Mastitis is an infection that affects the tissues of the breast. Mastitis usually occurs to a woman when she is breast feeding. This is a typical infection which may cause pain in the breasts, making breast feeding an extremely painful and unpleasant experience for many women. There are many other symptoms that can be caused due to mastitis.
Mastitis is caused due to bacteria which are usually transferred from the baby’s mouth. Typically, mastitis may occur about three to four months after the delivery of the baby. However, they can also be seen in women who have recently delivered a baby and those who are approaching menopause. Chronic mastitis can be an indication of a rare kind of cancer, also known as carcinoma.
Since mastitis is characterized by infection, there may be pain followed by redness and swelling of the breast. A woman may initially feel tenderness in the breast along with a sudden increase in its temperature. Some of the other symptoms of mastitis are fatigue, engorgement or enlargement of the breast, aches in various parts of the body and a general malaise, chills and fever, and finally uncontrollable shaking of the body especially at night.
Sometimes, an abscess may form in the breast, causing complications in the infection. There may be formations of non cancerous benign masses on the breast too. These are clear indications of mastitis. You may also get tender lumps in the breast along with the presence of pus in the nipple area. If the symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, a doctor should be consulted.
Causes of Mastitis
There are many causes of mastitis, however, the primary cause is bacteria. If the baby’s mouth is infected by bacteria and there is a cut, crack, or a lesion on the breast, bacteria can get transferred into the woman’s breast and into the milk ducts, causing pain and inflammation.
Home Remedies for Mastitis
The best home remedy for treating mastitis is to continue breast feeding. Though this may sound difficult, considering the pain that a woman is in if she is suffering from mastitis, breastfeeding can help clear out the bacteria from the milk ducts.
Before you begin breast feeding, use a hot compress to relieve the pain and the swelling. This makes breast feeding a lot easier.
Since the infection affects the body in general, you may also need to have some rest. Give your body some rest and get a lot of sleep.
Diet for Mastitis
There is no special diet for mastitis. However, since mastitis is caused due to bacterial infection, a typical diet for mastitis is one which boosts your immunity. Fruits and vegetables are great for building your immunity. An increased intake of vitamins A, C, B, and E can help you fight infections better.
Cranberry juice is considered excellent to fight off bacterial infections. Cranberry juice is a natural disinfectant, which can help the body kill of unwanted bacteria. Probiotic foods can also help raise immunity.
Other Suggestions for Mastitis
Do consult your doctor and follow his or her instructions and the prescribed medication to treat this disease.
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