Breast Infection

A breast infection entails an infection caused to the breast tissues, with optionally affecting the milk ducts present in the breast. This form of infection is widely prevalent in lactating women during the course of breastfeeding. The milk ducts might become the entryway for certain bacterial forms that get into the milk ducts via cracks that appear on the nipples and lead to infection. Partial emptying out of breast milk at the time of breastfeeding could lead to the infection. There could be blockage of the milk ducts.

Breast Infection Causes:

The passage of bacteria through the milk-secreting ducts or an opening on the breast leads to breast infection. The chances of breast infection are raised when there is a blockage or restriction of milk flow. There are certain reasons that raise a woman’s likelihood to develop breast infections that comprise of:

• Blockage in the milk ducts.
• Irregularities in the breast, like in women that follow breast surgery.
• Those women that smoke cigarettes.
• Certain medical conditions like being anemic, stressed and diabetes that reduce the body’s immunity.
• Overuse of the upper part of the arm.
• Alterations in the breast that is fibrocystic in nature.
• Prolonging the time period in-between feeding times.Erroneous placing of the baby at the time of feeding.
• Erratic breastfeeding.
• Using nipple shields.
• Using items which exert pressure on the breasts like weighty sling-ons.
• Previous injury to the breast.
• Missing out on feeding sessions or abruptly halting them.
• Those who babies have started teething.
• Wearing restrictive clothes like the use of underwire bra.

Breast Infection Symptoms:

• Nipple discharge.
• Experiencing a sense of warmness in the breasts.
• Fever and presence of flu similar symptoms.
• Soreness and often associated ache in the breast.
• Redness and swelling in the area of the breasts.

Diagnosis & Tests: The doctor would carry out a physical examination after delving into the medical past. Breast milk or the surface of the skin culture could be done to detect bacteria. If the reason is blurred, the doctor would recommend a mammogram or biopsy of the breast.

Breast Infection Treatment:

• If it is bearable enough one must continue with breastfeeding or employ a breast pump to draw out the milk. By mild massage movements the opening of the milk ducts can be kept open.
• By using a properly fitting nursing bra would aid in alleviating the unwarranted swelling. The doctor might advice a course of antibiotics to gain control over the infection. The use of warm compression would greatly benefit the inflamed area. The symptoms normally settle within a couple of days following treatment.
• If one is continuing breastfeeding, then the doctor would recommend medications that would be safe for the child. A course of antibiotics is known to lead to allergic flare-ups and stomach disturbances.

Possible Complications:

A chronic breast infection could lead to the formation of abscess or pus in the breast that would need to withdrawn by surgical intervention. During such situation, discontinuation of breastfeeding is advised.

Prevention:

The chances of developing breast infection can be decreased by:

• Keeping away from overexertion of the upper arms.
• Not wearing overly tight clothes or objects pressing over the breast area.
• Using both the breasts while feeding.
• Keeping hydrated at all times.
• Being vigilant on whether the baby is adequately suckling.
• Breast milk removal when one is away from normal feeding sessions.
• Adopting regularised feeding schedule.
• Placing the baby properly while feeding.
• Resolving medical conditions like anemia.
• Keeping hands clean prior to breastfeeding.

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