What should you know about mastitis in older women?

Mastitis is inflammation in breast tissue. Affected skin may feel warm, look red or swollen, and be tender. Some people feel a firm area, nipple discharge or a flu-like illness with fever and chills. A breast lump is a presentation of several conditions, so its presence does not identify the cause by itself. In an older woman who is not breastfeeding, inflammation that persists or returns deserves particular attention.

Arrange an appointment promptly, especially when redness, pain or swelling is new. A clinician may examine both breasts and the nearby lymph nodes, ask about medicines, skin injury and previous breast problems, and decide whether imaging or a sample is needed. Do not squeeze a lump or apply irritating products. Rest, drink fluids and use only pain relief that is suitable for you and taken as directed. Breast Pain may help you describe the symptom pattern, while a lactation consultation is relevant only if breastfeeding or milk expression is part of the situation.

Seek same-day medical advice for rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, fever, chills, marked swelling, pus-like discharge or feeling faint. Go to urgent care for confusion, difficulty breathing or a sudden severe illness. Contact a clinician even without fever if a firm area, skin change, nipple inversion or discharge does not settle after the initial treatment plan.

Could this be infection, an abscess or another breast condition? Do I need imaging or follow-up after treatment? Which pain medicines are appropriate with my other medicines? What change should prompt me to return sooner?