What Is Mastitis? What Are The Symptoms and Treatment Methods?

Inflammation of the breast tissue is called mastitis and is usually seen in breastfeeding mothers. Mastitis occurs as a result of blockage of milk ducts and the spread of infection. This is a very uncomfortable and painful process for mothers. When mastitis is not treated, it can lead to more serious health problems. In this article we have written for you, we will discuss what you need to know about mastitis, its symptoms, and treatment methods.

What Is Mastitis?

Mastitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the breast tissue and blockage of the milk ducts. Although it is usually seen in breastfeeding mothers, it can also be seen in non-breastfeeding women and rarely in men. Mastitis in breastfeeding mothers occurs due to increased milk production and milk cannot flow properly. Mastitis can also occur when bacteria enter the breast tissue and cause infection. Untreated mastitis can lead to more serious health problems such as breast abscesses.

What Are The Symptoms of Mastitis?

Mastitis symptoms may vary depending on whether the disease is mild or severe. The following symptoms are usually seen;

• Redness and swelling of the breast tissue,
• Tenderness and pain in the nipple,
• Fever and chills,
• Weakness and fatigue,
• Reduced or stopped milk flow,
• and Hardening and knotting of the breast tissue,

What Causes Mastitis?

Mastitis usually occurs as a result of blockage of milk ducts and the spread of infection. In breastfeeding mothers, the risk of mastitis increases when milk cannot flow properly and accumulates in the milk ducts. In addition, cracks or wounds in the nipple can cause bacteria to enter the breast tissue and cause infection to develop.

We can list the causes of mastitis as follows;

• Blockage of milk ducts,
• Cracks and sores on the nipple,
• Bacterial infection,
• Errors in breastfeeding techniques,
• Long breastfeeding intervals,
• Use of tight clothing or bras,

Treatment of mastitis varies depending on the severity and cause of the disease. In mild cases, treatment can be achieved by applying hot compresses, correcting breastfeeding techniques, and using painkillers. In more severe or infected mastitis cases, antibiotic treatment is applied. Continuing breastfeeding during mastitis treatment helps regulate milk flow and reduce inflammation.

How Is Mastitis Diagnosed?

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that produces milk and is usually seen in breastfeeding women. Mastitis can be diagnosed based on the patient’s symptoms and physical examination findings.

Symptoms of mastitis include redness, swelling, pain, warmth, and fever in the breast. If the patient experiences any of these symptoms, they should consult a doctor.

The doctor looks for signs of mastitis by carefully examining the patient’s breasts. Symptoms such as redness, swelling, and tenderness in the breast may suggest mastitis.

In suspicious cases, the doctor can confirm the presence of mastitis using imaging methods such as ultrasound or mammography.

Milk samples or blood tests taken from patients with suspected mastitis can determine the type of bacteria that cause inflammation.

How Is Mastitis Treated?

Mastitis treatment varies depending on the condition of the patient and the severity of mastitis. The methods used in the treatment of mastitis are as follows;

• The most common cause of mastitis is a bacterial infection. Therefore, the doctor usually prescribes an appropriate antibiotic to the patient. The duration of antibiotic treatment usually varies between 10-14 days.

• Mastitis is characterized by pain and fever. To alleviate these symptoms, the doctor may recommend painkillers and antipyretics.

• Applying hot and cold compresses to the mastitis breast can help reduce pain and swelling.

• Continuing breastfeeding helps reduce inflammation by keeping the milk flowing in the breast. If breastfeeding is too painful, it is also important for the patient to empty the breast by expressing milk.

• Wearing a supportive and comfortable bra can speed healing by keeping the breast comfortable.

How To Prevent Mastitis?

Mastitis can be an essential health problem, especially for breastfeeding women. Here are some tips that can help prevent mastitis;

• Breastfeeding the baby correctly reduces the formation of sores on the nipple and the risk of bacterial infection.

• Breastfeed the baby frequently or empty the breast by expressing milk to ensure that the breast is not full of milk.

• Keeping the nipple clean and dry reduces the risk of infection. It is important to wipe the nipple with a clean cloth and ventilate it after breastfeeding.

• Wearing a supportive and comfortable bra helps to maintain the health of the breast tissue.

• Adopting a healthy lifestyle that strengthens the immune system can reduce the risk of mastitis. Regular sleep, balanced nutrition, and avoiding stress support the immune system.

Does Mastitis Go Away with Home Remedies?

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue, usually seen in breastfeeding mothers. This condition manifests itself with symptoms such as pain, redness, and swelling during breastfeeding. Mastitis is a condition that should be taken seriously in terms of both the mother’s health and the baby’s breastfeeding process. Well, does mastitis pass with applications that can be done at home? Let’s find out together.

Hot and Cold Compress Application

In the case of mastitis, applying hot and cold compresses to the inflamed area can help reduce pain and swelling. Hot compresses increase blood circulation and help the inflammation to heal faster, while cold compresses relieve pain and swelling. It is recommended to apply hot compresses before breastfeeding and cold compresses after breastfeeding.

Continue Breastfeeding

In the case of mastitis, there is an accumulation of milk due to blockage of the breast ducts. Therefore, continuing breastfeeding will help to heal the inflammation by allowing the milk to flow. It is important to try to breastfeed despite the pain, but in case of too much pain, you should consult your doctor and learn alternative methods.

Correct Breastfeeding Technique

Mastitis can also be caused by incorrect breastfeeding techniques. By holding your baby in the correct position and ensuring that he or she takes the nipple fully into his or her mouth, you can ensure a smooth flow of milk. This reduces the risk of blockage of the breast ducts and mastitis.

Good Hygiene

In the case of mastitis, it is important to maintain good hygiene so that the infection does not get worse. By washing your hands frequently and using clean towels, you can prevent the spread of bacteria.

Rest and adequate fluid intake

In the case of mastitis, it is important to rest and drink enough fluids to speed up the body’s healing process. By drinking plenty of water, you can increase your milk production and remove toxins from the body.

You can alleviate the symptoms of mastitis and speed up the healing process with home remedies. However, if you have symptoms such as severe pain, fever, and weakness, you should consult your doctor and learn the appropriate treatment methods. Remember, early intervention and correct treatment will make mastitis go away faster.

Mastitis Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has managed to announce its name to the world with its investments and studies in the field of health. Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious, and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. Mastitis Treatment Prices in Turkey

We can see that patients and relatives of patients who want to come to Turkey are doing research. However, it would not be right to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.