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Breast Infection Causes
Mastitis (inflammation of breast tissue) is a common benign cause of a breast
mass. It is commonly seen in women after childbirth while breastfeeding. These
masses are often quite painful. Women who are not breastfeeding can also develop
mastitis. In healthy women, mastitis is rare. However, women with diabetes,
chronic illness, AIDS, or an impaired immune system may be more susceptible.
* Bacteria normally found in a baby's mouth or on the nipple can enter the milk
ducts through small cracks in the skin of the nipple and can multiply rapidly in
the breast milk. This can lead to a superficial small area of inflammation
(frequently from a streptococcal germ) or a deeper walled-off infection or
abscess (frequently from a staphylococcal germ).
* Mild temperature elevations (previously termed milk fever) accompanied by some
breast or nipple soreness is usually secondary to engorgement and dehydration
immediately (48-72 hours) after delivery and is treated by improved
breastfeeding technique. This condition may also occur in women who are not
breastfeeding and have not completely suppressed lactation yet.
* About 1-3% of breastfeeding mothers develop mastitis, usually within the first
few weeks after delivery. Most breast infections occur within the first or
second month after delivery or at the time of weaning. Engorgement and
incomplete breast emptying can contribute to the problem and make the symptoms
worse.
* Chronic mastitis occurs in women who are not breastfeeding. In postmenopausal
women, breast infections may be associated with chronic inflammation of the
ducts below the nipple. Hormonal changes in the body cause the milk ducts to
become clogged with dead skin cells and debris. These clogged ducts make the
breast more open to bacterial infection. Infection tends to come back after
treatment with antibiotics.
Breast Infection Symptoms
* Infection: Breast infections may cause pain, redness, and warmth of the breast
along with the following symptoms:
o Tenderness and swelling
o Body aches
o Fatigue
o Breast engorgement
o Fever and chills
* Abscess: Sometimes a breast abscess can complicate mastitis. Harmless,
noncancerous masses such as abscesses are more often tender and frequently feel
mobile beneath the skin. The edge of the mass is usually regular and well
defined. Indications that this more serious infection has occurred include the
following:
o Tender lump in the breast that does not get smaller after breastfeeding a
newborn (If the abscess is deep in the breast, you may not be able to feel it.)
o Pus draining from the nipple
o Persistent fever and no improvement of symptoms within 48-72 hours of
treatment
Source :
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/4960-3.asp