What Is Mastitis or Breast Infection
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| What Is Mastitis or Breast Infection |
What Is Mastitis or Breast Infection
Mastitis or breast infection is inflammation of the breast tissue. This condition generally occurs in breastfeeding mothers, especially in the first 6-12 weeks after giving birth.
Mastitis usually only attacks one breast, but it is also possible for it to occur in both breasts. This inflammation of the mammary glands makes it difficult for sufferers to breastfeed so breastfeeding activities are hampered or stopped.
However, breastfeeding should still be done because this condition is not dangerous for babies. The antibacterial content in breast milk protects babies from infection and actually speeds up the healing of mastitis.
Causes of Mastitis
Mastitis is usually experienced by breastfeeding mothers. Even so, this condition can also be experienced by women who are not breastfeeding and women who have gone through menopause.
In fact, in rare cases, mastitis can also occur in men. The following is an explanation of the causes of mastitis in breastfeeding mothers and in women who are not breastfeeding:
In breastfeeding mothers
In breastfeeding mothers, mastitis is caused by the accumulation of breast milk in the mammary glands, causing blockages in the milk ducts.
This accumulation causes blockages in the milk ducts. As a result, bacteria from the surface of the baby's skin or mouth can enter through the gaps in the skin or nipples, causing infection.
Blockage of the milk ducts can be triggered by several things, namely:
- Incorrect position of the baby's mouth when breastfeeding
- The baby is not breastfeeding enough
- Breast milk is not released regularly
- Too much breast milk is produced
- The process of weaning the baby too quickly
- Breastfeeding too often from one breast
In women who are not breastfeeding
Although rare, mastitis can also occur in women who are not breastfeeding and men. This condition can be caused by several things, such as:
- Injury to the breast
- Low immunity, for example in someone undergoing radiotherapy
- Medical conditions, such as diabetes, chronic diseases, or HIV/AIDS
- Skin diseases, such as eczema
- Shaving or plucking hair around the nipples
- Breast piercings
- Breast implants
Risk factors for mastitis
Several factors can increase the risk of breast infection or mastitis, namely:
- Having had a breast infection before
- Too tired or stressed
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Smoking
- Doing heavy exercise, especially on the upper body
- Wearing a bra that is too tight
Symptoms of Mastitis
In the early stages, symptoms of mastitis generally appear in one breast and can occur suddenly. These symptoms include:
- Breast swelling
- Breasts that are red and warm
- Breasts feel sore when touched
- Pain or burning sensation in the breasts that occurs continuously or when breastfeeding
In addition to these symptoms, several other complaints can accompany, namely:
- Fever
- Shivering
- The body feels tired and weak
- Body feels sore
- Nausea
- Discharge containing pus from the nipple
- Lumps appear in the breast
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit or neck area
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you experience worrying symptoms in the breast, such as:
- Breast pain that interferes with daily activities
- Changes in the shape or texture of the breast
- New lumps appear
- Nipples discharge
- Symptoms of mastitis that worsen within 24 hours after being treated with antibiotics or self-medication at home
An examination should be carried out immediately if you experience symptoms of mastitis and are not breastfeeding.
Mastitis Diagnosis
As a first step, the doctor will ask about the patient's symptoms and medical history. A physical examination will also be performed to detect lumps in the breast.
For breastfeeding mothers who continue to experience recurrent infections, the doctor will examine breast milk samples in the laboratory.
The examination aims to detect the presence of bacteria that cause infections and determine the type of antibiotic that is suitable for the patient.
The doctor will also recommend that patients, both breastfeeding and not, undergo further examination if there is a suspicion of other diseases, including:
- Breast ultrasound, to detect and examine lumps or tumors in the breast
- Mammography, to detect signs of breast cancer
- Breast biopsy, which is a laboratory examination of breast tissue samples to detect the possibility of cancer cells
- Blood culture, if mastitis continues to worsen
Mastitis Treatment
In breastfeeding patients with mild symptoms, mastitis should be treated with self-medication first. Several actions can be taken at home to relieve the symptoms experienced, namely:
- Apply a warm compress to the infected breast area to relieve pain. Do this for 15 minutes, 4 times a day.
- Take pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, to help relieve pain.
- Get plenty of rest and drink fluids.
- Eat healthy foods that contain balanced nutrition.
- Avoid wearing clothes and bras that are too tight.
- Massage the breasts to relieve blockages, especially by massaging the lump or painful area. Massage slowly towards the nipple to facilitate the flow of breast milk.
In addition, mastitis symptoms can also be relieved with several breastfeeding techniques, such as:
- Start breastfeeding with the swollen breast.
- Make sure the baby's mouth is in the correct position and the baby can suckle the breast milk properly.
- Breastfeed regularly every 2 hours in different positions.
- Express breast milk from the breast using a breast pump or by hand when the breast feels full.
Consult a doctor to increase knowledge about good breastfeeding techniques and positions.
If mastitis in breastfeeding mothers cannot be treated with self-medication or occurs in women who are not breastfeeding, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to be taken for 10–14 days.
Mastitis will generally improve within 2–3 days from the start of treatment. However, antibiotics should still be taken until finished so that the infection does not recur.
It is important to remember that breastfeeding while suffering from mastitis is safe to do even though the mother is taking antibiotics. Breast milk contains antibacterials that can help babies fight infections.
In addition, breastfeeding can help overcome infections because it helps to unclog blockages. Conversely, weaning a baby suddenly can worsen the infection.
Complications of Mastitis
Mastitis that is treated too late can cause several complications, namely:
Breast abscess
An abscess is a lump of pus that forms in the breast and is painful. In this condition, minor surgery is needed to remove pus from the breast.
Fungal infection
Excessive use of antibiotics can trigger excessive fungal growth in the body. This condition can cause fungal infections in the breast, which are characterized by reddish nipples, as well as pain and heat in the breast.
Mastitis Prevention
Several breast care measures can be taken to prevent mastitis, namely:
- Compress the breast with a warm towel to increase milk flow.
- Use different techniques or positions when breastfeeding.
- Use breasts alternately when breastfeeding.
- Empty the breasts completely when breastfeeding to prevent swelling and blockage of milk ducts.
- Use a breast pump to empty the breasts if the baby has stopped breastfeeding and the breasts are not completely empty.
- Do not change the breastfeeding schedule suddenly.
- Avoid using soap when cleaning the nipples.
- Massage the breasts regularly with lactation massage techniques to smooth the milk ducts.
- Make sure the breasts are always dry by changing bras or breast pads when they are wet.
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
- Avoid wearing bras that are too tight.
- Consume nutritious foods and breastfeeding supplements containing lecithin to improve the quality of breast milk and smooth the flow of breast milk
- Wash your hands and clean the nipples before and after breastfeeding.
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