Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that causes swelling and pain in the breasts due to bacteria entering through the crack on the skin surface around it. Occasionally, breast cancer may also appear to resemble mastitis and it is advisable to see a doctor if the symptoms do not resolve with appropriate treatment. Dr Lee Wai Peng, our Senior Consultant and Breast Surgeon sheds light on the causes and treatment of mastitis.
What is Mastitis?
Mastitis refers to the inflammation of the breast tissue, most often caused by an infection.
What causes mastitis?
Lactating women are at risk of developing mastitis. Milk that is retained in the breast is the main cause for mastitis in lactating women. Bacteria from the skin surface of the breast or from the baby mouth may enter the milk duct through a crack in the skin of the nipple or through an opening in the milk duct, giving rise to infection.
Who are at risk of developing mastitis?
Women who are breastfeeding are at risk of developing mastitis. Engorgement and incomplete breast emptying can contribute to the problem and make the symptoms worse. It can happen anytime during lactation, but it is more common in the first three months of lactation. Up to 10% of breastfeeding women may be affected.
Less commonly, women who have poorly controlled diabetes mellitus or are immunocompromised may be at risk of developing mastitis.
In some women, the underlying cause may be unknown. This condition is called idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM). In severe cases of IGM, steroid therapy may be advised if an infection has been excluded.
What are the symptoms of mastitis?
The inflammation causes pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. You may even develop fever and/or chills.
Occasionally, breast cancer may appear to resemble mastitis. Please do see a doctor if your symptoms do not resolve with appropriate treatment.
Can mastitis resolve on its own?
Mastitis may sometimes resolve on its own especially if it is mild. However, a short course of antibiotic treatment is warranted in most instances.
Breast abscess, which is a serious complication of mastitis, may develop. Apart from antibiotics, a surgical drainage procedure may be necessary to treat this condition.
When do I need to consult a doctor?
It is advisable to consult a doctor if you have any of the symptoms and to start treatment early. Treatment comprises pain killers (some of which might be anti-inflammatory) and a short course of antibiotics. If you are lactating, please be reassured that you can continue to breastfeed.
Mastitis does not increase your risk of developing breast cancer but inflammatory breast cancer may occasionally resemble mastitis. Please do see your doctor if your symptoms do not resolve with appropriate treatment.
Apart from taking medications, are there any home remedies or/ lifestyle modification that one can consider?
If you are lactating, please do ensure that you empty your breast at regular intervals. Your breast milk supply may drop during this period of infection but it should increase again once you recover. Applying warm moist compress over your breast regularly or ice pack after breastfeeding may help to improve your symptoms. You may feel tired due to the infection and may have to rest more during this time. A supportive bra (such as a sports bra) may also help to alleviate the discomfort that you are feeling.
Article contributed and reviewed by Dr Lee Wai Peng, Senior Consultant and Breast Surgeon at Solis Breast Care & Surgery Centre.
