Breast Inflammation

Breast inflammation is a common condition among breastfeeding women, and it’s usually mild, but sometimes it involves an infection.

Breast inflammation

Breast inflammation is inflammation in the breast tissue, which can lead to a bacterial infection.

Anyone can get mastitis, but it’s mostly common in women who are breastfeeding.

Causes and risk factors of breast inflammation

• Breast inflammation occurs when the milk gets trapped in the breast, if there is a blocked milk duct that causes the breast to not fully empty during breastfeeding, or when germs go into the breast from the baby’s mouth or the skin surface (like a crack in the skin on the nipple).
• The risk of mastitis increases due to the following factors: medical history of mastitis, sore or cracked nipples, breastfeeding incorrectly, fatigue, stress, smoking, not eating well, and putting pressure on the breast that restricts the milk flow, like wearing a tight bra.

Symptoms of breast inflammation

Symptoms of breast inflammation can emerge suddenly and include the following:

• Breast warmth and swelling.
• Red marks and hard lumps on the breast.
• The breasts become engorged.
• Flu-like symptoms.
• Fever and feeling sick.
• If not treated, breast inflammation can lead to a breast abscess.

Diagnosis of breast inflammation

• Physical exam.
• Asking about the symptoms.
• Imaging tests in certain cases.

Treatment of breast inflammation

• Ice packs and pain relievers.
• Apply gentle pressure on the breast towards the lymph nodes above the collarbones and in the armpit.
• A gentle massage from around the nipples, away from them.
• Wearing a supportive bra.
• Antibiotics in some cases.
• You can continue breastfeeding your baby.

To lower the risk of breast inflammation, you can follow these instructions:

• Feed the baby when they need it or let the milk go out.
• Try to drain the breast completely.
• Let the baby drain the whole milk from one breast before switching to the other one.
• Change the position of breastfeeding each time.
• The baby must latch on properly during breastfeeding.