What should I do if I have acute mastitis?

Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on October 22, 2024
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If acute mastitis occurs, the first step is to promptly relieve the blockage of the milk ducts, ensuring smooth drainage of breast milk. This can be achieved through warm compresses, massage, and the use of a breast pump for most cases of acute mastitis. With early intervention, significant relief can usually be achieved. However, if the condition has been prolonged and is severe, it is advisable to visit a formal hospital. Prompt medical attention and diagnostic tests, such as a complete blood count and localized ultrasound, are needed to further understand the condition and administer appropriate antibiotic treatment. If an abscess forms in the breast, it should be surgically drained as soon as possible. Maintaining good hygiene, paying attention to a gentle diet, and adopting good living habits, such as going to bed early and waking up early, are also important.

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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.

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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 Zhang Shu Kun
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Which part of the body is moxibustion applied to for acute mastitis?

In cases of acute mastitis, it is recommended to promptly visit a formal hospital and receive timely treatment under the guidance of a doctor. Under the doctor's guidance, treatment should be administered through medication. If mastitis is not treated promptly, it can easily lead to a worsening of the condition and the formation of breast abscesses, which not only prolongs the treatment period but in severe cases, may also require surgery. Moxibustion is a slow treatment method, so it is crucial to treat acute symptoms promptly with medication. However, moxibustion can be performed on acupoints such as Tanzhong and Rugen to achieve effective regulation.

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Written by Zhang Chao Jie
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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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Is hot compress effective for acute mastitis?

An important factor in acute mastitis is the accumulation of milk during breastfeeding, which leads to mastitis. Applying heat can be somewhat effective, as it helps to unblock the milk, thus further alleviating and controlling the symptoms of mastitis. However, heat application is mainly used in the initial stage of mastitis. If the condition progresses further, with more apparent systemic symptoms or pus formation, then heat application is not very effective. Further anti-infection treatment and, if necessary, incision and drainage surgery are needed to control the condition.