What is mastitis?

       Introduction: Breast pain, swelling, sometimes feel fever fire chills, may be a manifestation of the breast, how to properly understand mastitis and add a preventive is now women are particularly concerned about health issues? And to listen to the reliable parenting experience.  1, the correct understanding of mastitis?  Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that causes breast pain, swelling, etc. You may also feel feverish and cold. Mastitis is common in women who are breastfeeding (lactating mastitis), but it can also occur in women who are not breastfeeding. Most breastfeeding mastitis occurs in the first three months after delivery, but it may also occur later in the breastfeeding period. It is possible to continue breastfeeding with mastitis.  2. Causes of mastitis (1) Blocked milk ducts: If the breast is not completely emptied while breastfeeding, the milk ducts may become blocked, causing milk retention and resulting in breast infection.  (2) Bacteria entering the breast: Bacteria on the surface of the skin and in the baby’s mouth can enter the milk duct through the fissure on the nipple and then multiply, causing infection. However, these bacteria will not cause harm to the baby.  (3) Complications of mastitis If mastitis is not adequately treated in time, it can develop into an abscess. Abscesses usually require surgical drainage.  Diagnosis: A rare form of breast cancer – inflammatory breast cancer – can also cause redness and swelling and may be confused with mastitis. Your doctor may recommend a mammogram and possibly a biopsy to make sure it is not breast cancer.  4. Treatment and medications (1) Antibiotics: A 10-14 day course of antibiotics is usually needed to treat mastitis. You may feel better after 24-48 hours of antibiotics, but it is important to use the entire course to reduce the chance of recurrence.  (2) Pain medication: While waiting for the antibiotics to take effect, your doctor may recommend a mild pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.  (3) Adjust breastfeeding techniques: Make sure you empty your breasts while breastfeeding and that your baby is sucking properly.  (4) Self-care: Rest, continue breastfeeding and drink plenty of water to help your body fight infection.  It is safe to continue breastfeeding after mastitis. Continued breastfeeding can help clear the infection from the breast. The following measures can reduce discomfort: (1) Get plenty of rest.  (2) Drink more water.  (3) Use different positions for breastfeeding.  (4) If you have trouble emptying your breasts, apply warm compresses to your breasts or take a hot bath before breastfeeding or pumping.  (5) Wear a support bra.  (6) If breastfeeding with an infected breast is too painful, or if your baby refuses to take milk from this breast, you can try to express milk by hand or use a breast pump.  6. Preventive measures 1. Empty the breast completely while breastfeeding.  2.Eat one breast before eating the other.  3.Alternate the breast you use first each time.  4.Change the position when breastfeeding on the other breast.  5.Make sure your baby sucks the milk in the right way.  6.Don’t let your baby use the breast as a pacifier.