What is mastitis? All you need to know about this pathology
Mastitis: what is this pathology and why does this typical painful inflammation of the breast occur? Very often mastitis follows the period of childbirth and is linked to breastfeeding, however in some cases the inflammation can become chronic and cause a lot of pain by limiting daily activities Even wearing a bra can become difficult! Find out all the pros and cons of this beauty accessory (which sometimes we really can't stand) by watching this video!
Puerperal mastitis: the causes
Puerperal mastitis usually appears post partum, during breastfeeding or during weaning; it is an inflammation of the channels through which breast milk comes out of the nipple. Even with mastitis, the mother can breastfeed her baby; indeed, experts believe that this helps drain the breast, also reducing the risk of the infection spreading to the rest of the breast. Breastfeeding, even in the case of mastitis, presents no risk of infection for the newborn, as the bacteria are rendered inactive by its digestive system. If the cause of the disease is mechanical, it may originate from skin lesions or fissures, caused by an imperfect attachment to the baby's breast and which promote inflammation. If it is an infection, it may have been caused by a low immune system, which has allowed the infiltration of pathogens, such as staphylococci. Staphylococcus aureus is the most widespread as an etiological pathogen. In infectious mastitis, in addition to Staphylococcus Aureus, the main pathogens responsible are S. Epidermidis and Streptococci, usually present on the skin and which can also infiltrate through small excoriations. While the mother is breastfeeding, bacteria present on the skin and mouth of the newborn often penetrate inside the mammary gland, through lesions on the skin of the breast. Or it can be caused by an abnormal enlargement of the ducts through which the milk passes (galactophores), by an obstruction of the same channels due to a stagnation of milk, with subsequent proliferation of bacteria, or even by poor hygiene in the area. Other causes: use of the same breast for several consecutive feedings, nipple injuries, piercings, diabetes or diseases that lower the immune system.
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Symptoms of puerperal mastitis
It almost always occurs in the first months, but sometimes even after a longer interval of time. It is usually unilateral. Mastitis symptoms include fever, severe pain in the breast that is turgid, red and hot to the touch, flu-like malaise, burning of the skin tightened by inflammation, pain especially during breastfeeding, chills, lack of appetite, asthenia , fatigue, muscle aches, inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits, bleeding from the nipple, presence of small nodules on palpation. After being diagnosed with a specialist visit and through symptoms, it is necessary not to aggravate the pathology with complications, such as breast abscess and pus in the mammary gland. Obviously, our information is certainly not a substitute for a visit and a specialist diagnosis.
Acute puerperal and non-puerperal mastitis. Chronic mastitis
Mastitis can be acute or chronic. Among the former, the best known is called puerperal, i.e. breastfeeding. However, there are other acute mastitis, called non-puerperal, or chronic mastitis due to a momentary abundance of estrogen. In infected mastitis, the proliferation of bacteria and their entry into the skin lesions can produce a phlegmon, which hinders the passage of milk into the appropriate ducts. A phlegmon of infectious origin manifests itself with inflammation of the subcutaneous or deep connective tissue and can cause a pus formation process. During the visit, in addition to hardening and tension, with palpation you can feel nodules in the breast and you can see the nipple retracted into the areola. To prevent these problems, it is necessary to ensure that the attachment to the breast is performed in the most suitable way, that the milk in the breast runs out before attaching the baby to the other; that the breasts are alternated at each feeding. If the gynecologist deems it appropriate, the milk can be removed manually or using a breast pump.
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Therapies and prevention
To speed up healing, you can apply hot packs before breastfeeding and cold packs after, let the new mother rest, make her drink plenty of fluids and practice scrupulous hygiene. To normalize the state of the breasts and treat mastitis, in addition to compresses, rest and breast massage, antibiotics are needed to defeat the bacteria that caused the infection, for example amoxicillin, a medicine that is safe for the infant. . Treatment, if appropriate, may also require anti-inflammatories and the administration of paracetamol (Tachipirina). If an abscess forms, a surgeon's intervention may be required. In the case of small abscesses, guided ECO aspiration can be performed, if the abscess is larger, an incision with drainage is provided. practiced with outpatient treatment or through surgery. In these cases, coverage with antibiotics is always provided. However, the possibility of abscesses is quite rare and the disease usually has a positive course and a definitive cure.
Tips for the prevention of mastitis
The first thing to take into consideration is careful and correct cleaning of the breasts during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The breast should be washed carefully before and after feeding. It is necessary to attach the baby well to the breast, to avoid the small lesions that can cause inflammation and infections, alternate the breasts at each feeding. Do not use bras that are too tight and clothes that press too much on the breasts, breastfeed if possible until natural weaning. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), mastitis affects up to 10% of breastfeeding women. However, laboratory tests (such as milk tests, to precisely define the responsible pathogen, in order to choose the most effective antibiotic) or instrumental (mammography and ultrasound to diagnose breast abscess or cancer). In any case, mastitis should not be underestimated as a pathology, as it should not be neglected. The danger is that the lack of suitable therapies and interventions can lead to more serious complications, such as a large abscess.It should also be remembered that this is a symptomatology that should not be treated superficially, as in addition to mastodynia, a fairly common pain in the breast that increases in intensity during the menstrual period, even a severe form of cancer presents symptoms typical of mastitis, namely the inflammatory carcinoma of the breast, and thus an inflammation of the veins of the chest wall following a trauma, namely Mondor's disease.
