Will mastitis recur after weaning?

Lactational mastitis may still recur after weaning. The specific reasons may involve incomplete resolution of inflammation or individual factors, such as blocked mammary ducts, residual inflammation or tissue damage, etc., which are crucial for the subsequent management of breast health. To avoid recurrence, timely treatment of lactational mastitis, correct weaning and maintenance of breast health in the later period are the key.

1 Causes of recurrence of mastitis

Common causes of mastitis recurring after weaning include:

Residual inflammation: If mastitis during lactation is not thoroughly treated, there will be inflammatory cells or sources of infection in the mammary gland that have not completely subsided, which may cause secondary infection after weaning.

Mammary duct blockage: During the weaning process, a sudden decrease in milk production but failure of the mammary glands to be emptied can lead to mammary duct blockage. Localized milk accumulation provides a breeding ground for bacteria, thereby causing inflammation.

Tissue damage: Inflammation during mastitis may damage the breast tissue structure and even form fibrosis, increasing the risk of recurrence of inflammation.

2 Measures to prevent recurrence of mastitis

The key to preventing mastitis recurrence is to scientifically handle mastitis and weaning process:

Thoroughly treat lactation mastitis: Once mastitis is diagnosed, the entire course of treatment must be completed under the guidance of a doctor. Mild mastitis can be treated by hot compresses, massage, and a breast pump to fully drain the milk; moderate to severe mastitis or infectious mastitis may require antibiotic treatment, such as penicillins, cephalosporins, or macrolide antibiotics, and the course of treatment must be carried out according to the doctor's instructions.

Correct weaning method: Weaning should be done gradually to avoid sudden cessation of breastfeeding, which may lead to milk accumulation in the mammary gland. You can help the mammary gland gradually adapt to the reduction of milk secretion by reducing the frequency of breastfeeding and shortening the breastfeeding time every day, and use a breast pump to empty the residual milk to avoid blockage.

Subsequent breast care: Check breast condition regularly after weaning, especially for women with a history of mastitis. Massage the breast more often to keep the breast ducts open. A high-fiber diet and quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are also beneficial to breast health.

3 What to do after weaning

If mastitis recurs after weaning, immediate measures should be taken to curb the spread of inflammation. Local hot compresses can be tried to improve inflammation. If pain persists or symptoms such as redness, swelling, and fever occur, you need to go to the breast surgery clinic as soon as possible. The doctor may recommend breast ultrasound evaluation or antibiotic treatment. At the same time, pay attention to the integrity of breast tissue to avoid the development of serious problems such as breast abscesses.

Effective management of lactation mastitis and correct weaning can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence. Women can protect breast health and prevent breast problems from recurring by taking scientific breast care, eating a healthy diet, and seeking medical treatment in a timely manner.