Milk duct mastitis: what to know

Mastitis can begin with inflammation, swelling, and narrowed milk passages rather than an infection. Milk may flow less easily, and the breast can feel tender, warm, firm, or bruised. Some people also develop fever, chills, body aches, or tiredness. A shallow latch, pressure from a tight bra, missed feeds, or forceful pumping may contribute, but mastitis can occur without an obvious trigger. A clinician distinguishes breast inflammation from an abscess or another cause of a persistent lump.

Feed or express in a way that is comfortable and follows your baby’s usual pattern; extra pumping to empty the breast can increase swelling. Use a cool pack for short periods, rest, drink to thirst, and wear supportive clothing that does not press into the breast. Gentle handling is preferable to deep massage. A lactation consultant can assess latch, positioning, and pump settings. Ask a clinician about suitable pain relief and whether prescription treatment is needed.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you have fever, chills, worsening redness, increasing pain, or feel unwell. Arrange review when symptoms are not improving, a firm area remains, or a lump persists after the acute episode. Urgent care is needed for severe illness, faintness, confusion, or difficulty keeping fluids down. A collection of pus may need drainage, so worsening symptoms should not be managed at home indefinitely.

Ask whether your symptoms fit inflammation, infection, or an abscess; whether you need antibiotics or imaging; and which feeding or pumping changes would reduce pressure. Ask when to return if the redness, fever, pain, or lump continues.