Mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue that sometimes involves with an infection. Mastitis most commonly affects women who are breast-feeding (lactation mastitis). But mastitis can occur in women who are not breast-feeding and in men also.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MASTITIS
- Breast tenderness or warmth to the touch
- Breast swelling
- Thickening of breast tissue, or a breast lump
- Pain or a burning sensation continuously or while breast-feeding
- Skin redness, often in a wedge-shaped pattern
- Generally feeling ill
- Fever of 101 F (38.3 C) or greater
CAUSES OF MASTITIS
Milk that is trapped in the breast is the main cause of mastitis. Other causes include:
- A blocked milk duct -If a breast does not completely empty at feedings, one of our milk ducts can become clogged. The blockage causes milk to back up, leading to breast infection.
- Bacteria entering your breast-Bacteria from our skin's surface and babies mouth can enter the milk ducts through a crack in the skin of our nipple or through a milk duct opening. Stagnant milk in a breast that is not emptied provides a breeding ground for the bacteria.
LYMPH NODES AND LYMPH DUCTS
The lymphatic system is a network of lymph nodes and lymph ducts that helps fight infection. Lymph nodes found under the armpit, above the collarbone, behind the breastbone and in other parts of the body which trap harmful substances that might be in the lymphatic system and safely drain them from the body.
RISK FACTORS
Risk factors for mastitis include:
- Previous bout of mastitis while breast-feeding
- Sore or cracked nipples although mastitis can develop without broken skin
- Wearing a tightfitting bra or putting pressure on our breast when using a seat belt or carrying a heavy bag, which may restrict milk flow
- Improper nursing technique
- Becoming overly tired or stressed
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking
PREVENTION OF MASTITIS
To get our breast-feeding relationship with our infant off to its best start and to avoid complications such as mastitis consider meeting with a lactation consultant. A lactation consultant can give us tips and provide invaluable advice for proper breast-feeding techniques.
Minimize our chances of getting mastitis by following these tips:
- Fully drain the milk from our breasts while breast-feeding.
- Allow our baby to completely empty one breast before switching to the other breast during feeding.
- Change the position to use breast-feed from one feeding to the next.
- Make sure our baby latches on properly during feedings.
HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR MASTITIS
BELLADONNA
Very useful homeopathic medicine for mastitis in the initial stage of inflammation of the breast.Given when breast is red and very swollen.There is throbbing pains accompany the swelling. Recommended when pain is worse when lying down.There is inflammation of breast after weaning .
PHYTOLACCA
Useful medicine for mastitis with swollen, painful breast with marked soreness. There is a stinging and shooting pain in the breast.There is extreme sensitivity and tenderness of the breast with hardness and a purple hue may also accompany.There is pain from the breast also radiates to the whole body while nursing the child.
BRYONIA
Excellent medicne for mastitis when the breasts are stony hard.Given when breasts are also hot, swollen and highly painful.Recommended when the slightest motion worsens the pain in the breast and the patient may need to support the breast with the hand. Resting seems to relieve the pain.
SILICEA
Useful for mastitis when an abscess gets formed.Very effective when treating suppurative conditions. Helpful in the drainage of pus without any surgical intervention.
HEPAR SULPH
Work well in cases of an abscess with pus discharge that may be offensive in nature, intense pain, sensitivity to touch and chills.
