Mastitis is a type of breast infection in which the breast tissue becomes inflamed, causing issues like pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. While common in breastfeeding women, Mastitis can also affect those who aren’t breastfeeding. Recognizing its early signs is important to prevent serious complications.

In this article, we will discuss common early signs of Mastitis. We will also answer common questions like how long Mastitis lasts, how to treat it, whether you can breastfeed with this condition, and if it can be an early sign of pregnancy. 

6 early signs of Mastitis

Here are some common early signs of Mastitis. By noticing these symptoms, you can prevent them from getting worse.

Swelling and redness in the breast

One of the earliest signs of Mastitis is swelling and redness in the affected breast. The breast might appear larger or more swollen than normal, and you may see red patches on the skin. Swelling and redness can cause significant discomfort, and you should not ignore these signs.

Breast tenderness and warmth

Another common early sign is breast tenderness and a sensation of warmth. You might notice that your breast feels more sensitive to touch than usual. This tenderness often comes with a feeling of warmth, indicating inflammation. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to monitor them closely, as they could indicate the onset of Mastitis.

Pain or burning sensation

Mastitis can cause a sharp pain or burning sensation in the breast, especially during breastfeeding. This pain can be constant or only happen when feeding your baby. The burning sensation might make it difficult for you to continue breastfeeding.

Presence of a lump

You may notice a hard lump(thickening of the breast tissue) in the breast. This lump is often due to a blocked milk duct (tubes that carry milk), which can lead to Mastitis if not treated timely. The lump can be painful to touch and might feel different from the surrounding breast tissue.

This lump can feel like a dense, hard area within the breast. This thickening can make breastfeeding uncomfortable. Usually, it will naturally go away once you drain the milk or clean the blocked milk duct. However, if it doesn’t go away, or if you notice any other concerning symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.

Flu-like symptoms

Woman suffering from mastitis feeling tired
Woman suffering from mastitis feeling tired

Mastitis can make you feel unwell, similar to having the flu. Symptoms can include body aches, chills, and extreme tiredness. These symptoms occur because your body is fighting an infection.

Changes in breastfeeding patterns

Mastitis can cause noticeable changes in your breastfeeding patterns. Your baby might struggle to latch properly due to your discomfort, or you may notice a decrease in milk production. Keeping an eye on these breastfeeding changes can help you identify Mastitis early and seek treatment.

Warning
Do not ignore any of these signs. If not managed appropriately, Mastitis can result in women to discontinue breastfeeding prematurely.

Can you breastfeed with Mastitis

Yes, you can, and you should breastfeed if you have Mastitis. Breastfeeding helps clear the infection and prevents milk from building up in the breast, which can worsen the condition. Frequent nursing (feeding your baby often) keeps the milk flowing and can help relieve the blockage and reduce pain. If breastfeeding is too painful, try expressing milk (removing milk from the breast) by hand or with a pump to maintain milk flow and relieve pressure in the breast. 

However, there are situations where you should be cautious. If you notice pus or develop an abscess in your breast, breastfeeding might not be safe, and you should consult your doctor immediately.

Is Mastitis an early sign of pregnancy

Although breast tenderness and some other symptoms of Mastitis might also occur during pregnancy, these alone do not indicate pregnancy. Common early pregnancy symptoms include missed periods, nausea, breast tenderness, slight bleeding, and fatigue.

If you are not breastfeeding and experience symptoms of Mastitis, you should consult your doctor. They will diagnose your problem and help you find the other causes.

Other conditions that mimic Mastitis

Mastitis can be mistaken for other breast conditions because they share similar symptoms. For instance, both breast abscesses and Mastitis cause pain, swelling, and redness. A breast abscess, which is a small area filled with pus in the breast, is a complication of Mastitis if not treated by a doctor.

Some signs of Mastitis might also be confused with inflammatory Breast Cancer. Both conditions can cause lumps and changes in the skin. However, Mastitis usually starts quickly with pain and fever, while breast cancer symptoms develop slowly and typically don’t include fever.

How long does Mastitis last

The duration of Mastitis can vary, but with proper treatment, it usually begins to improve within a few days. If managed properly, symptoms like pain, swelling, and redness often begin to decrease within 24 to 72 hours. Many women see significant improvement in their symptoms within weeks. Complete recovery of symptoms can take up to 10 days. However, if symptoms persist or worsen after starting treatment, it’s important to follow up with your doctor.

Do you know?
Granulomatous Mastitis (GM) is a rare condition that can affect males. Only 16 cases have been reported. The average age of affected men is 46, with most cases involving the right breast. The size of the masses typically ranges from 5 mm to 72 mm.

How to treat Mastitis

Treating Mastitis involves several approaches to reduce pain and inflammation, as well as to clear any infection. Here are some effective ways to manage and treat Mastitis:

Antibiotics

Generally, continuing breastfeeding can help in treating Mastitis. But, if Mastitis is caused by some bacterial infection, doctors usually prescribe antibiotics. It’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better before finishing them. This ensures that the infection is cleared properly and reduces the risk of it coming back. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should consult and follow their doctor’s instructions on which antibiotics to take for Mastitis and how to take them.

Pain relievers

Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers such as Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, or Naprosyn can help reduce pain and inflammation due to Mastitis. These medications can also help manage fever and should be taken by doctor’s consultation. Follow the instructions given by your doctor or on the package for dosage, and contact your doctor if the pain persists.

Warm or cold compress

Using a warm compress can help ease the pain and discomfort associated with Mastitis. On the other hand, using a cold compress, such as a cold pack, aids in reducing swelling and numbing the pain. Both the therapy can help reduce inflammation. Apply a warm compress and gently massage your breast before breastfeeding, then apply a cold compress after feeding. It is important to seek a doctor’s advice before attempting these home remedies.

Take proper rest

For proper recovery, getting plenty of rest is important. Your body requires energy to fight off the infection. Try to rest as much as possible. Resting can also help reduce stress, which can aid in the healing process.

Wear comfortable clothes

Avoiding tight-fitting bras or clothing can also help treat mastitis. Tight clothing can minimize blood flow and contribute to inflammation in the breast tissue. Opting for looser, more comfortable clothing can reduce pressure on the breasts and promote better circulation. This can help resolve Mastitis symptoms.

Conclusion

Knowing the early signs of Mastitis is crucial for prompt treatment and preventing complications. By recognizing symptoms like swelling, tenderness, and changes in breastfeeding patterns, you can seek medical help early and avoid stopping breastfeeding prematurely.

Mastitis usually improves with continued breastfeeding and clearing milk ducts. If the mastitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed for complete recovery. Pain relievers can effectively manage its symptoms, such as pain and discomfort. Remember to prioritize rest and avoid tight bras to aid healing. If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, you should consult your doctor for proper evaluation and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the early signs of Mastitis?

The early signs of Mastitis include breast swelling, tenderness, and warmth, accompanied by redness. Pain or a burning sensation, especially during breastfeeding, may also be present. Additionally, flu-like symptoms such as body aches can indicate Mastitis.

Can Mastitis go away on its own?

Mastitis may not go away on its own. With proper management, it can be resolved within a few days. Clearing milk ducts through breastfeeding is a key treatment. If a bacterial infection causes Mastitis, doctors may prescribe antibiotics.

Can you still breastfeed with Mastitis?

Yes, you should breastfeed with Mastitis. It helps clear the infection, aids in milk flow, and relieves pressure in the breast. However, if pus or abscess develops, breastfeeding might not be safe. In such cases, you must seek medical help. 

How to treat Mastitis?

Mastitis treatment typically involves several methods. These include antibiotics, pain relievers, warm or cold compresses, rest, and avoiding tight bras. Breastfeeding techniques like proper latching and frequent nursing (feeding your baby often) can also aid in clearing milk ducts and treating Mastitis.

Citations:
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