What to know about systemic mastitis

Mastitis may cause a tender, warm, swollen or reddened area of one breast, sometimes with a firm patch. When inflammation affects the whole body, you may feel feverish, achy or unusually tired. It commonly occurs during breastfeeding, but breast inflammation can have other causes. [Breast Pain](/symptoms/breast-pain/) and [Painful Breastfeeding](/symptoms/painful-breastfeeding/) can occur with several conditions, so symptoms should be considered together.

Continue breastfeeding or expressing if you can, following comfortable positioning and avoiding forceful massage or sudden changes to feeding. Rest, drink fluids and use a cool compress for comfort. Arrange clinical advice, especially when symptoms are worsening or do not begin to settle. A [Lactation Consultation](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/lactation-consultation/) can help identify latch or milk-removal problems.

Contact a clinician promptly for feverish illness, increasing redness or swelling, severe pain, pus, a new fluctuant lump, or symptoms that persist despite supportive care. Urgent help is needed if you feel faint, confused, severely weak or unable to keep fluids down. A breast infection or abscess may need prescription treatment or drainage.

Ask whether your symptoms fit inflammatory mastitis, how to protect feeding, whether antibiotics or imaging are needed, and which changes should prompt a follow-up examination.