ensure complete resolution of the infection and to prevent recurrence.

What should postmenopausal women expect after treatment for mastitis?

After treatment for menopausal mastitis, women should:

• Attend all follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider
• Report any persistent or new symptoms promptly
• Continue breast self-exams regularly
• Adhere to preventive measures to reduce the risk of recurrence

In some cases, additional imaging studies or biopsies may be recommended to rule out underlying conditions or to monitor for potential complications.

When to Seek Medical Care for Breast Symptoms

Knowing when to seek medical attention for breast symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment of menopausal mastitis and other breast conditions.

When should a postmenopausal woman consult a healthcare provider about breast symptoms?

It’s important to seek medical care if you experience:

• Any suspicious lump or mass in the breast
• Abnormal nipple discharge
• Persistent breast pain that interferes with daily activities
• Redness, swelling, or warmth in the breast
• Fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C) associated with breast symptoms
• Symptoms that don’t improve within 48-72 hours of starting treatment

Remember, early detection and treatment of breast infections can prevent complications and ensure the best possible outcome.

Differential Diagnosis: Ruling Out Other Conditions

When evaluating breast symptoms in postmenopausal women, healthcare providers must consider a range of potential conditions to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What other conditions might mimic menopausal mastitis?

Several conditions can present with symptoms similar to menopausal mastitis, including:

• Inflammatory breast cancer: A rare but aggressive form of breast cancer that can cause redness, swelling, and warmth in the breast
• Paget’s disease of the breast: A rare form of breast cancer that affects the nipple and areola
• Mondor’s disease: A benign condition characterized by inflammation of a vein just under the skin of the breast
• Fat necrosis: A non-cancerous condition that can cause a lump in the breast, often following trauma or surgery
• Dermatitis: Skin inflammation that can cause redness and itching of the breast

To differentiate between these conditions, healthcare providers may use a combination of physical examination, imaging studies, and sometimes biopsy.

The Role of Hormones in Menopausal Mastitis

Hormonal changes during menopause play a significant role in the development of menopausal mastitis. Understanding this connection can help in managing and preventing the condition.

How do menopausal hormonal changes contribute to breast infections?

During menopause, several hormonal changes occur that can affect breast health:

• Decreased estrogen levels can lead to thinning and drying of breast tissue
• Changes in the balance between estrogen and progesterone can affect the breast’s immune response
• Hormonal fluctuations can alter the composition of breast secretions, potentially creating an environment favorable for bacterial growth

These hormonal changes can make postmenopausal women more susceptible to breast infections and influence the course of mastitis.

Lifestyle Considerations for Postmenopausal Breast Health

Maintaining overall breast health after menopause involves more than just preventing mastitis. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can contribute to breast health and overall well-being.

What lifestyle factors can promote breast health in postmenopausal women?

To support breast health after menopause, consider the following lifestyle factors:

• Maintain a healthy weight through balanced diet and regular exercise
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Quit smoking, if applicable
• Practice stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga
• Get adequate sleep
• Stay up-to-date with recommended breast cancer screenings

These lifestyle choices not only contribute to breast health but also promote overall health and well-being in postmenopausal women.

The Importance of Patient Education in Managing Menopausal Mastitis

Educating postmenopausal women about mastitis and breast health is crucial for early detection, effective treatment, and prevention of recurrence.

How can healthcare providers effectively educate patients about menopausal mastitis?

Healthcare providers can employ several strategies to educate patients about menopausal mastitis:

• Provide clear, easy-to-understand information about breast anatomy and the changes that occur during menopause
• Teach patients how to perform breast self-exams and recognize potential signs of infection
• Discuss risk factors and preventive measures
• Explain treatment options and the importance of adherence to prescribed therapies
• Address any misconceptions or fears patients may have about breast health in menopause
• Encourage open communication and prompt reporting of any breast changes or concerns

By empowering patients with knowledge, healthcare providers can improve outcomes and reduce the impact of menopausal mastitis on women’s lives.

Breast Infection (Mastitis): Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• How the Breast Is Built
• Breast Infection Causes
• Breast Infection Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Breast Infection Exams and Tests
• Breast Infection Treatment
• Breast Infection Home Remedies
• Medications for Mastitis
• Surgery for an Abscess
• Next Steps
• Follow-Up Care After a Breast Infection
• Mastitis Prevention
• Outlook for Breast Infections
• More

The breast is composed of several glands and ducts that lead to the nipple and the surrounding colored area called the areola. The milk-carrying ducts extend from the nipple into the underlying breast tissue like the spokes of a wheel. Under the areola are lactiferous ducts. These fill with milk during lactation after a woman has a baby. When a girl reaches puberty, changing hormones cause the ducts to grow and cause fat deposits in the breast tissue to increase. The glands that produce milk (mammary glands) that are connected to the surface of the breast by the lactiferous ducts may extend to the armpit area.

Mastitis is an infection of the tissue of the breast that occurs most frequently during the time of breastfeeding. It can occur when bacteria, often from the baby’s mouth, enter a milk duct through a crack in the nipple.

Breast infections most commonly occur one to three months after the delivery of a baby, but they can occur in women who have not recently delivered and in women after menopause. Other causes of infection include chronic mastitis and a rare form of cancer called inflammatory carcinoma.

In healthy women, mastitis is rare. However, women with diabetes, chronic illness, AIDS, or an impaired immune system may be more susceptible.

About 1%-3% of breastfeeding mothers develop mastitis. Engorgement and incomplete breast emptying can contribute to the problem and make the symptoms worse.

Chronic mastitis occurs in women who are not breastfeeding. In postmenopausal women, breast infections may be associated with chronic inflammation of the ducts below the nipple. Hormonal changes in the body can cause the milk ducts to become clogged with dead skin cells and debris. These clogged ducts make the breast more open to bacterial infection. Infection tends to come back after treatment with antibiotics.

Breast infections may cause pain, redness, and warmth of the breast along with the following symptoms:

• Tenderness and swelling
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Breast engorgement
• Fever and chills
• Abscess: A breast abscess can be a complication of mastitis. Noncancerous masses such as abscesses are more often tender and frequently feel mobile beneath the skin. The edge of the mass is usually regular and well defined. Indications that this more serious infection has occurred include the following:
  • Tender lump in the breast that does not get smaller after breastfeeding a newborn (If the abscess is deep in the breast, you may not be able to feel it. )
  • Pus draining from the nipple
  • Persistent fever and no improvement of symptoms within 48-72 hours of treatment

Call your health care provider as soon as you feel any suspicious lump, whether you are breastfeeding or not. Call for an appointment if:

• You have any abnormal discharge from your nipples.
• Breast pain is making it difficult for you to function each day.
• You have prolonged, unexplained breast pain.
• You have any other associated symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain that interferes with breastfeeding, a mass or tender lump in the breast that does not disappear after breastfeeding.
• If you are breastfeeding, call your doctor if you develop any symptoms of breast infection so that treatment may be started promptly.

You may need to be evaluated in a hospital’s emergency department if the breast pain is associated with other signs of an infection (such as a fever, swelling, or redness to the breast) and if your health care provider cannot see you promptly. The below symptoms require emergency treatment:

• A persistent high fever greater than 101.5°F
• Nausea or vomiting that is preventing you from taking the antibiotics as prescribed
• Pus draining from the breast
• Red streaks extending toward your arm or chest
• Dizziness, fainting, or confusion

The diagnosis of mastitis and a breast abscess can usually be made based on a physical exam.

• If it is unclear whether a mass is due to a fluid-filled abscess or to a solid mass such as a tumor, a test such as an ultrasound may be done. An ultrasound may also be helpful in distinguishing between simple mastitis and abscess or in diagnosing an abscess deep in the breast. This noninvasive test allows your doctor to directly visualize the abscess by placing an ultrasound probe over your breast. If an abscess is confirmed, aspiration or surgical drainage, and IV antibiotics, are often required.
• Cultures may be taken, either of breast milk or of material taken out of an abscess through a syringe, to determine the type of organism causing the infection. This information can help your doctor decide what kind of antibiotic to use.
• Nonbreastfeeding women with mastitis, or those who do not respond to treatment, may have a mammogram or breast biopsy. This is a precautionary measure because a rare type of breast cancer can produce symptoms of mastitis.

Breast infections require treatment by a health care provider.

After you see a doctor, try the following to help your breast infection heal.

• Pain medication: Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) for pain. These drugs are safe while breastfeeding and will not harm your baby. Your doctor may prescribe a prescription strength pain reliever if your pain is severe and not relieved with over-the-counter medication.
• In mild cases of mastitis, antibiotics may not be prescribed at all. If you are prescribed antibiotics, finishing the prescription even if you feel better in a few days is very important.
• Frequent feedings: Do not stop breastfeeding from the affected breast, even though it will be painful and you may be taking antibiotics. Frequent emptying of the breast prevents engorgement and clogged ducts that can only make mastitis worse.
  • If needed, use a breast pump to relieve pressure and completely empty the breast.
  • You can also breastfeed from the unaffected side and supplement with infant formula as needed.
  • The infection will not harm the baby because the germs that caused the infection probably came from the baby’s mouth in the first place.
  • Breastfeeding should be avoided in the infected breast when an abscess is present.
• Pain relief: A warm compress applied before and after feedings can often provide some relief. A warm bath may work as well.
  • If heat is ineffective, ice packs applied after feedings may provide some comfort and relief.
  • Avoid using ice packs just before breastfeeding because it can slow down milk flow.
  • Drink plenty of water — at least 10 glasses a day. Eat well-balanced meals and add 500 extra calories a day while breastfeeding. Dehydration and poor nutrition can decrease milk supply and make you feel worse.

For simple mastitis without an abscess, oral antibiotics are prescribed. Cephalexin (Keflex) and dicloxacillin (Dycill) are two of the most common antibiotics chosen, but a number of others are available. The antibiotic prescribed will depend on your specific situation, your doctor’s preference, and any drug allergies you may have. This medicine is safe to use while breastfeeding and will not harm the baby.

Chronic mastitis in nonbreastfeeding women can be complicated. Recurrent episodes of mastitis are common. Occasionally, this type of infection responds poorly to antibiotics. Therefore, close follow-up with your doctor is mandatory.

If the infection worsens in spite of oral antibiotics or if you have a deep abscess requiring surgical treatment, you may be admitted to the hospital for IV antibiotics.

If an abscess is present, it must be drained. After injection of a local anesthetic, the doctor may drain an abscess near the surface of the skin either by aspiration with a needle and syringe or by using a small incision. This can be done in the doctor’s office or emergency department.

If the abscess is deep in the breast, however, it may require surgical drainage in the operating room. This procedure is usually done under general anesthesia to minimize pain and completely drain the abscess. Antibiotics and heat on the area are also used to treat abscesses.

Mastitis does not cause cancer, but cancer can mimic mastitis in appearance. If a breast infection is slow to go away, your health care provider may recommend a mammogram or other tests to rule out cancer.

If you have a breast infection, you may be seen for a recheck in 24-48 hours.

• Take all antibiotics as prescribed.
• Take your temperature three times a day for the first 48 hours after treatment begins. Watch for fever.
• Call your doctor if you develop a high fever, vomiting, or increasing redness, swelling, or pain in the breast.
• Follow up with your doctor in one to two weeks to make sure that the infection has gone away. If the infection spreads or an abscess develops, you may require IV antibiotics or surgical treatment.

Sometimes mastitis is unavoidable. Some women are more susceptible than others, especially those who are breastfeeding for the first time. In general, good habits to prevent mastitis include the following:

• Breastfeed equally from both breasts.
• Empty breasts completely to prevent engorgement and blocked ducts.
• Use good breastfeeding techniques to prevent sore, cracked nipples.
• Allow sore or cracked nipples to air dry.
• Prevent moisture from accumulating in breast pads or bras.
• Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Practice careful hygiene: Handwashing, cleaning the nipples, keeping your baby clean.

When treated promptly, the majority of breast infections go away quickly and without serious complications. Most women can and should continue to breastfeed despite an episode of uncomplicated mastitis. With proper treatment, symptoms should begin to resolve within one to two days.

A breast abscess may require surgical drainage, IV antibiotics, and a short hospital stay. A small incision is made and usually heals quite well. Prognosis for complete recovery is also good.

Postmenopausal women with breast abscesses have a high rate of return after simple drainage and frequently need to follow up with a surgeon for more definitive treatment. Chronic infection can result if an abscess is not completely drained, and this can result in a poor cosmetic outcome.

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Breast Infection (Mastitis): Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• How the Breast Is Built
• Breast Infection Causes
• Breast Infection Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Breast Infection Exams and Tests
• Breast Infection Treatment
• Breast Infection Home Remedies
• Medications for Mastitis
• Surgery for an Abscess
• Next Steps
• Follow-Up Care After a Breast Infection
• Mastitis Prevention
• Outlook for Breast Infections
• More

The breast is composed of several glands and ducts that lead to the nipple and the surrounding colored area called the areola. The milk-carrying ducts extend from the nipple into the underlying breast tissue like the spokes of a wheel. Under the areola are lactiferous ducts. These fill with milk during lactation after a woman has a baby. When a girl reaches puberty, changing hormones cause the ducts to grow and cause fat deposits in the breast tissue to increase. The glands that produce milk (mammary glands) that are connected to the surface of the breast by the lactiferous ducts may extend to the armpit area.

Mastitis is an infection of the tissue of the breast that occurs most frequently during the time of breastfeeding. It can occur when bacteria, often from the baby’s mouth, enter a milk duct through a crack in the nipple.

Breast infections most commonly occur one to three months after the delivery of a baby, but they can occur in women who have not recently delivered and in women after menopause. Other causes of infection include chronic mastitis and a rare form of cancer called inflammatory carcinoma.

In healthy women, mastitis is rare. However, women with diabetes, chronic illness, AIDS, or an impaired immune system may be more susceptible.

About 1%-3% of breastfeeding mothers develop mastitis. Engorgement and incomplete breast emptying can contribute to the problem and make the symptoms worse.

Chronic mastitis occurs in women who are not breastfeeding. In postmenopausal women, breast infections may be associated with chronic inflammation of the ducts below the nipple. Hormonal changes in the body can cause the milk ducts to become clogged with dead skin cells and debris. These clogged ducts make the breast more open to bacterial infection. Infection tends to come back after treatment with antibiotics.

Breast infections may cause pain, redness, and warmth of the breast along with the following symptoms:

• Tenderness and swelling
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Breast engorgement
• Fever and chills
• Abscess: A breast abscess can be a complication of mastitis. Noncancerous masses such as abscesses are more often tender and frequently feel mobile beneath the skin. The edge of the mass is usually regular and well defined. Indications that this more serious infection has occurred include the following:
  • Tender lump in the breast that does not get smaller after breastfeeding a newborn (If the abscess is deep in the breast, you may not be able to feel it.)
  • Pus draining from the nipple
  • Persistent fever and no improvement of symptoms within 48-72 hours of treatment

Call your health care provider as soon as you feel any suspicious lump, whether you are breastfeeding or not. Call for an appointment if:

• You have any abnormal discharge from your nipples.
• Breast pain is making it difficult for you to function each day.
• You have prolonged, unexplained breast pain.
• You have any other associated symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain that interferes with breastfeeding, a mass or tender lump in the breast that does not disappear after breastfeeding.
• If you are breastfeeding, call your doctor if you develop any symptoms of breast infection so that treatment may be started promptly.

You may need to be evaluated in a hospital’s emergency department if the breast pain is associated with other signs of an infection (such as a fever, swelling, or redness to the breast) and if your health care provider cannot see you promptly. The below symptoms require emergency treatment:

• A persistent high fever greater than 101.5°F
• Nausea or vomiting that is preventing you from taking the antibiotics as prescribed
• Pus draining from the breast
• Red streaks extending toward your arm or chest
• Dizziness, fainting, or confusion

The diagnosis of mastitis and a breast abscess can usually be made based on a physical exam.

• If it is unclear whether a mass is due to a fluid-filled abscess or to a solid mass such as a tumor, a test such as an ultrasound may be done. An ultrasound may also be helpful in distinguishing between simple mastitis and abscess or in diagnosing an abscess deep in the breast. This noninvasive test allows your doctor to directly visualize the abscess by placing an ultrasound probe over your breast. If an abscess is confirmed, aspiration or surgical drainage, and IV antibiotics, are often required.
• Cultures may be taken, either of breast milk or of material taken out of an abscess through a syringe, to determine the type of organism causing the infection. This information can help your doctor decide what kind of antibiotic to use.
• Nonbreastfeeding women with mastitis, or those who do not respond to treatment, may have a mammogram or breast biopsy. This is a precautionary measure because a rare type of breast cancer can produce symptoms of mastitis.

Breast infections require treatment by a health care provider.

After you see a doctor, try the following to help your breast infection heal.

• Pain medication: Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) for pain. These drugs are safe while breastfeeding and will not harm your baby. Your doctor may prescribe a prescription strength pain reliever if your pain is severe and not relieved with over-the-counter medication.
• In mild cases of mastitis, antibiotics may not be prescribed at all. If you are prescribed antibiotics, finishing the prescription even if you feel better in a few days is very important.
• Frequent feedings: Do not stop breastfeeding from the affected breast, even though it will be painful and you may be taking antibiotics. Frequent emptying of the breast prevents engorgement and clogged ducts that can only make mastitis worse.
  • If needed, use a breast pump to relieve pressure and completely empty the breast.
  • You can also breastfeed from the unaffected side and supplement with infant formula as needed.
  • The infection will not harm the baby because the germs that caused the infection probably came from the baby’s mouth in the first place.
  • Breastfeeding should be avoided in the infected breast when an abscess is present.
• Pain relief: A warm compress applied before and after feedings can often provide some relief. A warm bath may work as well.
  • If heat is ineffective, ice packs applied after feedings may provide some comfort and relief.
  • Avoid using ice packs just before breastfeeding because it can slow down milk flow.
  • Drink plenty of water — at least 10 glasses a day. Eat well-balanced meals and add 500 extra calories a day while breastfeeding. Dehydration and poor nutrition can decrease milk supply and make you feel worse.

For simple mastitis without an abscess, oral antibiotics are prescribed. Cephalexin (Keflex) and dicloxacillin (Dycill) are two of the most common antibiotics chosen, but a number of others are available. The antibiotic prescribed will depend on your specific situation, your doctor’s preference, and any drug allergies you may have. This medicine is safe to use while breastfeeding and will not harm the baby.

Chronic mastitis in nonbreastfeeding women can be complicated. Recurrent episodes of mastitis are common. Occasionally, this type of infection responds poorly to antibiotics. Therefore, close follow-up with your doctor is mandatory.

If the infection worsens in spite of oral antibiotics or if you have a deep abscess requiring surgical treatment, you may be admitted to the hospital for IV antibiotics.

If an abscess is present, it must be drained. After injection of a local anesthetic, the doctor may drain an abscess near the surface of the skin either by aspiration with a needle and syringe or by using a small incision. This can be done in the doctor’s office or emergency department.

If the abscess is deep in the breast, however, it may require surgical drainage in the operating room. This procedure is usually done under general anesthesia to minimize pain and completely drain the abscess. Antibiotics and heat on the area are also used to treat abscesses.

Mastitis does not cause cancer, but cancer can mimic mastitis in appearance. If a breast infection is slow to go away, your health care provider may recommend a mammogram or other tests to rule out cancer.

If you have a breast infection, you may be seen for a recheck in 24-48 hours.

• Take all antibiotics as prescribed.
• Take your temperature three times a day for the first 48 hours after treatment begins. Watch for fever.
• Call your doctor if you develop a high fever, vomiting, or increasing redness, swelling, or pain in the breast.
• Follow up with your doctor in one to two weeks to make sure that the infection has gone away. If the infection spreads or an abscess develops, you may require IV antibiotics or surgical treatment.

Sometimes mastitis is unavoidable. Some women are more susceptible than others, especially those who are breastfeeding for the first time. In general, good habits to prevent mastitis include the following:

• Breastfeed equally from both breasts.
• Empty breasts completely to prevent engorgement and blocked ducts.
• Use good breastfeeding techniques to prevent sore, cracked nipples.
• Allow sore or cracked nipples to air dry.
• Prevent moisture from accumulating in breast pads or bras.
• Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Practice careful hygiene: Handwashing, cleaning the nipples, keeping your baby clean.

When treated promptly, the majority of breast infections go away quickly and without serious complications. Most women can and should continue to breastfeed despite an episode of uncomplicated mastitis. With proper treatment, symptoms should begin to resolve within one to two days.

A breast abscess may require surgical drainage, IV antibiotics, and a short hospital stay. A small incision is made and usually heals quite well. Prognosis for complete recovery is also good.

Postmenopausal women with breast abscesses have a high rate of return after simple drainage and frequently need to follow up with a surgeon for more definitive treatment. Chronic infection can result if an abscess is not completely drained, and this can result in a poor cosmetic outcome.

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problem in hormones – Kyshtym Central City Hospital

Non-lactational mastitis most often occurs during the period of hormonal disorders. For example, it often occurs in women during menopause and menopause, as well as in adolescents (both girls and boys), which is associated with both hormonal changes and impaired immunity.
What is non-lactational mastitis and why can it occur?

Non-lactational mastitis is an inflammatory process in the mammary gland that began outside the period of breastfeeding (lactation). Such mastitis is much less common than lactation. Their causes may be different, but they are mainly associated with hormonal disorders and with a decrease in immunity. For example, such mastitis often occurs with a decrease in hormonal levels in women. The decrease in the production of female sex hormones begins after 45 years, then the menopause begins, at 50-55 years menopause usually occurs. During this period of time, the woman becomes very sensitive to any infection.

In adolescent girls, breast tissue increases under the influence of estrogens, but, as a rule, rapid growth and development of the body leads to a decrease in immunity, all this can cause mastitis. For the same reason, mastitis can also occur in boys. Any diseases that cause a decrease in immunity can lead to the occurrence of mastitis: diabetes mellitus, any chronic, long-term infections, metabolic diseases. In all these cases, the infection can enter the breast tissue through small abrasions on the skin or in the nipple area, as well as with blood flow from other foci of infection.

Finally, quite often non-lactational mastitis is the result of surgical interventions on the mammary glands, for example, when an infection is introduced into a wound after removal of a benign tumor.

Signs of non-lactational mastitis

Non-lactational mastitis is usually not as severe as lactational mastitis. However, the process cannot be started, as it can turn into an acute purulent one and the condition will worsen dramatically. An acute process can also subside and become chronic with periodic exacerbations.

Acute non-lactational mastitis begins with swelling and tenderness in the area of ​​the breast. Sometimes axillary lymph nodes enlarge and become painful almost immediately. Pain can be both minor and very strong, so much so that it is difficult to raise your hand. This condition, if you see a doctor in time, responds well to treatment.

But you may not notice how the process turns into a purulent one, in which case the temperature rises, the pains become pulling and twitching, redness appears in the area of ​​the mammary gland, swelling increases and the doctor during the examination can detect signs of the appearance of fluid at the site of inflammation. All these symptoms indicate the presence of suppuration and the need for emergency care.

Chronic mastitis often occurs in menopausal and menopausal women. It can also be the outcome of acute mastitis. Body temperature in this disease may be normal or slightly elevated. The mammary gland is enlarged in size at the site of inflammation, sometimes there may be redness and retraction of the skin in this place. If the chronic process began after an acute one, then you can see fistulas (channels connecting the cavity with pus to the surface of the skin) with scanty purulent discharge. Axillary lymph nodes are enlarged. In some cases, the manifestations of chronic mastitis are similar to breast cancer.

Diagnosis of non-lactational mastitis

Non-lactational mastitis has characteristic manifestations, and if you consult a doctor in time, he will certainly see them. Mastitis can be confirmed by ultrasound, sowing discharge from the nipples or from fistulas on nutrient media (microbiological examination), and in some cases by taking a piece of tissue for laboratory examination (biopsy).

In addition, a complete examination of the patient is carried out in order to identify the underlying disease, which could lead to a hormonal imbalance or a decrease in immunity.

Treatment of non-lactational mastitis

Treatment of acute non-lactational mastitis depends on the phase of the disease. In the initial phase, when the formation of the abscess has not yet begun, the treatment is carried out conservatively: antibiotics are prescribed, taking into account the sensitivity of infectious agents to them, the mammary gland is calm and elevated. When abscessing mastitis, an operation is performed to open the abscess.

Prevention of non-lactational mastitis consists in a timely visit to a doctor in case of any changes in the mammary glands, as well as in the treatment of all diseases that can lead to a decrease in immunity and hormonal imbalance.

Source: www.womenclub.ru

Mammology | Your family doctor

Mammology (from the Latin mamma – mammary gland and the Greek logos – science) is a branch of practical medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the mammary glands. The mammary gland adorns a woman. And in order to preserve this beauty for many years, you need to take care of your health. This task is quite feasible if you undergo an examination by a mammologist once a year.

What diseases does a mammologist treat? His competence includes:

• Tumor diseases of the mammary glands (cancer, sarcoma, fibroadenoma, lipoma, etc.)
• Dishormonal diseases of the mammary glands (mastopathy or fibrocystic disease, gynecomastia)
• Congenital malformations of the mammary glands
• Inflammatory diseases of the mammary glands (mastitis), which are also within the competence of surgeons specializing in purulent surgery

The main complaints of patients at the appointment with a mammologist are pain and breast engorgement. These are the main signs of mastopathy. Mastopathy is a benign change in the mammary glands, most often associated with hormonal disorders. There are diffuse and nodular forms of mastopathy, which require different treatment. According to the literature, the incidence of mastopathy among the female population is up to 63%, and in the group with endocrine pathology up to 95%. Pain, redness of the skin with a rise in body temperature – signs of mastitis (breast) – inflammation of the breast tissue. There are lactational and non-lactational mastitis. It develops in women, mainly during the period of feeding a child, but it can also develop before childbirth, and also, regardless of pregnancy and childbirth, is less common in girls and even in men. Discharge from the nipple is of different nature and color. May be a manifestation of mastopathy or intraductal growths.

Indrawing of the nipple and change in the shape of the breast are most often signs of a tumor. Intraductal papilloma – a benign disease of the mammary glands is an obligate precancerous condition, always turns into a malignant process.