Dealing with mastitis is a serious matter. Mastitis is commonly known as the inflammation in women’s breasts. But what is the real meaning of this case? Is it curable or not? To give you a clearer understanding of this topic, let us find out some information about “what is mastitis? Everything you need to know about mastitis symptoms and treatments”.
What is mastitis?
Mastitis is the inflammation in the woman’s breast tissue, which is said to be because of the infection. This breast inflammation can result in breast pain, warmth, swelling, and redness. You can also experience chills and fever. According to experts, breastfeeding moms have a higher chance of experiencing this inflammation. When you are in this situation, rest assured that it will be hard for you to take care of your little bundle of joy.
Mastitis symptoms
Here are some of the information about what is mastitis? Everything you need to know about mastitis symptoms and treatments. In dealing with this inflammation, you have to know the signs and symptoms associated with this situation.
- You will experience breast tenderness and warm feeling
- Breast swelling will give you a painful feeling
- You are more likely to have a breast lump
- You can feel a burning sensation, especially when you are breastfeeding
- Redness of the skin around your breast
- Not feeling well
- Fever with 38.3 degree Celsius or greater
Causes of mastitis
Aside from dealing with the topic, what is mastitis? Everything you need to know about mastitis symptoms and treatments, it is also advisable to know the possible causes of this inflammation. These causes include the following:
- Bacteria. Bacteria that enter the breasts are one of the possible reasons why some women are acquiring mastitis. The bacteria are sometimes from the surface of your breasts’ skin or your baby’s mouth that can enter your breasts through your nipple.
- Clogged milk duct. This is another cause of mastitis that you should take note of. If you notice that your breast doesn’t become empty after you breastfeed your little one, then you have a higher chance of having a blocked milk duct. This blockage can cause the breastmilk to back up, which can cause breast infection or mastitis in the long run.
- Holding your breasts too tight when you are doing the breastfeeding
- Inflammation of the breasts because of delayed breastfeeding
- If you have a poor physical condition
- Trauma due to the kick from your toddler
- The use of some nipple cream which can trigger the harbor of bacteria
Treatment of mastitis
What is mastitis? Everything you need to know about mastitis symptoms and treatments. Part of this topic is the treatment for this inflammation. You have to keep in mind that the treatment for mastitis should be done immediately. As early as possible, you need to make sure that you consult your doctor about this issue. But if you have mild mastitis, some of the options that your healthcare provider might give you are the following:
- Antibiotics
- Continued breastfeeding to drain your breast
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
- Rest and the proper amount of fluid and eating healthy food
- Changing of breastfeeding position
- Application of heat before doing the breastfeeding and a gentle massage to the affected area
- Expressing of breasts for frequent drainage
When is the best time to see a doctor?
Actually, once you feel any of the signs associated with this issue, you are obliged to see a doctor. But if this is not possible for you to see a doctor at an early stage of this inflammation, then it is best to know the situations when you will need to seek medical help:
- When you notice an unusual discharge in your nipples
- When the pain that you are feeling is intolerable, and it is hard for you to function
- If you see a tender lump in your breast
- If you have a prolonged pain in your breast
- If you are breastfeeding, you need to ask your medical provider if you are still able to breastfeed your newborn.
As parents, we need to be aware of the things related to our health. Part of this awareness is knowing what is mastitis? Everything you need to know about mastitis symptoms and treatments. Being equipped with knowledge about this issue can help us in our motherhood journey.
Read also:
- Deprivation as a Breastfeeding Mom
- Breastfeeding Tips and Guide for New Moms
- Nipples Care: Preparing Nipples for Breastfeeding
