Infective mastitis: symptoms and treatment

Mastitis may affect one breast and cause a tender, firm, red, or warm area. You may also feel feverish, tired, achy, or shivery. Nipple damage, milk-stasis problems, or difficulty with attachment can contribute during breastfeeding, although infection is not the only reason a breast becomes inflamed. A clinician assesses the pattern, your general health, and how feeding is going before deciding on treatment.

Continue breastfeeding or expressing as normally as you can if it is comfortable, because abrupt stopping can increase breast fullness. Check positioning and attachment, rest, drink to thirst, and use a cool pack wrapped in cloth for comfort. Avoid forceful massage, excessive pumping, or very hot applications, which may aggravate swelling. A clinician may prescribe antibiotics when infection is suspected; take them exactly as directed and seek review if symptoms do not begin to improve.

Arrange prompt medical advice for a rapidly enlarging red area, severe pain, fever, pus from the nipple, or symptoms that are not settling. Seek urgent care if you feel faint, confused, severely unwell, or develop a soft swelling that could indicate an abscess. Breastfeeding support can help identify attachment or milk-removal problems that may be maintaining inflammation.

Ask whether the pattern suggests infection, how to continue feeding safely, whether you need antibiotics or imaging, and what improvement to expect. Discuss nipple cracks, attachment, recurrent episodes, and the safest pain-relief option for you and your baby.