Mastitis is inflammation and/or infection of the breasts.[1] Although mastitis is more common in women who are lactating (i.e., producing milk) and nursing their child, mastitis can occur in women of any age.
Causes of mastitis may include:[1]
Inflammation in the breast
Breast infection with bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus.
Symptoms of mastitis may include[1]:
Swelling of the breasts
Hardness of the breasts
Engorgement of (trapping of milk in) the breasts in a woman who is lactating and nursing her child
Abscess of (with the presence or absence of pus coming from) the breast
Swelling of lymph nodes in the armpit(s)
Overall redness of the breasts
Red streaking radiating from the nipples to the skin of the breasts
Red, inflamed appearance of the nipples
Hardness of the nipples
Inverted (inward positioning) of the nipples
Ulcers (open sores) on the nipples
Dryness and cracking of the skin of the nipples
Cheesy-appearing discharge from the nipples
Odorless or unpleasant-smelling discharge from the nipples
Bad-tasting milk that is rejected by the nursing child
Blood in the breast milk
Hot feeling of the breasts
Soreness of or pain in the breasts
Burning feeling in the breasts
Heavy feeling of the breasts
Intense itching of the breasts
Soreness of or pain in the nipples
Intense itching of the nipples
Pain during release of breast milk and/or nursing
Pain upon lifting the arms
Pain radiating from the breasts to the shoulder, back, and/or other parts of the body
Fatigue
Fever
Redness in the face
Complications of infectious mastitis may include:[1]
Systemic infection; i.e., spreading of an infection in the breast to other parts of the body
Transmission of bacteria from the infected breast to the nursing child
If you think that you have mastitis, consult your integrative medical physician and gynecologist immediately for diagnosis. An examination and laboratory testing of discharge from the breasts can determine whether inflammation and/or infection is present.[1]
Many ways are available to help manage and treat mastitis. See our Q&A called Treatment of Mastitis.
REFERENCE
1. J. Reichenberg-Ullman. Whole Woman Homeopathy. 2004. North Edmonds, WA: Picnic Point Press
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