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MASTITIS

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Mastitis is inflammation of tissue in one

or both mammary glands inside thebreast. Mastitis usually affects lactatingwomen - women who are breastfeeding,

producing milk. Hence, it is oftenreferred to as lactation mastitis . Thepatient feels a hard, sore spot inside the

breast. Mastitis can occur as a result ofan infection or a blocked milk duct.

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Two types of mastitis Non-infectious mastitis - this is usually caused

by breast milk staying within the breast tissue- milk stasis - because of a blocked milk ductor a breastfeeding problem. If left untreated,

the milk left in the breast tissue can becomeinfected, leading to infectious mastitis.

Infectious mastitis - this is caused by bacterial

infection. It is important to receive treatmentimmediately to prevent complications, such asan abscess in the breast.

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What are the symptoms of mastitis?In the vast majority of cases only one breast is affected.

The following signs or symptoms, which may developrapidly, could be present (a symptom is something the

patient feels or reports, while a sign is something other people, including the doctor identify) : An area of thebreast becomes red. The affected area of the breast hurts when touched. The affected area feels hot when touched. A burning sensation in the breast which may be

there all the time, or only when breastfeeding.

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What are the causes of mastitis? Causes of non-infectious mastitis

Non-infectious mastitis is usually caused by milk stasis (milkis produced, but then remains in the breast, rather thancoming out during feeding). Milk stasis may have thefollowing causes:

The baby is not attaching to the breast properly duringfeeding. The baby has difficulties suckling the milk out of the

breast. The baby is being breastfed infrequently. Milk ducts may be blocked because of pressure on the

breast caused by, for example, tight clothing.

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Causes of infectious mastitis

Bacteria do not generally thrive in fresh human

milk. However, if the milk ducts are blocked andthe milk stagnates the likelihood of infectiongrows. Experts believe that bacteria which exist

on the surface of breast skin enter the breastthrough small cracks or breaks in the skin. Theyalso suggest that bacteria in the baby's mouthmay get into the mother's breast during abreastfeed. However, nobody is completely surehow bacteria get into the breast.

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Infectious mastitis in women who are notlactating

Women who are not lactating (not producingmilk, not breastfeeding) may develop infectiousmastitis - this is not common. Those who do

develop non-lactating infectious mastitis tend tobe regular smokers in their late 20s to early 30s.Experts believe that smoking may damage the

milk ducts, making them more susceptible toinfection.

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How is mastitis diagnosed? Mastitis is fairly easy to diagnose. A GP

(general practitioner, primary care physician)will carry out a physical examination and askthe patient questions about her symptoms.

When symptoms are severe, or if thewoman does not respond to treatment, thedoctor may take a small sample of breastmilk for testing. Tests will usually determinewhether there is a bacterial infection, as wellas the type of bacteria. Identifying the typeof bacteria helps the doctor select the mosttargeted treatment.

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How is mastitis diagnosed? If the health care professional believes the mastitis is

caused by a breastfeeding problem, the patient maybe asked to demonstrate how she breastfeeds. It isimportant that the mother does not feel she is beingblamed or judged. Breastfeeding sometimes requiressome practice.

Inflammatory breast cancer, a rare form of breastcancer, can also have similar symptoms of redness

and swelling. In some rare cases a biopsy may betaken to rule out breast cancer.

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What are the treatment options for mastitis?

Infectious mastitis - treatment includes anantibiotic , as well as the techniques listedabove for non-infectious mastitis. The

antibiotic may be passed on through thebreast milk to the baby. The baby mayproduce runny stools and become restless.

This does not damage the baby, and theeffects will disappear as soon as treatment iscompleted.

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What are the complications of mastitis?

Recurrence - women who have had mastitis aremore likely to get it again, compared to otherwomen. In most cases recurrence is due to late orinadequate treatment.

Abscess - if the mastitis is not treated properly thereis a risk that a collection of pus (abscess) candevelop in the breast. Abscesses usually requiresurgical draining.