Gynaecology & Obs » Infections / Inflammation

Mastitis

Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue with pain, swelling and redness of the breast. It commonly affects lactating mothers although rarely it may occur in non lactating breast also. It is caused by blocking of the milk ducts in lactating mothers. Presence of cracks or sores on the nipples also predisposes to mastitis. Tight clothing or ill-fitting bras may also cause problems as they compress the breasts unevenly. Staph aureus is the commonest organism implicated in causation. In addition to antibiotics, nursing is the most effective way to remove the blockage and alleviate the symptoms, and is not harmful to the baby. Sudden stoppage of nursing can cause or exacerbate mastitis symptoms.

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