How to reduce fever in acute mastitis

Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
Updated on September 15, 2024
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For fever in acute mastitis, it is first recommended to obtain a complete blood test to check if white blood cells and neutrophils are elevated. Of course, there are basic conservative methods and medication treatments for fever reduction. The conservative approach includes drinking plenty of water, preferably warm. Secondly, local application of magnesium sulfate can be used, with concentrations ranging from 33%-50%. During hot weather, it can be applied directly as a wet compress on the inflamed breast. It is important to thoroughly clean the breast, especially the nipple, before breastfeeding to prevent the baby from ingesting magnesium sulfate, which can cause diarrhea in infants. Thirdly, if the blood test shows an increase in white blood cells and neutrophils, intravenous antibiotics are used, commonly referred to by people as anti-inflammatory injections. Using antibacterial medications at this time can rapidly reduce fever. The fourth method is to temporarily use fever-reducing medications, which, along with magnesium sulfate, are available at pharmacies. However, for antibiotics, it is best to go to a hospital.

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Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
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Acute mastitis occurs how long after childbirth?

Acute mastitis can occur a few weeks after childbirth, usually within the first two to three weeks, although it can also appear later during the breastfeeding period. The key issue is to maintain the flow of breast milk and the patency of the milk ducts during breastfeeding. It is recommended to wash both nipples before breastfeeding, let the baby completely empty one breast first, then move on to the second breast. If the baby is full and doesn't finish the milk from the other breast, it's best to empty that breast either by using a breast pump or having the father extract the milk. For the next feeding, start with the other breast, which was the second breast previously used, and alternate accordingly. Additionally, nipple care is important; after the baby has finished feeding, express a little milk and apply it on the nipple surface. Before the next feeding, wash the nipple with clean water more diligently. This can help reduce the occurrence of acute mastitis.

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Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
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What fruits to eat for acute mastitis?

For mastitis, it is primarily important to avoid spicy and stimulating foods, seafood, and lactation-promoting foods. Foods high in fat and sugar, spicy fried foods, and stimulant drinks like liquor and coffee should be avoided. If blood sugar levels are high, certain fruits high in sugar content should also be avoided. For those without diabetes, the issue is simpler; for example, consuming more tomatoes, especially cooked tomatoes, is advisable. The principle is to eat light and nutritious foods. Therefore, tomatoes, green vegetables, loofah, cucumbers, crown daisy, lotus root, and mung bean soup are good options. This also includes oranges, strawberries, apples, grapes, and kiwifruits which are suitable choices.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Can you breastfeed with a fever from acute mastitis?

For acute mastitis with fever, it is generally recommended to stop breastfeeding. For mild symptoms and less severe cases, breastfeeding is possible. However, do not breastfeed from the breast that is affected with redness, swelling, heat, and pain; instead, use a breast pump to extract the milk. For more severe symptoms or if an abscess has formed, breastfeeding must be discontinued. Further, a breast ultrasound should be performed to determine whether the issue is cystic or inflammatory. A complete blood count is also recommended to view the extent of the infection. If the count exceeds 10,000, intravenous antibiotics are necessary, and topical Levofloxacin can be applied locally. If the count is below 10,000, oral anti-inflammatory medications can be taken to treat the symptoms. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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What is acute mastitis?

Acute mastitis is an acute purulent infection of the mammary gland, commonly occurring in women during the postpartum breastfeeding period, especially more frequently seen in primiparous women. It usually occurs within three months after delivery, particularly in the third and fourth weeks postpartum. Therefore, it can also be referred to as postpartum mastitis or lactational mastitis. The main causes are due to bacterial invasion, stagnation of milk, and a decrease in the body's immune function. The primary pathogens are generally Staphylococcus aureus, with occasional cases involving Streptococcus. In such instances, it is recommended to conduct a routine blood test for the mammary gland and an ultrasound to determine the severity of the mastitis.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Does acute mastitis require daily milk expression?

If acute mastitis is severe, breastfeeding is not advisable, and it is necessary to express milk daily. Prevention of acute mastitis is more important than treatment, especially during breastfeeding periods where it is crucial to keep the nipples clean. Frequently wash them with warm soapy water and clean the nipples before and after breastfeeding with 3% boric acid solution. For those with inverted nipples, gently extract the nipple before cleaning; however, do not use ethanol wipes as ethanol can make the nipple and areola skin brittle, which can lead to cracking. Develop good breastfeeding habits, nurse regularly, and ensure that the milk is thoroughly drawn out each time. If unable to completely draw out the milk, use hand massage to express it or a breast pump. Additionally, do not let the baby sleep with the nipple in their mouth. If there is nipple damage or cracking, stop breastfeeding and use a breast pump to express the milk until the wound heals, and then resume breastfeeding.