Acute mastitis is caused by what?

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on September 10, 2024
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Mastitis is generally considered to be caused by the accumulation of milk, which occurs during breastfeeding when the posture or unintentional actions by the child cause damage to the milk ducts, leading to an accumulation of milk within them. Since milk serves as an excellent culture medium, this can lead to bacterial infection. The second point is that if there are cracks or fissures on the nipple, bacteria can infect in reverse, leading to significant infections by Staphylococcus aureus, which can also cause mastitis. The third point concerns a weakened immune system, for example due to mental stress or lack of sleep. These are the main causes of acute mastitis.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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The causes of acute mastitis

The first cause is milk stasis, which occurs when, due to incorrect positioning during nursing or breastfeeding, a child inadvertently causes the milk ducts to close, leading to a significant accumulation of milk within these ducts. The milk inside the ducts provides an excellent medium for bacterial growth. The second cause is bacterial invasion, mainly through cracks and fissures in the nipple. Bacteria enter the milk ducts through these fissures or breaks, causing inflammation. The third cause is a decrease in the body's immune function, for example due to severe mental stress or lack of sleep. All of these are the primary causes of acute mastitis.

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Early treatment of acute mastitis

In the early stages of mastitis where there is pain but no redness and swelling, applying heat and then having a lactation masseur clear any residual milk can be effective. However, if symptoms like high fever and chills occur, along with localized redness and swelling, it is advised to go to the hospital to have a complete blood count and an ultrasound. If the leukocyte count is under 10,000 and there is localized swelling, topical application of Rifanuo and oral anti-inflammatory medication can be curative, but it is necessary to stop breastfeeding. If the leukocyte count exceeds 10,000, intravenous antibiotics may be required, alongside cessation of breastfeeding. Then, using a breast pump to extract the milk can help in healing. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Treatment methods for acute mastitis

The treatment methods for acute mastitis start with stopping breastfeeding. For those with mild symptoms or less severe conditions, breastfeeding can continue, but it is not advisable to breastfeed from the affected breast. Instead, a breast pump can be used to express the milk. Secondly, the breast can be supported with a bra. Thirdly, for local redness and swelling, hot compresses can be applied, or ichthyol ointment can be used topically, as well as Levonorgestrel topical application. If blood tests show elevated levels, systemic antibiotics should be used, with the choice of penicillins and cephalosporins for symptomatic treatment. If an ultrasound shows an abscess formation, it is recommended to perform an abscess incision and drainage procedure, or, if it's deeper, a thick needle can be used for aspiration to draw out the abscess.

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What IV drip is used for acute mastitis?

For the treatment of acute mastitis at the hospital, it usually involves blood tests to observe the blood picture. We look at whether the white blood cells and neutrophils are elevated. When these levels are elevated, doctors will recommend the use of antibiotics, which are commonly referred to as anti-inflammatory injections, but are actually antimicrobial drugs, targeting bacteria. The treatment mainly involves cephalosporins, and some may use fluoroquinolones, or even add anti-anaerobic bacteria drugs like metronidazole or tinidazole. How to use these specifically should definitely be under the guidance of a specialist. For instance, fluoroquinolones such as levofloxacin should not be used by individuals under 18 years old; instead, cephalosporins or erythromycin should be preferred.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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The causes of acute mastitis

The main causes of mastitis are as follows: First, the accumulation of milk is due to improper breastfeeding techniques or incidental contact with the mammary glands by the child, which causes the milk ducts to close and ultimately leads to the accumulation of milk. Milk is an ideal culture medium that facilitates bacterial growth, leading to mastitis. Second, bacterial invasion occurs when there are cracks or abrasions on the nipple, allowing bacteria to travel along the milk ducts to reach and infect the mammary lobules. Lastly, a decrease in the patient's own immune system can also lead to bacterial infection.