What You Need to Know About the Most Common Types of Breast Infections
There are plenty of times when women panic as they find themselves with breast infection symptoms. We will take a closer look and find out how to treat them!
Some of these symptoms are similar to those of breast cancer, but of course, breast infections are much easier to treat and with proper care, it isn’t considered a fatal disease.
Breastfeeding mothers are the ones who are most prone to breast infections. The most common causes of breast infections may have come from bacteria from the baby’s mouth. This type of infection is known as lactation mastitis.
Important Facts
Here are some important facts about breast infections that are good to know:
- Mastitis is another term for a breast infection.
- Breastfeeding women are more prone to mastitis.
- While not common, women who aren’t breastfeeding can also get mastitis.
A lot of women worry too much when their breasts get infected because some of the symptoms are quite similar to that of breast cancer. However, if you are currently breastfeeding, it is likely you only got a breast infection and not cancer. But still, it is best to consult with your doctor to be sure of your safety.
Symptoms of Breast Infection
Some Symptoms of Breast Infection include the following:
- Flu-like symptoms prior to any visible physical changes on your breasts
- Fever
- Enlarged lymph nodes on the neck or armpits
- Redness and pimples on the breast skin
- Pus in nipple discharge
- Warm and itchy breast
- Painful lump
- Painful breastfeeding
- Abnormal swelling and breast tenderness
Once again, if you notice any of these symptoms, stay calm and consult your doctor right away. The doctor would have to review your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. If the infection formed an abscess, this may need to be drained. But don’t worry because this can be done as an outpatient during your physical exam.
Breast infections may be treated with antibiotics.
Don’t take these symptoms for granted though. The same symptoms may also be a sign of rare inflammatory breast cancer. This type of cancer is very rare, so there’s no reason to panic. Another disease that may mimic breast infections is idiopathic granulomatosis. This condition may require you to undergo tissue culture and biopsy, as well as aspiration.
Other Types of Breast Infections
- Bacterial Breast Infection – Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus, or other normal skin bacteria may cause bacterial breast infection. The bacteria may enter the breasts through cracks on the nipple or areas that surround it. This can usually be treated using antibiotics.
- Fungal Breast Infection – The skin on the breast’s undersurface commonly gets fungal infections such as those coming from the fungus Candida albicans. This rash is called the cutaneous candidiasis, which may smell like yeast and would itch frequently. Women with diabetes, have large breasts and are under some medications are most prone to fungal breast infection. A fungal breast infection can be treated using lotion or antifungal cream.
- Tuberculosis of the Breast – Tuberculosis or TB is often found in people who live in countries or regions where TB is a common occurrence. It is not very common at all in the United States. To treat TB of the breast, one must simply take TB medications as prescribed by their doctor.
4 Natural Ways to Treat Breast Infection at Home
Mastitis is one of the most common types of breast infection. Simply put, it usually occurs when the milk ducts aren’t regularly and/or completely drained when breastfeeding. It may also occur when bacteria coming from the baby’s mouth get transferred to the breastfeeding mom’s nipple.
However, mastitis is not exclusive to breastfeeding moms alone. Although rare, it can also infect women who do not breastfeed, has diabetes or is a heavy cigarette smoker.
When you find yourself with symptoms of mastitis, you must visit your doctor right away. Because mastitis is such a common occurrence among breastfeeding moms, especially those who have given birth and breastfed several times, some opt to self-medicate right away. However, it is still very important for you to consult with your doctor to ensure your safety, and also to be guaranteed that it’s just an infection, and nothing more serious.
According to pediatrician Natasha Burgert, it is safe to continue breastfeeding even when you have mastitis. While mastitis can be quite painful and breastfeeding will be more stressful and difficult for you, continuing to breastfeed your baby will actually help you heal. When it becomes extra painful to breastfeed, ask your doctor for painkillers such as Ibuprofen that’s safe for lactating moms.
In some cases, doctors would recommend taking antibiotics when you have a breast infection. There are plenty of brands out there that are perfectly safe even for lactating moms.
However, if you’re not too comfortable about the idea of medicating while breastfeeding a newborn, here are some natural ways you can treat breast infections even when you’re just at home. (Note: It is always best to consult with your doctor first whether you decide to go natural or take antibiotics.)
1. Warm Compress and Breast Massage
Both a warm compress and breast massage would help in relieving pain and getting rid of the clogged milk in the breast, if any. In many cases, doctors would suggest alternating cold and heat packs so that pain and swelling may be reduced. A breast massage must be done regularly as well as involving the areas from the outside circumference of the breast going towards its center.
2. Clean and Supportive Nursing Bra
The breasts can get pretty heavy especially when you’re lactating. You must provide the necessary support by wearing a nursing bra, and not just any ordinary bra. Your bra must be clean at all times too to avoid more bacteria from entering your nipples. This will lessen the discomfort as well.
3. Eat Healthy and Get Some Rest
As much as possible, avoid stress. Yes, that would be extra difficult especially if you’re a new mom, but you have to realize that you have to be strong and healthy for the sake of your baby. Eat healthily and regularly. Never skip meals and drink lots of water. Get some rest too when you can. Don’t make it too hard on yourself. Moms deserve a stress-free environment, especially when caring for a newborn.
4. Empty Your Breasts Completely
When breastfeeding, there are times when your baby won’t finish up all the milk. In this case, you can use a breast pump to empty your breasts completely. This will make way for new milk to produce and to avoid further bacteria and clogs from building inside your breasts.
