Acute mastitis or puerperal mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that can be caused by an infection. It usually affects mothers during lactation. On the other hand, we also have chronic mastitis, which affects non-lactating women. On this occasion, Dr. Mauricio León, head of the Mastology Unit at Clinica Ricardo Palma, will give us more information.

Symptoms

The symptoms of acute mastitis are usually diverse, for example:

• Sensitivity and/or pain in the breasts
• Breast swelling and redness
• Breast warmth to the touch
• General discomfort
• High fever

Chronic mastitis produces breast tumors often accompanied by holes in the skin of the breast known as “fistulas”.

Causes

The causes of mastitis can be several, among which are:

• Retained and infected milk in the breast
• Blockage of the mammary duct if the breast does not empty after each feed
• Bacterial infection in the breast

On the other hand, the causes of chronic mastitis are unknown to date.

Risk factors

Among the main risk factors, we find:

• Having had previous mastitis
• Nipple injuries (wounds or cracks)
• Breast pressure or prior severe trauma to the affected breast
• Use of tobacco

Complications

If mastitis is not treated properly, the infection worsens, leading to an accumulation of pus (“abscess”) in the breast. Abscesses usually need to be drained by surgery, which is usually done under general anesthesia.

Prevention

To prevent mastitis during lactation it is recommended:

• Not having fully full breasts long before feedings
• Allow the baby to completely empty each breast
• Change the breastfeeding position between feedings
• Make sure the baby is well latched to the breast during breastfeeding
• Rest well and use a bra that provides good support without excessive pressure

Treatment

If the mastitis is caused by an infection, the treatment is through antibiotics, sometimes intravenously. On the other hand, the specialist may recommend taking analgesics, however, if there is no improvement, surgical treatment is always an option.

Finally, if you suffer from mastitis, it is important not to stop breastfeeding, as this helps eliminate the infection, otherwise the symptoms may worsen.

Dr. Mauricio León
Head of The Mastology Unit at Clínica Ricardo Palma