Symptoms of mastitis with pus

If you find that your breasts are red, swollen, painful and accompanied by pus, it is usually a manifestation of mastitis. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible for antibiotic treatment and abscess drainage. Mastitis is often caused by milk stasis and bacterial infection, so breastfeeding women need to pay special attention.

The suppurative symptoms of mastitis usually manifest as local redness and swelling of the breast, severe pain, and a sense of fluctuation when touched. In severe cases, it is accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and chills. In terms of diagnosis, the doctor will confirm the formation of the abscess through palpation, ultrasound or puncture examination. Treatment requires different measures depending on the severity of the disease.

1. Antibiotic treatment is the first choice for mastitis. Commonly used drugs include cephalosporins such as cefuroxime and penicillins such as amoxicillin. The course of treatment usually lasts 7-10 days. The whole course of treatment must be completed as prescribed by the doctor to ensure the efficacy. For those who are allergic to penicillin, macrolide antibiotics such as azithromycin can be used.

2 Abscess drainage is the key treatment measure for suppurative mastitis. The doctor will choose to perform puncture and aspiration or incision and drainage under ultrasound guidance, and choose the appropriate method according to the size of the abscess. Smaller abscesses can be repeatedly punctured and aspirated, while larger abscesses require incision and drainage, and the drainage tube is left in place until the infection is controlled.

3. Breastfeeding management requires special attention. It is recommended to stop breastfeeding on the affected breast, but the milk needs to be drained regularly to relieve congestion. Hot compresses can be used to promote milk discharge and keep the breast clean and dry. Resuming breastfeeding should be based on infection control and antibiotic treatment. Usually, breastfeeding can be resumed after 2 days.

4Postoperative care includes wound care and pain management. Apply antibiotic ointment topically and change the dressing daily. Oral analgesics such as ibuprofen can relieve pain. Eat more high-protein foods to promote wound healing and get enough sleep to improve immunity.

Lactating women should pay special attention to preventing mastitis. They should empty their breast milk regularly and avoid long intervals between breastfeeding. They should keep their nipples clean and wash them promptly after breastfeeding. They should wear appropriate underwear to avoid breast pressure. If they find redness, swelling, or pain in their breasts, they should seek medical attention immediately to avoid delayed treatment and suppuration.

When symptoms of mastitis suppuration are found, you should seek medical attention and receive standardized treatment in a timely manner, and at the same time do a good job of breast care and prevention to effectively control the infection and reduce the risk of recurrence.