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Mastitis

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Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammalian mammary gland (breast in primates, udder in other mammals). It is called puerperal mastitis when it occurs in lactating mothers and non-puerperal otherwise. Mastitis can rarely occur in men. Inflammatory breast cancer has symptoms very similar to mastitis and must be ruled out.

Popular usage of the term mastitis varies by geographic region. Outside the US it is commonly used for puerperal and no puerperal cases, in the US the term no puerperal mastitis is rarely used.

Chronic cystic mastitis, also called fibrocystic disease, a condition rather than a disease, is characterized by no cancerous lumps in the breast.

Symptoms

Mastitis usually occurs within the first three months postpartum — after giving birth to a baby — but it can happen any time during breast-feeding. Mastitis tends to affect only one breast — not both breasts. The signs and symptoms can appear suddenly.

Treatment

Treating mastitis usually requires a 10- to 14-day course of antibiotics. Even if your signs and symptoms improve markedly or disappear altogether, it's important to take the entire course of medication.

In addition to antibiotics, self-care remedies, such as applying warm compresses, continuing breast-feeding and drinking extra fluids, can help your body overcome the infection.