Mastitis

THIS IS A BREAST DISEASE

1. Mastitis By Hamida Begum

2. Overview Mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue that sometimes involves an infection. The inflammation results in breast pain, swelling, warmth and redness. You might also have fever and chills . Mastitis most commonly affects women who are breast-feeding (lactation mastitis). But mastitis can occur in women who aren't breast-feeding and in men

3. Contin.., Lactation mastitis can cause to feel run down, making it difficult to care for baby. Sometimes mastitis leads a mother to wean her baby before she intends to. But continuing to breast-feed, even while taking an antibiotic to treat mastitis, is better.

4. Definition I nflammation of the mammary gland in the breast or udder, typically due to bacterial infection via a damaged nipple or teat.

5. Sign and symptoms Signs and symptoms of mastitis can appear suddenly. They may include: Breast tenderness or warmth to the touch Breast swelling Thickening of breast tissue, or a breast lump Pain or a burning sensation continuously or while breast-feeding

6. Skin redness, often in a wedge-shaped pattern Generally feeling ill Fever of 101 F (38.3 C) or greater

7. Causes Milk that is trapped in the breast is the main cause of mastitis. Other causes include: A blocked milk duct.  If a breast doesn't completely empty at feedings, one of milk ducts can become clogged. The blockage causes milk to back up, leading to breast infection.

8. Contin.., Bacteria entering breast.  Bacteria from skin's surface and baby's mouth can enter the milk ducts through a crack in the skin of nipple or through a milk duct opening. Stagnant milk in a breast that isn't emptied provides a breeding ground for the bacteria.

9. Risk factors Risk factors for mastitis include: Previous bout of mastitis while breast-feeding Sore or cracked nipples — although mastitis can develop without broken skin Wearing a tightfitting bra or putting pressure on your breast when using a seat belt or carrying a heavy bag, which may restrict milk flow

10. Contin.., Improper nursing technique Becoming overly tired or stressed Poor nutrition Smoking

11. Complications Mastitis that isn't adequately treated or that is due to a blocked duct can cause a collection of pus (abscess) to develop in your breast. An abscess usually requires surgical drainage. To avoid this complication, talk to your doctor as soon as you develop signs or symptoms of mastitis.

12. Prevention To get breast-feeding relationship with infant off to its best start — and to avoid complications such as mastitis — consider meeting with a lactation consultant. A lactation consultant can give tips and provide invaluable advice for proper breast-feeding techniques. Minimize your chances of getting mastitis by following these tips: Fully drain the milk from breasts while breast-feeding .

13. Contin.., Allow baby to completely empty one breast before switching to the other breast during feeding. Change the position use to breast-feed from one feeding to the next. Make sure baby latches on properly during feedings. smoking cessation.

14. Diagnosis P hysical examination. History Culture of breast milk for antibiotic. Mammogram U ltrasound Biopsy

15. Treatment Mastitis treatment might involve: Antibiotics.   In case of infection, a 10-day course of antibiotics is usually needed. It's important to take all of the medication to minimize chance of recurrence. Pain relievers.   D octor may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others). It's safe to continue breast-feeding if you have mastitis. Breast-feeding actually helps clear the infection. Weaning the baby abruptly worsen signs and symptoms.

16. Life Style changes Teach proper technique of breast feeding. Avoiding prolonged overfilling of breast with milk before breast-feeding. Teach mother properly infant latches and e xpressing a small amount of milk by hand before breast-feeding might help. Massaging the breast while breast-feeding or pumping, from the affected area down toward the nipple .

17. Contin.., Making sure the breast drains completely during breast-feeding and apply warm and moist heat to the breast before breast-feeding or pumping milk. Breast-feeding on the affected side first, when infant is hungrier and sucking more strongly. Varying breast-feeding positions.

18. Lifestyle and home remedies To relieve discomfort: Avoid prolonged overfilling of your breast with milk before breast-feeding Apply cool compresses or ice packs to breast after breast-feeding Wear a supportive bra Rest as much as possible