Mastitis

 Mastitis is painful inflammation of the breast tissue, commonly causing fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms, often due to blocked ducts or infection during breastfeeding. It is treated with antibiotics, frequent nursing/milk expression, rest, and pain relief, typically resolving in a few days with prompt care. 

Symptoms of Mastitis

• Localized breast pain: Intense pain, tenderness, or a burning sensation.
• Physical changes: Redness, heat, swelling, or a "wedge-shaped" area of infection.
• Hard lumps: Formation of hard lumps in the breast tissue.
• Flu-like symptoms:
   Fever (often 
  

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  ), chills, fatigue, and body aches
  .
Decreased milk outflow: Reduced, sluggish milk flow from the affected breast.

Causes of Mastitis

• Blocked Milk Ducts: Milk becomes trapped, leading to inflammation.
• Bacterial Infection: Bacteria (often Staphylococcus aureus) enter through cracked skin or nipples.
• Ineffective Drainag: Improper latch, infrequent feeding, or oversupply.
• Other Factors: Smoking, diabetes, or, rarely, non-lactational causes. 

Treatment and Management

• Antibiotics: Required for treating bacterial infection.
• Continue Breastfeeding: Frequent feeding/expression (8–12 times daily) is critical to empty the breast.
• Pain/Fever Management: Ibuprofen or paracetamol.
• Self-Care: Warm compresses to improve flow, or cold compresses to reduce pain.
• Rest: Essential for recover. 

Duration
With prompt treatment (antibiotics), symptoms often begin to improve within 2 days, though the full course of medication must be completed.

Risk Factors

• Cracked or sore nipples.
• Previous episodes of mastitis.
• Long intervals between feedings or skipped feedings.
• Improper latching or baby's feeding difficulties.
• Fatigue and high stress.