Mastitis, or inflammation of the mammary glands, is a common illness among breastfeeding mothers. It is usually caused by bacteria that can enter the tissue through small skin lesions. With timely antibiotic treatment, mastitis usually heals without any consequences. If left untreated, an abscess can develop. Mastitis shares some symptoms with breast cancer, so a medical diagnosis is highly recommended.
Below you will find further information and specialists for the treatment of mastitis.
Generally speaking, mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland (breast). It is usually caused by bacteria.
There are two different forms of mastitis, depending on the trigger:
The disease is generally more common in women than in men. This puerperal mastitis often leads to an early termination of the breastfeeding relationship between mother and child. In comparison, mastitis of other causes is rather rare and therefore suspected to be a tumor.
In the majority of cases, mastitis is caused by bacterial skin or mucous membrane germs. These colonize the skin and penetrate the mammary gland, e.g. via the smallest skin lesions. The most common pathogens are
The bacteria are usually transferred to the irritated nipples during breastfeeding. From there they reach the mammary glands via the milk ducts. There they lead to inflammation and even an abscess.
Minor injuries during breastfeeding and milk stasis within the mammary glands promote the development of the disease. Milk stasis provides bacteria with an ideal breeding ground.
In addition, hormones, medication or stress can lead to increased secretion production in the mammary glands. This leads to an immune reaction with inflammation.
Classic mammary gland inflammation primarily causes flu-like symptoms, i.e.
and, depending on the extent of the inflammation in the breast, typical signs of inflammation:
There may also be secretions (discharge) from the nipple and sometimes a palpable swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits.
See a doctor if you experience these symptoms. Swelling of the lymph nodes and pain in the breast can also indicate other diseases, e.g. breast carcinoma(breast cancer).
The findings should therefore generally be investigated by a doctor using ultrasound or mammography as well as a biopsy.
If left untreated, mastitis can also develop into an abscess (= purulent tumor).
Mastitis causes the mammary glands to become inflamed © koyuki | AdobeStock
The medical history already provides initial indications of inflammation in the breast. The doctor asks the patient about their symptoms. The doctor will then usually palpate the affected breast.
The diagnosis of inflammation of the mammary glands is confirmed by means of imaging. This is particularly necessary
In these cases, another cause or cancer must be ruled out.
Diagnostics also include palpation of the breast © romaset | AdobeStock
The first treatment of choice for mastitis is to cool the breast and take it easy for a while.
Bacterial mastitis is treated with antibiotics. Antibiotic therapy is usually systemic, i.e. the affected women take the medication in tablet form. The main antibiotics used are
are used.
If left untreated, such a bacterial inflammation can also develop complications, e.g. lead to abscess formation. If such a painful accumulation of pus has already occurred, it is opened surgically and the pus is then drained. This is medically referred to as drainage.
Abacterial mastitis is usually treated with prolactin inhibitors. They are intended to stop or dissolve the milk blockage. If this is successful, the majority of women are symptom-free again just a few days after starting treatment.
The S3 guideline on the treatment of inflammatory breast diseases during breastfeeding is also currently being adapted to the current state of research. It also contains recommendations regarding the effectiveness of alternative methods in addition to conventional medical treatment. However, there is usually very little to no scientific evidence available.
Some factors in everyday life can promote inflammation of the mammary glands. These include, among others:
The best prevention is an optimal breastfeeding technique. The positioning of the baby and the sucking technique must be adapted to avoid injury and irritation to the nipples. Otherwise, injuries often serve as the first point of entry for the bacterial pathogens that cause mastitis.
You should also practise using breastfeeding aids such as breast pumps and breastfeeding shields. Treat sore nipples.
An early visit to the doctor followed by early treatment significantly improves the prognosis. Waiting too long means that the inflammation remains untreated and can only develop properly.
If left untreated, serious complications such as painful abscesses can quickly develop. These in turn can lead to surgical interventions. In addition, every operation brings with it new risks of infection and scarring. Healing can therefore be a lengthy process.
The first port of call for women with mastitis are
In the event of complications, such as an abscess, specialist surgeons may also be involved.
In rare cases, men can also develop breast inflammation. For them, the urologist and andrologist are the first point of contact. Lumps and pain in the breast, but especially discharge or retracted nipples, could also indicate breast cancer in men.
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