How common is breast pain in mastitis?

Mastitis is inflammation of breast tissue. It can occur during breastfeeding, including when milk is not draining well, and it can also occur outside breastfeeding. Pain may be concentrated in one area rather than spread evenly across the breast. Chills, fever, fatigue, or a flu-like feeling can accompany the breast symptoms. Breast pain has several possible causes, so the symptom alone cannot establish that mastitis is present.

Rest, drink fluids, and use a cool pack wrapped in cloth for short periods if that is comfortable. During breastfeeding, continue feeding or expressing according to advice and avoid forceful massage or sudden changes that increase discomfort. Wear supportive clothing without tight pressure. Contact a clinician for a new painful, warm, or swollen area, especially if symptoms are not improving or you feel unwell.

Seek prompt medical advice for fever, spreading redness, worsening swelling, pus-like discharge, a fluctuant area, or pain that persists despite supportive care. Get urgent help if you feel faint, confused, severely weak, or rapidly deteriorate. Early assessment can distinguish inflammation from an abscess or another breast problem.

Does my examination fit mastitis or another cause of breast pain? Should I continue breastfeeding or expressing in my current pattern? What signs could suggest an abscess? When should I be reassessed if the pain or fever continues?