Inflammation of the mammary gland (mastitis) - what is it?
Medical practice defines mastitis (breast) as an inflammatory process in the glandular tissue of the mammary gland, which is characterized by rapid spread. Mammologists distinguish two types of this disease:
- lactating;
- non-lactating.
Lactation mastitis
Acute inflammation of the breast of a nursing woman is diagnosed as lactational mastitis. The causes of this fairly common disease are related to the use of incorrect breastfeeding methods or infectious infection:
- milk stasis (lactostasis or stagnation of milk) is the main reason for the development of mastitis; occurs due to excessive secretion of milk; blockage of the milk ducts; violation of the technique of attaching the child to the breast or abnormalities in the structure of the nipples (this leads to ineffective sucking); limiting the time or duration of feeding; presence of several babies;
- infection – caused by bactericidal pathogenic flora (in the absolute majority of cases, the infectious agent is Staphylococcus aureus).
Provocative factors that can contribute to the risk of developing mastitis are: cracks on the nipples, postpartum depression, exacerbation of the mother's already existing chronic diseases, injury to the mammary gland of any nature, transition to artificial feeding.
Nonlactational mastitis
Inflammation of the mammary gland, which is in no way related to breastfeeding, is defined as non-lactational mastitis. It can occur in representatives of both sexes and different age groups (occurs in teenagers and newborn children). The main reasons for the development of non-lactational mastitis are:
- persistent disturbances of the hormonal background - the period of puberty (puberty), climacteric age in women;
- reduction of immunity – any diseases that cause disorders of the immune system (for example, diabetes, chronic infectious pathologies);
- surgical interventions on mammary glands;
- breast injuries (in particular, piercing).
Symptoms of inflammation of the mammary gland (mastitis)
The nature of the inflammatory process determines the classification of the disease from clinical forms:
- serious (initial) – characterized by the appearance of a small area of inflammation with the formation of serous exudate; is expressed in the swelling of the enlarged mammary gland, hyperemia (redness) of the skin of the affected area, painful sensations during palpation;
- infiltrative - characterized by an accumulation of infiltrate, which is determined by palpation, an increase in body temperature up to 38.5˚С; increase and pain during palpation of axillary lymph nodes;
- abscessing – develops in the absence or ineffectiveness of treatment; to the increasing symptoms listed above, the appearance of a distinct vascular mesh on the mammary gland and clearly limited foci of fluctuation are added ("exploding" hot to the touch red coma);
- phlegmonous – the purulent process spreads to all breast tissues; bluish tint of the skin in the place of sharply expressed swelling of the mammary gland; a significant increase in temperature (up to 39˚С and above), increased intoxication of the body (possible septic shock);
- gangrenous - areas of tissue necrosis appear; can lead to sepsis.
Treatment of inflammation of the mammary gland (mastitis)
The inflammatory process in the mammary gland is an extremely painful problem that requires timely and adequate treatment. When mastitis develops, treatment of any of its forms should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Drug therapy is selected taking into account two main factors:
- maximum effectiveness;
- minimal side effects.
Depending on the situation, antibiotics, antipyretics, nitrofurans, etc. may be prescribed. D. Severe types of mastitis suggest surgical intervention.
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