diseases
Breast inflammation: definition, causes and disease course
Breast inflammation is a painful fever disease. Within the female breast are many small glands, in which the mother's milk can be produced. About the milk ducts they are connected to the nipple. After pregnancy and during breastfeeding, the risk of breast infection is greatest - for example due to disturbances in the flow of milk or because small injuries to the nipple allow germs to pass through. Congestion promotes the proliferation of bacteria and thus a breast infection. Breast inflammation is not always related to motherhood. At other times, fluids can block the ducts and cause chest infection.
The causes are mostly hormone fluctuations. Hardening of the connective tissue also favor the suffering. Careful diagnosis must differentiate it from malignant growth. In some cases, pus capsules (abscesses) or passages to the skin (fistulas) form. The chest hurts, tenses, hardens and warms up. Also redness occur. The patient suffers from fever, fatigue and other flu-like symptoms. Breastmilk may be mixed with blood and pus.
Mastitis: treatment
It is often sufficient to relieve the symptoms of breast infection with chilling quark wrap or cold white cabbage leaves. If necessary, milk is pumped out and the breast is tied up. Then should continue to be breastfed. In stubborn cases of breast infection, antibiotics help. Abscesses in a breast infection are surgically resolved.
Breast inflammation: prevention and self-help
To prevent breast inflammation, avoid stress and anxiety as they can interfere with milk flow. Use relaxation techniques! Also make sure you wear comfortable, not too tight bras.