Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast that occurs most commonly in breast-feeding women; it can be related to tissue injury, infection, or both. Breast-feeding mastitis is typically caused by bacteria that enter the breast through a cracked or sore nipple.
Signs of infection may include:
- Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in an area on a breast.
- Red streaks extending from a breast.
- Drainage of pus coming from a breast.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpit.
- Flu-like symptoms, such as fever of 101 °F (38.5 °C) or higher, chills, and fatigue.
Treatment usually involves antibiotic medicines, keeping up milk flow, and measures to relieve discomfort. While they are being treated, most women can safely continue to breast-feed or pump breast milk.
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis |
| Medical Review: | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated: May 25, 2007 | |
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