How many days does it take for the fever from acute mastitis to go away?

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on April 03, 2025
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The fever associated with acute mastitis can subside within a few days, but it needs to be evaluated through ultrasound and a complete blood count; these tests can be performed in the breast department of a standard hospital. If the blood count exceeds 10,000, temporary fever reduction is possible, but inflammation can cause fever to recur. In such cases, local warm and moist compresses are recommended, and injections of saline combined with penicillin can be administered to help reduce inflammation.

Systemic antibiotics such as penicillin and cephalosporins can be used. Since antibiotics can be secreted into breast milk and affect infants, the use of tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, sulfa drugs, and metronidazole should be avoided. After three days of intravenous treatment, a follow-up complete blood count should be conducted to determine whether anti-inflammatory symptomatic treatment should be discontinued.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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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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Written by Cui Yu Rong
Breast Surgery
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Acute Mastitis Etiology

Acute mastitis generally refers to lactational mastitis, which can occur at any time during lactation, but is more common in the beginning stages of lactation in primiparous women. The most common causes of acute mastitis are milk stasis and bacterial invasion. Therefore, the prevention of acute mastitis mainly targets these two aspects. Besides enhancing the immune system of the mother, it is crucial to maintain good breastfeeding habits. This includes cleaning the nipples and the baby's mouth before and after feeding, keeping the nipple area clean, minimizing damage to the nipple area, and controlling bacterial invasion.

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Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
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What medication is used for acute mastitis?

Acute mastitis typically requires three types of medications: topical medications, oral medications, and intravenous medications. Topical medications, also known as local medications, are mainly used to reduce swelling, such as 33% to 50% magnesium sulfate or traditional Chinese medicine topical applications made in Chinese medicine hospitals. Oral medications generally consist primarily of antibiotics, focusing on cephalosporins and erythromycin. Intravenous medications are used when acute mastitis is more severe and oral antibiotics are ineffective, requiring intravenous antibiotic infusions. It is crucial not to purchase medications arbitrarily at pharmacies but to follow the recommendations of a doctor.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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What are the symptoms of acute mastitis?

During the onset of acute mastitis, symptoms often include high fever and chills, and the affected breast may enlarge and become firm, with throbbing pain that becomes more apparent during breastfeeding. This is usually accompanied by an increase in local skin temperature, redness and swelling, and tenderness. If the area softens over a short period, an abscess may have formed. If the infection is not controlled, it can lead to systemic infection or sepsis. Patients often have swollen lymph nodes, and blood tests show elevated neutrophil counts in white blood cells.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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What should I do about acute mastitis during lactation?

Firstly, let's assess the condition of acute mastitis by conducting a routine blood test and color ultrasound for further examination and diagnosis. If the white blood cell count exceeds 10,000, breastfeeding should be discontinued, and local anti-inflammatory symptomatic treatment should be applied. If the white blood cell count is below 10,000 but there is localized redness and swelling, external application of rifanuo and oral anti-inflammatory medications can be used. Breast massage by a professional or a family member can help clear the milk ducts. If there is a severe lump, it is recommended to stop breastfeeding and focus on anti-inflammatory symptomatic treatment. Observe whether the inflammatory lump can shrink; if it does, continue with local anti-inflammatory symptomatic treatment. If the severe lump continues to grow, it's advised to stop breastfeeding and proceed with local surgical treatment.