Menopausal Mastitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
What are the symptoms of menopausal mastitis. How is menopausal mastitis diagnosed. What treatments are available for menopausal mastitis. Can menopausal mastitis be prevented. How does menopausal mastitis differ from other types of mastitis.
Understanding the Anatomy of the Breast
The breast is a complex organ composed of various glands and ducts. At its core are milk-carrying ducts that extend from the nipple into the underlying breast tissue, reminiscent of wheel spokes. Beneath the areola, the colored area surrounding the nipple, lie the lactiferous ducts, which fill with milk during lactation. These structures develop and change throughout a woman’s life, particularly during puberty when hormonal changes cause the ducts to grow and fat deposits in the breast tissue to increase.
Mammary glands, responsible for milk production, connect to the breast’s surface via lactiferous ducts and may extend to the armpit area. This intricate network of glands and ducts plays a crucial role in breast health and function, but it can also be susceptible to infections such as mastitis.
Mastitis: An Overview of Breast Infections
Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that commonly occurs during breastfeeding. However, it can also affect women who are not lactating, including those who have gone through menopause. The infection typically develops when bacteria enter the milk ducts through a crack in the nipple, often originating from a baby’s mouth during breastfeeding.
While mastitis is most prevalent one to three months after childbirth, it can occur at various stages of a woman’s life. Other forms of mastitis include chronic mastitis and a rare type of cancer known as inflammatory carcinoma. Women with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, chronic illnesses, AIDS, or compromised immune systems, may be more susceptible to developing mastitis.
Prevalence and Risk Factors
- Approximately 1-3% of breastfeeding mothers develop mastitis
- Engorgement and incomplete breast emptying can exacerbate symptoms
- Chronic mastitis can occur in non-breastfeeding women
- Postmenopausal women may be at risk due to hormonal changes
Menopausal Mastitis: A Unique Form of Breast Infection
Menopausal mastitis is a specific type of breast infection that occurs in postmenopausal women. It is often associated with chronic inflammation of the ducts below the nipple. The hormonal changes that accompany menopause can cause milk ducts to become clogged with dead skin cells and debris, creating an environment more susceptible to bacterial infection.
Is menopausal mastitis different from other types of mastitis? Indeed, it is. Unlike mastitis in breastfeeding women, menopausal mastitis tends to be chronic and may recur even after treatment with antibiotics. This persistence is largely due to the underlying hormonal changes and structural alterations in the breast tissue that occur during and after menopause.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Menopausal Mastitis
Identifying the symptoms of menopausal mastitis is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. While some symptoms may overlap with other types of mastitis, there are specific characteristics to watch for in postmenopausal women.
Common Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness in the breast
- Redness and warmth of the affected area
- Swelling of the breast tissue
- Body aches and fatigue
- Fever and chills (in some cases)
Are there any unique symptoms of menopausal mastitis? In postmenopausal women, the symptoms may be more subtle and chronic compared to acute mastitis in younger women. There might be persistent discomfort or recurring episodes of inflammation without the severe pain and high fever typically associated with lactational mastitis.
Diagnosing Menopausal Mastitis: When to Seek Medical Care
Prompt medical attention is essential when suspecting menopausal mastitis. Women should consult their healthcare provider if they experience any of the following:
- A suspicious lump in the breast
- Abnormal nipple discharge
- Persistent breast pain that interferes with daily activities
- Redness or swelling of the breast
- Fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C)
- Nausea or vomiting that prevents taking prescribed antibiotics
- Red streaks extending from the breast towards the arm
- Dizziness, fainting, or confusion
How is menopausal mastitis diagnosed? The diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination. If the cause of symptoms is unclear, additional tests may be necessary. These can include:
- Ultrasound imaging to distinguish between fluid-filled abscesses and solid masses
- Cultures of breast tissue or fluid to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection
- Mammography or other imaging studies to rule out underlying breast conditions
Treatment Options for Menopausal Mastitis
The treatment of menopausal mastitis aims to resolve the infection, alleviate symptoms, and prevent recurrence. The approach may differ from that used for lactational mastitis due to the chronic nature of the condition in postmenopausal women.
Antibiotic Therapy
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for menopausal mastitis. The choice of antibiotic depends on the severity of the infection and the results of any cultures taken. Treatment typically lasts for 10-14 days, and it’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve.
Pain Management
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Applying warm compresses to the affected area may also provide relief and promote healing.
Abscess Drainage
If an abscess forms, it may require drainage. This procedure can be performed using ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate and complete drainage of the infected fluid.
Hormonal Therapy
In some cases, hormonal treatments may be recommended to address the underlying changes in breast tissue that contribute to recurrent infections in postmenopausal women.
What is the most effective treatment for menopausal mastitis? The most effective treatment often involves a combination of antibiotics, pain management, and addressing any underlying hormonal issues. In cases of recurrent infections, long-term low-dose antibiotic therapy or hormonal treatments may be considered.
Preventing Menopausal Mastitis: Strategies for Breast Health
While not all cases of menopausal mastitis can be prevented, there are steps women can take to reduce their risk and maintain breast health:
- Regular breast self-exams to detect changes early
- Maintaining good overall health and a strong immune system
- Wearing well-fitting, supportive bras
- Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet
- Managing chronic health conditions effectively
- Discussing hormone replacement therapy options with a healthcare provider
Can menopausal mastitis be completely prevented? While complete prevention may not be possible, these strategies can significantly reduce the risk of developing mastitis and help catch any issues early when they’re most treatable.
Long-term Outlook and Management of Menopausal Mastitis
The long-term outlook for women with menopausal mastitis varies. Some may experience a single episode that resolves with treatment, while others may face recurring infections. Understanding the chronic nature of the condition is crucial for effective management.
Follow-up Care
Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are essential for monitoring the condition and adjusting treatment as needed. These visits may include:
- Physical examinations to check for signs of recurrence
- Discussions about symptom management and prevention strategies
- Adjustments to medications or treatment plans
- Screenings for other breast health issues
Lifestyle Adjustments
Women with a history of menopausal mastitis may need to make certain lifestyle adjustments to manage their condition:
- Adhering to a regular breast care routine
- Being vigilant about early signs of infection
- Maintaining open communication with healthcare providers
- Exploring stress reduction techniques, as stress can impact immune function
How does menopausal mastitis affect overall breast health? While menopausal mastitis itself is not typically life-threatening, it can impact quality of life and may increase the need for more frequent breast health monitoring. It’s important to note that chronic inflammation in the breast tissue should be carefully monitored, as long-term inflammation has been associated with an increased risk of certain breast cancers.
Advancing Research and Understanding of Menopausal Mastitis
As the population of postmenopausal women continues to grow, there is an increasing focus on understanding and managing conditions like menopausal mastitis. Ongoing research aims to:
- Develop more effective treatments for chronic mastitis in postmenopausal women
- Investigate the relationship between hormonal changes and breast tissue inflammation
- Explore new preventive strategies tailored to postmenopausal breast health
- Improve diagnostic tools for early detection of breast infections and related conditions
What advancements can we expect in the treatment of menopausal mastitis? Future treatments may include more targeted antibiotics, innovative hormone therapies, and novel approaches to managing chronic inflammation in breast tissue. Additionally, personalized medicine approaches may help tailor treatments to individual women based on their specific risk factors and breast tissue characteristics.
The Importance of Awareness and Education
Raising awareness about menopausal mastitis among both healthcare providers and patients is crucial. Enhanced education can lead to:
- Earlier recognition of symptoms
- More timely seeking of medical care
- Improved patient outcomes through prompt and appropriate treatment
- Better understanding of the unique challenges faced by postmenopausal women in maintaining breast health
By continuing to study and discuss menopausal mastitis, the medical community can develop more effective strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, ultimately improving the quality of life for women experiencing this condition.
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.
Top Picks
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.
Top Picks
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
Inflammation (mastitis) and breast abscess
- Special projects
Log in with your social account. networks
or enter your username and password
your login
your password
Retrieve password
Register
Log in with your social account. networks
or enter your details
Password recovery
Home Inflammation (mastitis) and abscess of the breast
Description |
Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland. Most often occurs in the period after the first childbirth, less often occurs before childbirth or regardless of pregnancy in women and men. Approximately 5% of lactating women get mastitis, and 85% of them are nulliparous. This is due to the narrowness of the milk ducts and insufficient (in the absence of skill or desire) emptying the breast (expressing milk). |
Causes |
Mastitis is caused by insufficient emptying of the mammary gland during lactation, milk stasis, cracked nipples. Inflammation develops as a result of infection. The causative agent is most often streptococci and staphylococci. |
Diagnostics |
The diagnosis of mastitis is based on clinical manifestations. Unlike simple lactostasis, engorgement of the gland does not go away and body temperature does not return to normal after pumping. |
List of diagnostic methods: breast ultrasound |
Treatment |
Etiotropic treatment of mastitis consists in prescribing broad-spectrum antibiotics. Periodic complete emptying of the gland (pumping) is also shown, it is possible to prescribe anti-inflammatory therapy and analgesics. |