Antibiotic treatment for mastitis

Mastitis is inflammation of breast tissue and may cause breast pain, warmth, swelling, redness, and flu-like symptoms. It often occurs during breastfeeding, although other causes are possible. A clinician assesses the breast, your general health, feeding pattern, and how symptoms have changed.

If bacterial infection is suspected, the prescribed antibiotic should be taken exactly as directed and for the full course unless your prescriber changes the plan. Breastfeeding or expressing may often continue, but confirm the medicine is suitable for you and your baby.

Rest, drink to thirst, use comfortable breast support, and apply a cool pack for short periods if it helps. Feed or express according to your baby’s needs rather than trying to empty the breast forcefully. Avoid deep massage and excessive pumping, which can worsen inflammation.

A lactation consultation can help correct positioning, attachment, and feeding frequency. For pain that makes feeding difficult, ask about suitable pain relief and describe any cracked nipple, blocked area, or concern about medicine exposure.

Contact a clinician promptly for fever, chills, rapidly worsening redness or swelling, severe breast pain, pus, or feeling very unwell. Urgent assessment is needed for confusion, collapse, breathing difficulty, or severe weakness.

If symptoms are not improving after the treatment plan, return for review. Persistent or recurrent swelling may need further assessment rather than repeated self-treatment. Breast pain or painful breastfeeding that continues also deserves support and examination.

Ask whether an antibiotic is needed, which symptoms should improve first, how to take the medicine, and whether it is compatible with breastfeeding. Ask what to do if a dose is missed, when to return if you remain unwell, and how to prevent feeding-related recurrence.