|
|
 |
Breast infection
|
 |
-
Mastitis, or breast infection, sometimes occurs in women who are breastfeeding, but may also affect women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, and may affect women of any age. It often affects one breast, but can be bilateral.
|
 |
-
Occur mostly in the first 3 weeks to 3
months postpartum (after the baby is born)
- Breast pain
- Low-grade fever
- Flu-like symptoms of aching; feeling
tired and run down
- Red patches; an area of hardness or
tenderness around the nipple
- Swelling may be present
- There may be a tender lump.
- Breast may feel hot
|
 |
-
Based on history, symptoms (above), and
a clinical exam by the attending physician.
- Bacterial cultures may be done to identify the type of bacterium, and prescribe the appropriate antibiotic (culture results may take up to 48 hours to return from the laboratory).
|
 |
- Blocked ducts
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Poor hygiene
|
 |
-
The
attending physician might or might not recommend that the
breastfeeding mother of an infant stop breastfeeding (if
mother has mastitis), after the physician weighs the
possibility that infection might pass to the
infant.
-
A warm bath or soaking the breasts for
10-15 minutes 3- 4 times a day can relieve some of the
pain.
- Massaging the area gently while it is
warm from a bath, working over the lump using the palm of
your hand and fingers in a gentle but firm round motion, is
also helpful. As soon as possible after this
procedure, mothers should attempt to resume
breastfeeding.
- Fluids and rest are a must.
- Tylenol or other analgesic painkillers (e.g., Motrin, Aspirin, etc.) may be
helpful in treating fever and pain.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Watch for warning signs of
complications, such as:
- Fever of greater than 101 degrees
- Chills
- The breast becomes red, hot, or
swollen
- Blood or pus in the milk
- Redness and pain spreading rapidly
|
| | |
If you want your friend to read or know about this article, Click here
 |
|
|
