What should you know about suppurative mastitis?

Mastitis can begin with inflammation and progress to an abscess, which is a pocket of infected fluid in the breast. The area may feel hot, swollen, firm or fluctuant, and the skin can look red. Fever, chills and feeling unwell may occur. It can happen during breastfeeding, but breastfeeding status does not rule it in or out.

A clinician may examine the breast and arrange an ultrasound to look for a collection. Suppurative mastitis is different from uncomplicated inflammation because an abscess may need drainage as well as medicine.

Arrange prompt medical review if a painful lump, redness or fever is developing. Continue breastfeeding or expressing if it is comfortable and your clinician advises this; sudden stopping can worsen breast fullness. A Lactation Consultation can help with positioning, attachment and milk removal. Take prescribed treatment as directed and do not squeeze or repeatedly massage a swollen area.

For related symptom information, see Breast Pain and Painful Breastfeeding.

Seek same-day advice for fever with a worsening breast lump, spreading redness, increasing pain or feeling faint. Urgent care is needed for confusion, severe weakness, breathing difficulty, or rapidly worsening illness. Return for review if symptoms do not settle after treatment or the lump remains.

Ask whether an abscess is present, whether imaging or drainage is needed, how to continue feeding safely, and when the breast should be checked again.