Breast Infection
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Breast infection is inflammation of breast tissue caused by bacteria
that enter the breast tissue through the cracks in the nipples. Breast infections
usually occur in women who are breast-feeding.
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Breast infections are commonly caused by bacteria
found on normal skin (Staphylococcus aureus). The bacteria enter through a
crack in
the skin of the nipple.
The infection takes place in the fatty tissue and causes
swelling of the tissue around the milk ducts. This swelling in the tissue
surrounding the milk ducts compresses them resulting
in pain and swelling of the
infected
breast.
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- Breast pain
- Lump in breast
- Breast enlargement which may be on one side only
- Signs of inflammation like swelling, tenderness,
redness and heat in breast tissue
- Nipple discharge which may contain pus or blood
- Changes in nipple sensation
- Itching around the nipple
- Tender and/or enlarged lymph nodes in armpit on
the same side
- Fever
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In severe infections, an abscess (localized accumulation of pus) may develop
in the breast. Abscesses require more extensive treatment, including incision
and
drainage followed by antibiotics.
Discontinuation
of breast-feeding
and suppression of milk production may be necessary to prevent engorgement
of breasts.
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- Apply moist heat to the infected breast tissue
for 15 to 20 minutes four times a day.
- Antibiotics are usually
very effective in treating mastitis.
- If you are breast feeding, continue to
breast-feed or pump out the breast milk to alleviate engorgement
while receiving treatment.
- Good care of the breasts, especially after delivery and
while breast-feeding, may decrease the risk to develop breast
infections.
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Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
