Breast tissue inflammation known as mastitis can occasionally be accompanied by an infection.
Mastitis, also known as lactation mastitis, most frequently affects nursing mothers, though it can also affect men and women.
Signs and symptoms
- warmth or sensitivity to touch in the breasts
- Breast swelling
- Breast lump or thinning breast tissue
- Continuous ache or burning while nursing
- Redness of the skin, frequently in a wedge pattern
- Generally feeling ill
- fever greater than 101 F (38.3 C)
Causes
Mastitis is primarily brought on by milk that gets caught in the breast.
- A blocked milk duct.One of your milk ducts may clog if one of your breasts doesn’t empty entirely during feedings, causing milk to back up and infect the breast.
- Bacteria entering your breast.Through a crack in the skin of your nipple or a milk duct opening, bacteria from the surface of your skin and the mouth of your baby can enter the milk ducts, where stagnant milk that isn’t emptied creates a breeding ground for the microorganisms.
Lymph nodes and lymph ducts
Lymph nodes, which are located under the armpit, above the collarbone, behind the breastbone, and in other locations on the body, trap potentially harmful substances in the lymphatic system and safely drain them from the body. The lymphatic system is a network of lymph ducts and nodes that aids in the fight against infection.
Risk factors
Mastitis is at risk for the following:
- Mastitis infection in the past while nursing
- although mastitis can occur without skin breaks, sore or cracked nipples are a sign of the condition.
- using a seat belt, a heavy bag, or a tight-fitting bra that puts pressure on your breast and could prevent milk flow.
- Improper nursing technique
- a state of excessive fatigue or stress
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking
Prevention
Consider meeting with a lactation consultant who can give you advice on how to breastfeed properly and help you get your breastfeeding relationship with your baby off to the best possible start while avoiding complications like mastitis.
By using the following advice, you can lower your risk of developing mastitis:
- While nursing, completely empty your breasts of milk.
- Before moving to the other breast during a feeding, let your baby finish emptying the first breast completely.
- When you breastfeed your baby, switch positions between feedings.
- When feeding your baby, ensure that the latch is proper.
- Consult your physician about quitting smoking if you smoke.
HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT
Belladonna – A Wonderful Homeopathic Medicine Used in the Initial Phase of Mastitis
Inflammation of the breast after weaning is another strong indication to use Belladonna. Belladonna works well in the initial stage of inflammation of the breast, which is red and very swollen with stabbing pains that are worse when the patient is lying down.
Phytolacca – A Top Grade Homeopathic Medicine for Mastitis with Stinging and Shooting Pain
The best homeopathic treatment for mastitis is phytolacca. Phytolacca works well for swollen, painful breasts with marked soreness, stinging and shooting pain, extreme sensitivity and tenderness, hardness and a purple hue, cracking of the nipples, and pain that spreads throughout the body while nursing the child.
Bryonia – Homeopathic Medicine for Mastitis with Stony Hard Breast
In cases of mastitis when the breasts are stony hard, hot, swollen, and extremely painful, the patient may need to support the breast with their hand when moving and seems to find relief from the pain when they are resting, bryonia is a great homeopathic treatment option.
Silicea and Hepar Sulph – Homeopathic Medicines for Mastitis When an Abscess is Formed
In cases of an abscess with pus discharge that may be offensive in nature, intense pain, sensitivity to touch, and chills, among other symptoms, silicea and hepar sulph are great homeopathic medicines for mastitis when an abscess forms and are very effective when treating suppurative conditions.
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