Introduction
Inflammation of the breast occurs particularly frequently during pregnancy or breastfeeding. In addition, however, inflammation of the breast can also occur without pregnancy being present. The clinical picture shows typical signs of inflammation, although the symptoms are often more pronounced in nursing mothers. In the event of an inflammation of the breast, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Symptoms at a glance
Depending on the cause, an inflammation of the breast can have different symptoms. The typical symptoms include In many cases, mastitis is accompanied by inflammatory processes in the mammary ducts. For this reason, young mothers are particularly often affected.
Such an inflammation of the breast usually occurs one to two weeks after the birth of a child and is called mastitis puerperalis. The symptoms of mastitis often include high fever and a general feeling of illness. In addition, pain, which usually occurs strictly unilaterally in the affected breast, is one of the most common symptoms, as well as significant overheating of the tissue.
Also a swelling of the affected breast as well as a burning of the nipples and a visible reddening of the breast can be observed. The typical symptoms are less pronounced in the case of inflammation of the breast outside the breastfeeding period, in the case of so-called mastitis non-puerperalis, than in the case of inflammation of the breast during breastfeeding. While mastitis during breastfeeding can usually be treated well and is characterized by a rapid decline in symptoms, mastitis non-puerperalis tends to occur repeatedly.
In addition, breast abscesses can develop in the course of mastitis. This is an encapsulated collection of pus caused by the inflammatory processes. Such changes usually present themselves as palpable hardening of the breast tissue.
- Fever
- General feeling of illness (tiredness/weakness)
- Pain and feelings of tension
- Redness
- Swelling
- Overheating of the chest
- Swelling of lymph nodes
- Node
- Altered breast milk
Fever is a typical accompanying symptom of mastitis. The body reacts to the focus of inflammation by raising the body temperature to kill off pathogens. This is a sign of the immune reaction taking place.
In the case of a mild mastitis, the fever may also be absent. The affected breast is then merely painful, reddened and possibly swollen. However, if it is more pronounced, a higher fever usually occurs in the course of the disease.
If the inflammation is treated appropriately, the fever usually subsides quickly and the woman can recover. In the case of a mastitis, a hard lump can be felt in the affected breast. In addition, the affected area is usually swollen, reddened and very painful.
A lump is therefore a typical finding in mastitis. It is caused by the inflammatory reaction of the glandular tissue. In addition, the lymph nodes in the armpit on the corresponding side often swell up, so that it is possible to palpate nodes there as well.
As the inflammation of the breast is treated and the symptoms subside, the lump recedes. A lump in the breast should always be observed and clarified by a doctor, as benign or malignant growths can also be hidden behind it. For this reason, a gynaecologist should always be consulted in the case of such symptoms, who can then decide on the further procedure.
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