Mastitis Signs and Symptoms

Cập nhật: 07 August 2019

Giới thiệu

  • May occur spontaneously or during lactation
    • Most frequently occurs during the first 6-8 weeks postpartum, although it may occur at any time during breastfeeding
    • A study showed that lactational mastitis is associated with decreased levels of carbohydrate, fat and energy in breast milk which may be due to the cytokine-induced inflammatory response and increased permeability of the blood-milk barrier
  • Incidence is 2-10% in lactating mothers, while <1% in nonpuerperal mothers
  • Nonpuerperal mastitis is most commonly associated with breast cyst
  • Breast abscess is a complication of mastitis, refers to the collection of pus in the breast

Definition

  • Inflammation of the breast
  • May or may not be associated with bacterial infection

Nguyên nhân

  • Staphylococcus aureus is the most common organism associated with mastitis, particularly methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) in lactational mastitis
  • Other pathogens are streptococci (alpha, beta and non-hemolytic), Escherichia coli, Bacteroides species, Corynebacterium species
    • Consider Candida infection if with symptoms of burning nipple pain or radiating breast pain

Signs and Symptoms

  • Firm, erythematous, tender, swollen area in the affected breast
  • Skin that may appear shiny and tight with red streaks
  • Fever or temperature >38°C
  • May present with headache, myalgia, lethargy, nausea, anxiety, flu-like aching, or systemic illness
  • Axillary pain and swelling from reactive lymphadenopathy

Yếu tố nguy cơ

  • Incomplete breast drainage which may be caused by difficulties in infant attachment, missed feedings or infrequent feedings, infant mouth abnormalities (eg tongue-tie, cleft lip or palate)
  • Engorgement and/or chronic oversupply of milk
  • Abrupt or rapid weaning
  • Blocked nipple or milk ducts
  • Trauma to breasts or nipples
  • Excoriated or cracked nipples
  • Poor maternal health like fatigue, stress, malnutrition
  • Prior history of mastitis
  • Tight-fitting clothes or external pressure on the breast
  • Yeast infection
  • Illness in mother or baby