What is Mastitis? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Breastfeeding your baby is a special bonding and rewarding experience, but it's not without its challenges. If breastfeeding hurts, you have sore or cracked nipples, or you notice a hard spot or lump, you might be experiencing mastitis.

This condition can be painful and make nursing uncomfortable, but understanding the process can help prevent it. So we're turning to certified lactation counsellor Alexis Cascone, MS, RD, LDN, CLC, for insights on symptoms, causes, and treatment.

What is mastitis?

Mastitis is inflammation of breast tissue, which usually happens during breastfeeding. Cascone explains that when the breast tissue becomes inflamed, it can lead to swelling, pain, flu-like symptoms, aching, warmth in the breast, and redness. If left untreated, it can lead to an infection and fever. "Early detection is key. If left untreated, it can turn into a breast abscess, which typically requires surgical treatment," says Cascone.

Women can develop two types of mastitis:

Lactational: This is the most common type, and it's mastitis resulting from a blocked milk duct in breas: This type results from an infected nipple in non-breastfeeding women.

Severity of mastitis

Below are the various levels of severity of mastitis:

Clinical: This is when your breast gets inflamed and leads to an infection. Cascone says you'll notice symptoms like breast tenderness, erythema, fever, fatigue, and body aches.

Subclinical: This type is asymptomatic, and you won't necessarily see or feel symptoms. Cascone explains that doctors can diagnose it by checking for high sodium levels in breast milk or a sodium/potassium ratio.

Chronic: With this type, you have ongoing breast pain without signs of inflammation like warmth or redness.

Symptoms of mastitis

If you think you might have mastitis, here are some symptoms you may notice:

• Sore or tender breasts
• A hard spot or lump on your breast
• Hot or swollen breasts
• Fever
• Chills
• Breast pain
• Red marks or streaks on your breast

Every woman is different; some may experience one or a combination of these symptoms. Cascone explains that flu-like symptoms usually appear first in clinical mastitis. If left untreated, the infection can become a painful lump or hardened area in the breast that becomes tender and swollen. Cascone adds that a lump can progress into an abscess in some women.

Causes and prevention of mastitis

Besides the importance of early detection, it's also good to know what factors can increase the risk of mastitis. Some of these factors include:

• Blocked milk duct: If your breast doesn't fully empty of milk during breastfeeding, a clogged milk duct can cause mastitis.
• Cracked nipple: Small cracks in your nipple can let bacteria in, leading to an infection.
• Pressure on the breast: Cascone explains that tight-fitting bras or clothing can put pressure on your breasts, which can lead to mastitis.
• Breast engorgement: If you go too long without feeding your baby or pumping, your breast can become engorged, which could cause mastitis.

Your medical history and lifestyle choices could also increase your risk for mastitis, including:

• If your body produces too much breast milk, known as hyperlactation, it can lead to engorgement.
• If you forget to pump or skip too many breastfeeding sessions.
• If you have a medical history of mastitis.
• If you have rushed breastfeeding sessions, and your baby doesn't have a chance to empty the breasts.

Diagnosing mastitis

If you think you have mastitis or notice any symptoms, don't hesitate to contact your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan. They'll assess your symptoms and check for severe signs like a fever or abscess.

Treatment options

Fortunately, there are some simple at-home treatment options for mastitis, including:

• Emptying the breast: Consistently emptying your breast can help with blocked milk ducts. Continue to breastfeed or pump, even if it feels uncomfortable.
• Breast massage: Cascone suggests gently massaging your affected breast in a circular motion, moving towards the nipples, to encourage better milk flow.
• Medication: If home remedies don't improve your condition, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. If you're in pain, they may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers.

Remember, while mastitis can sometimes resolve independently, it can quickly progress. If you don't start feeling better within 24 hours, don't hesitate to contact your doctor for further guidance and support.

Experts

• Alexis Cascone, MS, RD, LDN, CLC, certified lactation counsellor.