Therapy of the inflammation of the breast gland

Antibiotics should be used for the bacterial form of mastitis. If the mastitis has already turned into an abscess, this must be opened surgically. In both forms (bacterial and non-bacterial) of mastitis non puerperalis, so-called prolactin inhibitors are administered to contain the hormone disorder and thus the excessive milk secretion.

They must be taken over several weeks. If there is no improvement after a few days, the presence of a special form of breast cancer (inflammatory breast carcinoma) must be clarified, as it shows the same symptoms as mastitis non puerperalis. As relapses occur frequently, the therapy should be continued for a sufficiently long time and risk factors, such as continued milk secretion after breastfeeding, should be eliminated.

The treatment of mastitis non puerperalis is mainly symptomatic. If the pain symptoms are pronounced, painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can be taken. Ibuprofen has the advantage in the symptomatic treatment of mastitis non puerperalis that, in addition to its pain-relieving effect, it can also inhibit the inflammatory processes taking place inside the mammary gland tissue.

This is not possible when taking paracetamol. The bacterial form of mastitis non puerperalis is also treated with antibiotics. If an abscess is present, it must be surgically opened and completely removed.

The bacterial form of mastitis non puerperalis is often treated by administering prolactin inhibitors. The inflammation of the breast should be treated with antibiotics as soon as possible, as it is no longer accessible to antibiotic therapy in the more advanced stage of the abscess formation. In this case, prolactin inhibitors (see above) and/or heat therapy with red light are used.

The surgical opening of the abscess may also become necessary. In addition, cooling the breast can provide relief. Milk should be discarded during mastitis because it contains germs.

After the inflammation has subsided, breastfeeding can be continued in most cases. Various household remedies have been used more frequently in the past to treat mastitis. These include the application of heat before breastfeeding and the application of cold, for example by applying cool curd compresses after breastfeeding.

This improves the flow of milk, stimulates the tissue to swell and thus reduces the cause of the inflammation. Another household remedy that helps to alleviate the symptoms, similar to curd compresses, is white cabbage compresses, which are placed on the breast in a cooled state. During the breastfeeding period, regular breastfeeding is an important indication for improving inflammation of the breast, so that the breast can be relieved several times a day.

If breastfeeding is not possible, the use of breast pumps can be helpful. The correct application technique is also important for prevention. In homeopathy, mastitis is also a well-known clinical picture, which is treated with globules.

There are different plants and dilutions for this purpose, which are individually adapted to the appearance of the mastitis. The most frequently used globules contain parts of the plants Belladonna, Hepar sulfuris, Bryonia and Phytolacca. But other globules can also be used in the treatment.