Lactation mastitis: symptoms, treatment

There are a number of factors that influence the development of this disease.:

• stagnation of milk in the mammary gland;
• microtrauma of the breast skin;
• general decrease in immunity.

As a rule, the symptoms of the disease at the initial stage are always the same: an increase in body temperature up to 39 ° C, headache, weakness, chills. There may also be redness of the breast skin, thickening and swelling may appear. A characteristic feature of lactation mastitis is acute pain in the mammary gland.

Recommendations in case of lactation mastitis

At the first symptoms of lactation mastitis, it is necessary to consult a specialist. There is an opinion that lactation mastitis is treated only with antibacterial drugs – this is not entirely true. At the initial stage, the treatment of lactation mastitis may consist in active pumping of milk, taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

At the stage of serous mastitis without the presence of pus, breast-feeding is not contraindicated, moreover, it is recommended to speed up the recovery process. Therefore, medications should be selected taking into account the availability of breastfeeding and their safety for the child's health. Of the painkillers, in the absence of allergies, it is recommended to take paracetamol.

The decision on the need for antibacterial therapy is made by the attending physician, taking into account the preservation of breastfeeding.

If left untreated, serous mastitis can develop into purulent. In this situation, antibiotics are prescribed, and in some cases surgery is required. The question of the possibility of continuing lactation is decided individually.