Mastitis (breast infection) quiz
Take a quiz to find out what's causing your mastitis (breast infection).
Care Plan
First steps to consider
- Mastitis can sometimes be treated at home.
- If you think you have mastitis, you should first continue to breastfeed or pump, and to empty the breasts completely of milk on a regular basis.
- Try medications that help with pain and swelling like Tylenol and Advil, and use cold compresses.
When you may need a provider
- You still have pain and fever after 12–24 hours. You will likely need antibiotics.
Emergency Care
Go to the ER if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Severe breast pain, swelling, or fever that is not getting better even when taking antibiotics for 2–3 days.
- Feeling like your heart is racing
- Changes in the way your breast looks. For example, the skin looks very thin or there is an open wound or pus.
Mastitis (breast infection) quiz
Take a quiz to find out what's causing your mastitis (breast infection).
What is Mastitis?
Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that causes breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness of the breast. Mastitis affects about 10% of women who are breastfeeding (lactation mastitis). It is usually caused by a blocked milk duct, which causes bacteria to multiply. The bacteria normally live on the skin or in the mouth of a nursing infant and are transferred to the breast during nursing.
Mastitis sometimes can occur in women who aren't breastfeeding.
Symptoms
- Breast pain
- Swelling
- Warm to the touch
- Redness of the breast
- May cause cracked nipples
- Fever
- Fatigue
Treatment
You should see a doctor to confirm your diagnosis and get treated, as mastitis can cause women to stop breastfeeding because of the pain. Also, bacterial infections will need to be treated with antibiotics.
Treatment includes changing breastfeeding techniques. Your doctor may recommend that you see a lactation consultant.
You can reduce your risk of mastitis with complete emptying of the breast when breastfeeding or pumping, and by improving your breastfeeding technique.
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