Liv Hospital General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tükenmez made statements about Mastitis, swelling and redness. Stating that mastitis is a painful inflammation of the breast tissue and is usually caused by bacterial infection, Liv Hospital General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tükenmez said, “It is seen especially in the first three months of breastfeeding women. It is seen in 10 to 30 percent of breastfeeding mothers. "Mastitis may cause symptoms such as swelling, redness, increased temperature, edema, pain, burning sensation, fever and chills in the breasts." he said.
"Excessive milk accumulation in the breast is risky during breastfeeding."
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tükenmez continued by mentioning that although there is no infection, excessive milk production or accumulation in the breast is one of the symptoms:
”In addition to all these, excessive milk accumulation in the breast also increases the risk of bacterial infection. Cracks or wounds on the nipple cause bacteria from the skin to pass into the breast tissue and milk ducts. From time to time, infected milk can accumulate in one area and cause abscess formation. Therefore, in such a case, the abscess must be drained using surgical methods or an injector.” said.
"Diagnosis is important"
Prof. stated that the diagnosis of mastitis is made according to clinical symptoms and examination findings. Dr. Mustafa Tükenmez said, “Breast ultrasound should be used to detect the presence of an abscess in the breast and to determine whether it is accompanied by other pathological consequences such as breast cancer. "Mastitis treatment aims to relieve inflammation and pain and prevent the risks of new infections." He included his statements.
Recommendations for mastitis: Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tükenmez listed it as follows:
Breastfeeding: Establishing milk flow by using the correct breastfeeding method is the main treatment method. To prevent mastitis during breastfeeding, it is important to learn correct breastfeeding techniques and reduce milk accumulation in the breast. Cold application: You can apply cold applications to your breast area by lying on your back at intermittent intervals.
Lymphatic drainage: Applying gentle pressure to your breast tissue, armpit and collarbone and activating lymphatic fluid can help reduce edema and inflammation in the breast. Thus, edema and swelling on the nipple and skin will decrease, and a more comfortable breastfeeding will be ensured as your baby easily grasps the nipple and skin. Massage with high pressure may, contrary to expectations, increase inflammation, pressure-related obstruction and edema in the milk ducts.
Wearing a supportive bra: You should choose bras that do not put pressure on the breast area, are not tight, do not contain underwire and lightly support the breast.
Painkillers: You can use painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs that your doctor deems appropriate.
Antibiotic use: Bacterial breast infections during breastfeeding are mostly skin-borne bacteria and can be treated with simple penicillin or cephalosporin group antibiotics. Antibiotics should be used as your doctor deems appropriate when necessary. Generally, relief is felt within 48 to 72 hours and the infection may disappear within 10 days. Although rare, infections resistant to treatment are also found. In such cases, after the milk culture antibiogram is performed, your doctor may change the antibiotic therapy according to the results.”