What should you know about mastitis not nursing?

Mastitis is breast inflammation. In a non-nursing person, irritation, a blocked duct, a small skin opening, or bacterial infection can be involved. Pain, heat, redness, swelling, firmness and fever may occur together or separately. These symptoms show that tissue is inflamed; they do not reveal the exact cause.

A breast lump is a common presentation of many benign conditions, but any new or persistent lump should still be checked. Breast Pain has more information about breast soreness and tenderness.

Contact a clinician for advice if inflammation is present, particularly when it is one-sided or increasing. While waiting, rest, drink fluids, and choose a supportive bra with no tight pressure over the sore spot. Use a covered cool pack for comfort. Avoid vigorous rubbing, squeezing, puncturing, or applying harsh creams. Use medicines only as directed for your circumstances.

Share whether you recently nursed, expressed milk, stopped nursing, had a nipple injury, or noticed discharge. A Lactation Consultation can be useful if a recent feeding transition may be contributing.

Seek urgent care for severe or quickly worsening pain, rapidly expanding redness, high fever, shaking, faintness, or feeling seriously ill. Arrange prompt assessment for pus, bloody discharge, skin breakdown, a firm area that remains, or symptoms that are not improving. A clinician may look for an abscess and decide whether imaging or treatment is needed.

Ask what could be causing the inflammation, whether an abscess or blocked duct is possible, whether imaging is appropriate, and what change should trigger follow-up. Tell the clinician about recent nursing or expressing, even if it has stopped.