6 signs of mastitis during lactation

The six signs of mastitis during lactation include breast tenderness, local redness, swelling and fever, nipple fissures, chills and fever, abnormal milk secretion and general fatigue. If these symptoms appear, they need to be taken seriously as soon as possible to avoid developing into serious infection.

1. Breast pain

The early symptoms of mastitis are often obvious distension and pain in the breast, which is mostly caused by milk stasis and untimely emptying. It is recommended to pay attention to regular breastfeeding, manual massage to empty the milk or use a breast pump. If the pain persists, it can be relieved by hot compress with a damp towel.

2. Local redness, swelling and fever

The skin of the affected breast may become red and swollen, and feel hot to the touch, which is one of the typical characteristics of mastitis. Mild swelling can be relieved by cold compresses, but if the swelling expands or continues to worsen, you need to go to the hospital for examination as soon as possible.

3. Nipple cleft

Nipple fissures are a common trigger for breast infection. Bacteria invade breast tissue through the fissures and cause inflammation. When nursing, it is recommended to first improve the breastfeeding posture to avoid nipple damage caused by too frequent or improper feeding methods. Medical nipple protection cream can be used to help repair fissures.

4. Chills and fever

If mastitis progresses further, symptoms such as chills and a high fever of 38-40°C may occur. This indicates that the inflammation may have spread to the deep layers of the breast, and immediate medical attention is required to control the condition as quickly as possible through anti-infection treatment.

5. Abnormal milk secretion

Inflammation may lead to a decrease in milk secretion, or even pus or blood in the milk. If a breastfeeding mother finds that her milk is abnormal, she should stop breastfeeding, feed with her healthy breast, and seek medical attention in time to check the affected breast.

6. General weakness and fatigue

Breast infection can cause systemic discomfort, such as weakness or persistent fatigue. This is often a manifestation of systemic inflammatory response, indicating that the infection may have spread beyond the local area. In this case, you need to pay attention to rest and ensure adequate nutrition intake.

If you experience the above symptoms during breastfeeding, you should adjust your breastfeeding method and seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent the condition from getting worse. Early diagnosis and standardized treatment can usually effectively solve the problem of mastitis and protect the health of mother and baby.