subject: what causes mastitis( breast infection) | herbal supplements to Control mastitis with no side effects [print this page] If a plugged duct is not taken care of, mastitis can result. Acute mastitis is an infection and swelling of the breast, usually occurring as a result of bacteria (most often Staphylococcus aureus) entering the nursing mother's breast through the cracks or fissures in the nipple.
Mothers are most vulnerable to acute mastitis in the first few weeks of nursing because cracks in the nipple develop more often during this time. Soreness and redness in the breast, fever, yellow, puslike secretions from the nipple, general tiredness, and flu like symptoms are indicators of this problem.
There are normally two types of Mastitis one is puerperal mastitis and another one is nonpuerperal mastitis occurs in pregnancy, during lactation or weaning. It is due to blocked milk or excess milk whereas non puerperal mastitis is not related to these situations
SIGN AND SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of puerperal mastitis and non puerperal mastitis are similar. Inflammation, reddening and pain of breast tissue are the symptoms of mastitis. Breast may be tender and warm to touch, continuous feeling of burning sensation and pain, general malaise or ill feeling, generally the redness is in wedge shaped pattern and fever of 101oF or more are some more symptoms of mastitis.
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
It is now recognized that mastitis is most often caused by "milk stasis". This is when milk "backs up" because it is being made faster than it is removed. It is usually caused by your baby not emptying your breasts well when he feeds. Bacteria from baby's mouth and skin enter the breast through cracks or break in the skin of the nipple or through the opening to the milk duct of the nipple.
After entry they start growing there and cause pain, swelling and redness of the affected breast. It is more common within six weeks after the delivery.
CONTROL OF MASTITIS
One of the most important keys to controlling mastitis in ewes is good management practices. The incidence of mastitis is greater in closely confined flocks. Bedding material in barns should be clean, especially before and after lambing. Microorganisms thrive in dark, wet, warm bedding. When the ewes lay down to rest, the bacteria in dirty bedding can easily enter the teat when the udder is full of milk.
Apply an ice pack or a warm compress to the affected breast to help reduce your pain. If you use an ice pack, place the ice outside of your bra or clothing. Do not put the ice directly on your bare skin.
Drink extra fluids.
If pus is draining from your infected breast, wash the nipple gently and let it air dry before putting your bra back on. A disposable breast pad placed in the bra cup may absorb the drainage.
Take full bed rest while you fight the infection.
what causes mastitis( breast infection) | herbal supplements to Control mastitis with no side effects
