Mastitis treatment: what to know

Mastitis is inflammation in the breast and can occur during breastfeeding. A clinician considers your symptoms, examination findings and how long they have lasted. Some episodes improve with supportive care, while bacterial infection may need a prescribed medicine. A breast lump is a common presentation of mastitis, yet a lump may also have other causes.

Rest when possible, drink to thirst and use a cool pack wrapped in cloth for swelling. Feed or express in a way that feels comfortable; avoid aggressive massage and trying to empty the breast repeatedly. Review latch and positioning with a Lactation Consultation. Breast Pain and Painful Breastfeeding pages may help you describe associated symptoms to a clinician.

Contact a clinician promptly for fever, chills, spreading redness, increasing swelling, severe pain or feeling unwell. Arrange review if symptoms do not begin settling with supportive measures or if a firm area remains. Emergency help is appropriate for confusion, collapse, breathing trouble or rapidly deteriorating illness.

Do my findings suggest inflammation, infection or another cause? What symptom-relief options suit me? Should I change feeding or expressing? When should I return if the area remains firm?