What are the symptoms of lactation mastitis

The main symptoms of mastitis during lactation include local redness, swelling, heat, pain, and lumps in the breast, accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and fatigue. In severe cases, it may cause high fever or even abscesses, and medical treatment is needed in time. Mastitis is a common problem during lactation, mostly caused by milk stasis, infection and other reasons. Timely intervention can prevent the disease from worsening.

1Main symptoms of mastitis

Mastitis during lactation usually begins with local redness, tenderness, and lumps on one side of the breast, and may be accompanied by heat in the breast skin and a burning sensation. When the symptoms are mild, only local discomfort is manifested, but if the mammary duct is blocked due to milk congestion or infection, it may quickly develop into severe pain. When the bacterial infection reaches a certain extent, systemic symptoms will also appear, such as fever over 38.5°C, chills, fatigue, headache, etc. If the disease is delayed, breast abscesses may form, which manifest as severe breast pain, fluctuations when squeezed, and even rupture and pus discharge.

2 Common causes of mastitis

① Milk stasis: This is the most common cause. Milk is not emptied in time and accumulates in the mammary ducts, compressing the tissues and causing inflammation. Irregular feeding, incorrect feeding posture, or nipple cracks that lead to poor sucking for babies, excessive milk secretion, etc. may all lead to milk stasis.

② Infection factors: Nipple rupture or wounds provide an invasion pathway for bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, thus causing breast infection. Poor maternal hygiene is also an important cause.

③Other reasons: Decreased immunity, stress, fatigue, etc. after childbirth may also increase the risk of mastitis.

3 How to deal with mastitis symptoms

① Immediately dredge the milk ducts: Mild mastitis should drain the milk as soon as possible. You can try warm compresses and breast massage, use the correct breastfeeding posture or use a breast pump to help drain the milk. If the breasts are too swollen and painful, you can manually drain some milk first, and then let the baby suck.

② For bacterial infection: When symptoms worsen or systemic infection occurs, you need to seek medical attention in time and use antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clindamycin or cephalosporins under the guidance of a doctor. The specific selection is based on culture and antibiotic sensitivity. Severe infections may even require surgical incision and drainage.

③ Daily care and prevention: Keep the nipples and breasts clean to avoid damage to the nipple skin; adjust the feeding time to avoid milk stasis; take a rest to improve immunity. If the nipples are sensitive or painful, apply nipple care cream after breastfeeding to protect the skin.

Symptoms of mastitis during lactation usually start with local redness, swelling and hard lumps, but if not taken seriously, they may quickly worsen and cause systemic infection or abscesses. Timely care and unblocking of the milk ducts when symptoms first appear, and medication when necessary, can help to recover quickly. If symptoms persist or worsen, be sure to seek medical attention in time to avoid more serious consequences. Mothers can reduce the risk of mastitis by paying attention to breast care and feeding correctly.