[Literature Summary] A practical summary of acute mastitis

Mastitis, inflammation of breast tissues, can be classified into lactational and non-lactational mastitis including periductal mastitis and idiopathic granulomatous mastitis. Lactational mastitis is the most common form and usually occurs after a period of incomplete drainage and milk stasis. Some take home messages are as below.

A key consideration in treating lactational mastitis is continuing to empty the breast,

• Encouraging patients to continue to breastfeed if desired, or
• Encouraging the use of a breast pump or hand expression

Supportive measures can be used to manage lactational mastitis conservatively for the first 12 to 24 hours

• Antibiotic treatment should be started if symptoms do not improve after this period

If there is no improvement of symptoms in 24 to 28 hours,

• Possibility of a breast abscess should be considered and an ultrasound should be obtained

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis, a rare condition, is often mistaken for breast carcinoma

• A biopsy must be carried out to diagnose the condition and to eliminate more serious pathology

Link to publication:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557782/?report=reader
 

WYE-EM-279-NOV-20