MASTITIS

What is mastitis?

Mastitis is an infection that develops in breast tissue. The painful condition causes one breast to become swollen, red and inflamed. In rare cases, it affects both breasts. Mastitis is a type of benign (noncancerous) breast disease. 

It is usually caused by an infection. It often happens while a woman is breastfeeding, especially during the first 6-12 weeks. This is a localized collection of pus within breast tissue. Severe cases of mastitis can be fatal if left untreated.

It is thought to affect around 10% of all breast-feeding mothers. However, study results vary significantly, from a very small percentage of cases up to 33%.

Causes

Milk that is trapped in the breast is the main cause of mastitis. Other causes include:

A blocked milk duct. If a breast doesn't completely empty at feedings, one of your milk ducts can become clogged. The blockage causes milk to back up, leading to breast infection.

Bacteria entering your breast. Bacteria from your skin's surface and baby's mouth can enter the milk ducts through a crack in the skin of your nipple or through a milk duct opening. Stagnant milk in a breast that isn't emptied provides a breeding ground for the bacteria. 

Risk factors

The following may increase your risk of developing mastitis:

• breastfeeding for the first few weeks after childbirth

• sore or cracked nipples

• using only one position to breastfeed

• wearing a tight-fitting bra

• previous episodes of mastitis

• extreme tiredness or fatigue

Types 

 The different types of mastitis include:

1. Lactation: This infection type affects breastfeeding women. Also called puerperal mastitis, it's the most common.

2. Periductal: Menopausal and postmenopausal women and smokers are more prone to periductal mastitis. Also called mammary duct ectasia, this condition occurs when milk ducts thicken. The nipple on the affected breast may turn inward (inverted nipple) and produce a milky discharge

Symptoms

Signs or symptoms may develop rapidly. They can include:

• an area of the breast becoming red and swollen

• the affected area of the breast hurting when touched

• the affected area feeling hot when touched

• a burning sensation in the breast that may always be there or only when breast-feeding

• flu-like symptoms

The following symptoms may be present:

• anxiety and feeling stressed

• chills and shivering

• elevated body temperature

• fatigue

• general aches and pains

• a feeling of malaise

Homoeopathic treatment for mastitis 

Homoeopathy is a very effective mode of treatment for problems like mastitis. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. 

Homoeopathy aim is not only to treat diseases of mammary glands but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several remedies are available to treat diseases of mammary glands that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensations and modalities of the complaints. 

Here are few medicines in homoeopathic for mastitis:

• Echinacea

• Belladonna

• Apis mel

• Chamomilla

• Bryonia alba

• Conium

• Calc fluor

• Phytolacca Dec

• Sulphur

• Carbo veg

• Pulsatilla etc., 

None of these medicines should be taken without professional advice. 

For individualized remedy selection and treatment, contact BRAHMA MADHURYA HOMOEOPATHY CLINIC - +91-7057579595 or www.brahmamadhurya.com