Before we tell you how to treat mastitis in nursing mothers, let's try to understand that, in general, it is.Mastitis - is inflammation in the mammary gland.Usually, it coincides with the beginning of breastfeeding, more precisely to the first trimester after birth.According to doctors, from mastitis affects about half of all new mothers.
Stage
The majority of patients the disease develops gradually and goes through several stages.It often appears on the background lactostasis, ie milk stagnation.Incidentally, both diseases are characterized by the same symptoms: fever, pain throughout the body, tension in the chest, swollen nipples.Therefore, before to wonder about how to treat mastitis in nursing mothers, need to verify the accuracy of the diagnosis.However, to identify lactostasis not too difficult: in this case, the high temperature will be observed in one armpit - the one that is next to the "victim" feeding.When serous mastitis the difference will not be as noticeable.Another point: the patient with lactostasis report significant improvement after pumping milk.
Diagnostics
Want to know how to treat mastitis in nursing mothers?As we mentioned above, first of all necessary to diagnose the disease.This is done using a common blood test: the increased number of white blood cells and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate indicate the presence of an inflammatory response.If time does not take action within a couple of weeks mastitis proceeds to the next stage - infiltrative.Moved it is much harder than the previous one: in the breast of a woman appearing seals permanently headache, feeling of weakness persists.The third and most severe form - purulent mastitis in nursing mothers.Symptoms of it speak for themselves: severe pain, swollen breasts, sudden changes in temperature, loss of appetite, nausea ... The body nagging "shouts" about the need to see a doctor.
Possible causes
Among the most common factors influencing the development of mastitis, doctors called milk stasis: accumulating liquid becomes an excellent breeding ground for bacteria.The same effect have cracked nipples - through them in the lymphatic vessels penetrate the microorganisms that provoke mastitis in nursing mothers.Treatment should be thus directed primarily at destroying infections.Also, do not underestimate diseases such as sinusitis, tonsillitis or pulp.The fact that the immune system after birth for some time is reduced, so it is a high risk of complications.
Therapy
So, how to treat mastitis in nursing mothers?Whatever step he did not pass at the moment, you should seek professional help.Self-medication (especially antibiotics) can hurt not only you but also your baby.If the cause is a serious infection, it is recommended to temporarily stop breastfeeding the baby and move to artificial feeding.Antibacterial drugs prescribed by a doctor, usually administered intramuscularly or intravenously.Usually the treatment lasts for about ten days.In order to improve the outflow of the milk, hormonal preparations are used.It is also advisable to regularly decant.
