Mastitis (breast inflammation) and its signs and symptoms

Mastitis known as breast inflammation affects the majority of breastfeeding mothers and it is painful. It occurs most commonly during the postpartum period, but its symptoms may appear anytime while breastfeeding. We distinguish acute and chronic mastitis. Acute sudden onset of breast inflammation is treated more easily than chronic which takes longer and tends to recur. Mothers diagnosed with diabetes need to get a more extensive assessment in order to rule out cancer.

Risk factors of Mastitis (breast inflammation)

A primary risk factor of mastitis is an incorrect breastfeeding technique that results in a micro-trauma to the nipple. Risk factors include tight bras worn by breastfeeding mothers, milk stasis due to inadequate removal of milk from the breast and excess milk production. Hygiene habits also influence the risk of gynaecological diseases. Poor hygiene may incur a blockage of milk ducts and multiplication of bacteria. Also women with a weak immune system are predisposed to inflammation.

Signs and symptoms of Mastitis (breast inflammation)

Firstly, it is important to recognise whether it is a genuine breast inflammation or a less detrimental swelling of the breast or milk retention. This is determined by accompanying symptoms. Breast pain may be accompanied by fever and redness of the affected area or red strips running from the armpit to the areola. Pain during inflammation is almost unbearable compared to pain due to retention of milk. Even malaise and nausea may be present.

Preventing Mastitis (breast inflammation)

Strict hygiene in particular reduces the risk of bacteria transmission which causes the breast inflammation. A regular emptying of the mammary gland is essential to prevent the gynaecological disease, and this can be done without the breastfeeding of a child, just by milk removal into a suitable container. A sufficiently strong immune system then helps mothers to avoid undesirable complications during breastfeeding. A regular boost of the immune system should not be underestimated.

Treatment of Mastitis (breast inflammation)

Only a doctor makes decisions on whether antibiotic therapy is required or whether it is a less serious type of mastitis. However, every mother has a right to choose the most suitable treatment of her maternal wealth, be it a form of self-medication assisted by a gynaecologist or a treatment at home only. The symptoms of breast inflammation are relieved by frequent breastfeeding despite the pain. If the baby requires no breastfeeding, milk can be removed into a container. In breast inflammation with fever it is necessary to rest as much as possible and to apply various cold compresses to the painful breast. If inflammation cannot be avoided, having strong immunity should be considered, and potentially boosting the immune system with healthy diet and natural food supplements should be included.

Impact of the immune system on Mastitis (breast inflammation)

Because mastitis is an inflammatory disease, the immune system plays a major role. If immunity is weak, viruses and bacteria have a greater chance to multiply and instigate inflammation. Because breast inflammation affects breastfeeding mothers, the immune system needs to be enhanced naturally via natural food supplements.