What should you know about mastitis therapy?

Care starts with understanding whether inflammation is related to milk flow, nipple injury, infection or another breast problem. A clinician may examine the breast and ask about breastfeeding, medicines, allergies and symptom progression. Supportive care can reduce irritation while the body recovers. If bacterial infection is suspected, a clinician may prescribe an appropriate medicine. A collection of fluid, persistent mass or unusual finding can require imaging or a different procedure; therapy is tailored rather than selected from symptoms alone.

Rest and drink to thirst. Use a cool compress wrapped in cloth for short periods and wear comfortable, non-tight support. Breastfeed or express gently if that is comfortable, but avoid deep massage, vigorous squeezing and repeated pumping to empty the breast. Ask a pharmacist or clinician which pain-relief option suits you, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding. A Lactation Consultation may help with latch and positioning; Breast Pain and Painful Breastfeeding cover related concerns.

Seek prompt medical advice if symptoms are worsening, you feel feverish or chilled, redness is spreading, or you cannot feed or express because of pain. Urgent help is needed for confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty or severe weakness. Contact the prescriber if treatment causes a concerning reaction or if the breast remains swollen, increasingly firm or painful. A lack of improvement should prompt reassessment rather than extra self-massage or leftover medicine.

Ask what cause is being treated, how to take or use each treatment, whether breastfeeding can continue, and when you should expect a review. Check what symptoms mean the plan needs changing, and disclose allergies, other medicines and previous mastitis.