Acute Mastitis: How to Alleviate Symptoms of This Breast Disorder

Acute inflammation, or acute mastitis in the medical field, is considered the most common breast disorder. This condition, which is usually caused by infection, almost always occurs during the early stages of breast-feeding. Small injuries or fissures of the nipple often precede mastitis and facilitate entry of disease germs. Usually the nipple and the skin surrounding it are the only areas of the breast affected by mastitis.

A simple cleansing of the nipple by means of frequently applying a saturated solution of boric acid can ease the inflammation. Of course, the solution should not be applied while the baby is being nursed, except when it is then washed off with boiled water that has been cooled. Using a nipple shield when breast-feeding can be helpful, especially in cases when only the nipple or nipple area is affected by the inflammation. Tiny cracks that develop in the nipple can be covered over with tincture of benzoin, a skin-protecting agent.

In acute mastitis, only one breast is usually involved. Here, the inflammation covers considerable extent, acting upon inner and deeper parts of the breast. Pain, tenderness, and swelling in the breast are the usual first signs of acute mastitis; these may be accompanied by a chill and moderate to high fever. In more severe cases, a rapid pulse, coupled with headache, can occur.

Acute mastitis may not exhibit favorable reaction to simple treatment. Consult a doctor at once at the first signs of the condition. The doctor will most likely prescribe an antibiotic to prevent the buildup of an abscess. If an abscess does develop, the doctor may consider an appropriate surgical method to drain it.

On her own, the patient needs to observe some measures to alleviate her condition. Foremost is that the baby should be taken off breast-feeding. The inflamed breast should be supported with a binder or a brassiere; take care that this is not worn too tight. The patient may also cover the inflamed breast with a dry towel, laying an ice bag over it, and keeping both the towel and the ice bag in place for about a couple of hours. This procedure may be repeated every four hours.

Except when the condition called engorgement (the presence of too much milk in the mother's breasts that causes pain) is present, the patient should not attempt to pump milk out of the breast. If such is the case however, a doctor must supervise the use of a breast pump.

It is vital for mothers suffering from acute mastitis to have sufficient bed rest. She should drink water as much as she wants. And for as long as fever lasts, her diet should consist only of liquid and soft foods. [Read the Original Article]

Source: http://www.internethealthlibrary.com/Health-problems/Mastitis.htm