Breast Infection

Breast Infection: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

A breast infection, or mastitis, occurs when bacteria enters a milk duct in your breast and causes inflammation. It's possible for both breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers to get mastitis. While any woman can get mastitis, it's most common in nursing mothers.

It affects around 10 to 12 percent of breastfeeding women in some countries, though some figures estimate as many as one in three women experience an episode during their lifetime.

Symptoms of Breast Infection

The typical symptoms of mastitis include:

• red, swollen, and tender area of breast
• warmth in the affected area
• pain, which can range from mild to severe
• nausea, vomiting, and feeling generally unwell
• fever and chills

Causes of Breast Infection

Mastitis occurs when bacteria enter a milk duct in the breast, usually through a cracked or sore nipple. Other causes of mastitis include:

• breast engorgement (when the breast becomes overfilled with milk)
• blocked milk ducts caused by not fully emptying the breast during breastfeeding sessions
• trauma to the breast (such as vigorous rubbing or from a tight bra)

Breastfeeding mothers should express any breast milk after feedings to ensure all the ducts are fully emptied. This can help prevent blocked milk ducts, which may lead to mastitis.

Treatment of Breast Infection

Treatment for mastitis includes:

• continue to breastfeed or express milk, to help remove any blocked milk ducts
• apply a warm or cold compress to the affected breast
• wear a well-fitting bra to reduce irritation
• rest
• taking a course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor

If you are breastfeeding, it is important to continue during and after treatment to prevent more serious complications, such as abscesses.