Types of mastitis

Inflammatory mastitis involves swelling and irritation without a confirmed bacterial infection. Infectious mastitis occurs when bacteria contribute to inflammation and may bring fever, chills, or worsening illness. A duct-related problem can cause a local tender area, while an abscess is a collection of fluid or pus within the breast. Mastitis can appear during breastfeeding or at other times. These labels can overlap as symptoms change, so a clinician may revise the working diagnosis after examination or imaging.

Note when pain, redness, warmth, swelling, nipple discharge, or fever began and whether symptoms are spreading. A clinician may inspect the skin and nipple, feel for a lump, and use ultrasound when a collection or another structural problem is suspected. Treatment might involve anti-inflammatory care, suitable pain relief, antibiotics for suspected infection, or drainage for an abscess. Avoid forceful massage or squeezing a painful lump. [Breast Pain](/symptoms/breast-pain/) can help you describe the symptom clearly.

Get prompt medical advice if fever or chills accompany breast changes, redness is enlarging, pain is escalating, or a lump becomes soft in the centre. Seek urgent help for fainting, confusion, breathing difficulty, or marked weakness. A symptom that persists or returns after treatment needs review, even if the skin looks less red.

Which pattern fits my examination? Is there evidence of a bacterial infection or abscess? Would imaging clarify the cause? How should I monitor the area, and when should I return?