LACTATIONAL MASTITIS

Lactational mastitis is a very common problem encountered by mothers during lactation. The bacteria causing lactational mastitis is usually,a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus.

Lactational mastitis is a disease that may involve the soft,fatty tissue of the breast,resulting in cellulitis or it may involve the lactiferous ducts [the ducts of the breast]. When the infection involves the lactiferous ducts it is called Primary mammary adenitis .

Signs and symptoms:1.fever
2.breast pain and tenderness.
3. a swelling may form in one quadrant of the breast,usually pointing to the nipple.
4.In case of cellulitis of the breast, the features present early,usually at the end of the first week.But in case of primary mammary adenitis, the features usually present late,usually at the end of 2nd week post partum[after delievery of the baby]
complications: If not treated early and adequately lactational mastitis may lead to breast abcess.

Prevention:BEFORE BREAST FEEDING,ONE SHOULD WASH THEIR HANDS THOROUGHLY, BEFORE AND AFTER EACH FEED TO THE BABY THE NIPPLES SHOULD BE WASHED.

Management:1.Breast support.
2.Breast feeding should be continued with good attachment.Nursing should be started on the un-involved side first.With each feed.the involved side should be mannually emptied .
3.Antibiotics:Penicillinase resistant penicillins are usually used.[Flucloxacillin , is a preferred antibiotic]
4.Plenty of water should be taken.
5.Analgesics[ibuprofen etc] can be prescribed to relieve the pain

For further information on this,please discuss this issue with your doctor.The doctor,s advice should always be taken promptly if someone is actually suffering from this disease.Any more querries feel free to post a question in the comment section.

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