What is Mastitis?

Description of the disease

Mastitis is an inflammatory disease of the breast, which most often occurs in women during the period of breastfeeding.

Classification

• Depending on the course of the disease, mastitis can be acute, subacute, or chronic.
• There are also various types of mastitis depending on the possible causes of the disease (for example, lactational mastitis, mastitis after discontinuation of breastfeeding, and others).

Symptoms

• Pain and swelling of the breast.
• Redness of the skin in the affected breast area.
• Fever.
• General malaise, weakness.

Causes

The main cause of mastitis in women is milk stasis in the milk ducts, which contributes to the proliferation of bacteria and the development of inflammation.

Diagnosis

Diagnostics of mastitis include examination by a doctor, ultrasound examination of the breast, and analysis of milk for the presence of bacteria.

Treatment

Treatment of mastitis includes taking antibiotics, pain medications, massage and compresses, as well as continuing breastfeeding.

Prevention

Preventive measures for mastitis include proper attachment of the baby to the breast during feeding, observance of breast hygiene, avoidance of overheating and stressful situations.

Doctor

Mastitis is treated by a gynecologist or a mammologist.