Mastitis (breast inflammation)

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Mastitis (breast inflammation)

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast that occurs most commonly in breast-feeding women; it can be related to tissue injury, infection, or both. Breast-feeding mastitis is typically caused by bacteria that enter the breast through a cracked or sore nipple.

Signs of infection may include:

Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in an area on a breast.
Red streaks extending from a breast.
Drainage of pus coming from a breast.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpit.
Flu-like symptoms, such as fever of or higher, chills, and fatigue.

Treatment usually involves antibiotic medicines, keeping up milk flow, and measures to relieve discomfort. While they are being treated, most women can safely continue to breast-feed or pump breast milk.

Credits

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

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Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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