Mastitis

Mastitis

Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that is manifested by pain, swelling and redness of the breast. Mastitis occurs mainly in women who are breastfeeding, although very rare, and out comes lactation.

Often, mastitis occurs in the first six weeks after delivery (postpartum). Disease cause fatigue and physical exhaustion. However, in some cases, mastitis occurs later during lactation.

Mastitis can cause new mothers to stop breastfeeding sooner than they planned. But babies are breastfed even if the mother suffers from mastitis.

One can distinguish several forms of mastitis:

1.Mastita acute (usually without complications) is generally observed during lactation and especially early lactation.
2.Mastita is chronic or recurrent bacterial infection caused by a hormonal disorder.
3.Mastita carcinoma is a form of breast cancer whose evolution is sometimes serious.
Granulomatous 4.Mastita is a rare but benign inflammation of the breast. Evolution is good - granulomatous mastitis regress spontaneously.

Mastitis
Causes mastitis:

Mastitis occurs mainly during breastfeeding and is due to a bacterial infection in the breast or nipple conditions is irritated or cracked. Thus, bacteria enter through a crack in the skin or nipple or by opening a channel galactofor. The most common bacterium is Staphylococcus aureus, but other bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermis and streptococci are sometimes responsible for the infection.

These bacteria normally found on the skin, but can cause infections only in conditions that enter the body. They may come from the mother or the baby skin, especially if it has a skin infection. Good hygiene, which consists of regular washing breasts will prevent the multiplication of bacteria in the skin and reduce the risk of infection.

During lactation, mastitis can occur when breasts are not emptied completely at each feed. This can happen if the baby is not latching correctly nipple. Thus, the breasts become swollen and painful, but symptoms are not as severe as in the case of infection. If galactofor channel (channel that carries milk) is blocked or infected, the same symptoms may occur.

Mastitis not associated with lactation may have several causes:

»An infection in another part of the body, the bacteria or viruses (eg, the virus that causes mumps) may extend to breast
»Serious diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis or actinomycosis may cause chronic mastitis when germs get breast
»Smoking dramatically increases the risk of a form of mastitis, causing pain and redness around the nipple
»Nipples can become infected and become painful after rubbing of clothes - for example during exercise, in the absence of appropriate equipment
»Unsterilized piercings can be caused by infection of the breast
Mastitis
Risk Factors

»Irritated and cracked skin of the nipple can enter bacteria that can infect galactofor duct leading to mastitis. However, mastitis may occur even if nipples are cracked.
»A previous episode of mastitis during lactation is a risk factor for recurrence of breast tissue inflammation
»Incomplete emptying of the breast during breastfeeding
»Wearing a bra too tight, which can reduce milk flow
"Previous to breast surgery, radiotherapy, weakening the immune system after a chemotherapy
"Immune diseases (lupus)


Signs and symptoms
Acute mastitis

»The red, hot and painful on one breast
»Swollen nipple
»Fever (over 38 ° C)
»Fatigue
»Pain or burning sensation constantly or during breastfeeding

These signs and symptoms disappear within a few days or weeks.

Mastitis
Chronic mastitis
»Heaviness of the breast
»Presence of multiple tumors
»Nipple leakage through

These symptoms are more obvious in the second half of the menstrual cycle.
Diagnosis
Mastitis is diagnosed based on a physical examination, during which the doctor will evaluate signs and symptoms (fever, chills). Breast inspection, the doctor will see the red, irregular and painful to touch. As part of the exam, the doctor will ensure that the patient does not have a breast abscess - a complication that can occur when mastitis is not treated promptly.

Along with pain and inflammation, some patients shows nodules and lymph nodes increase in size and become painful. In most cases, the nodules will disappear with treatment of mastitis. But if the lump persists, is located either on the breast or underarm area should be examined to check if it is cancerous.
Treatment
Acute mastitis

In case of acute mastitis, the doctor prescribes a course of 10 -14 days with antibiotics. Even if signs and symptoms are reduced or disappear completely, it is very important that the entire treatment to be followed.

Self-care measures such as application of cold compresses, continue breastfeeding or drinking plenty of fluids can help fight infection.

However, in case of leakage of pus through the nipple, nursing should be discontinued during the antibiotic treatment leads to regression of local infection. Sometimes mastitis may require surgery. Resume breastfeeding can be done at 3 -4 weeks after surgery when breast is completely healed.
The presence of mastitis is not a definitive contraindication for breastfeeding.

Chronic mastitis

Treatment of chronic mastitis can call if necessary, the use of progesterone, danazol and bromocriptine.

Granulomatous mastitis

Sometimes it is necessary to administer a treatment containing corticosteroids (cortisone). Be detected though the possibility of necrosis (destruction of tissue local) and the appearance of a liquid pus similar to that in breast abscess.
Complications
Mastitis may have the following complications:

Recurrence - after an episode of mastitis, there is the possibility that inflammation of the breast occur again during lactation same child or child. Recurrent mastitis can be attributed to the late adoption of treatment or inadequate treatment.

Breast abscess - is a collection of pus in the breast developed. Abscess usually requires drainage of purulent collections. This complication of mastitis can be avoided by taking prompt treatment.

Mastitis is responsible for pain during breastfeeding and infant milk from the affected breast may decline because of different taste. However, breastfeeding continuation (or at least pumping milk) is the best treatment for mastitis. No infection and no antibiotic treatment will not affect the baby.
Prevention
Risk of mastitis during lactation may be reduced if:

»Avoid filling up breasts become painful (angorjati)
"Ensure that the breasts are completely emptied at each feed by pumping milk if necessary
Before putting the baby to the other breast, women must ensure that the first breast is empty. If the second breast sucking takes less, it must be offered first to the next feed.
»To alternate which breast at each feeding begins
»Breastfed infant is placed properly, should include the entire areola of the breast, not just nipples
»Nursing position is changed from one to another sucking
»Baby is not allowed to hurt nipples while sucking
"Shall adopt measures for hygiene: wash regularly, avoiding rubbing or using scented soaps that can irritate painful nipples and breasts completely dry.

Frequent washing and drying carefully contribute to the prevention of breast mastitis not associated with lactation. Intense sports women must wear a bra particular breasts to protect them from contact with clothing aggressively. Piercings must be kept clean and sterilized, especially when new and not yet healed skin.