Mastitis

Question 1

Mastitis

Answer 1

Inflammation of breast tissue

Question 2

Cause of mastitis

Answer 2

Breastfeeding

Question 3

Pathophysiology of mastitis

Answer 3

Caused by obstruction in the ducts and accumulation of milk

Bacterial infection occurs

Question 4

Prevention of mastitis

Answer 4

Regularly expressing breast milk from both breasts

Question 5

Common causative organism of mastitis

Answer 5

Staph aureus

Question 6

Presentation of mastitis

Answer 6

Mastitis presents with:
- Breast pain and tenderness (unilateral)
- Erythema in a focal area of breast tissue
- Local warmth and inflammation
- Nipple discharge
Fever

Question 7

Management of mastitis

Answer 7

Continues breastfeeding 
Expressing milk
Breast massage 
Heat packs
Simple analgesia

2nd line - flucloxacillin or erythromycin if allergic

Question 8

Complication of mastitis

Answer 8

Breast abscess

Question 9

Candida of the nipple

Answer 9

Can occur after a course of antibiotics
Causes recurrent mastitis
Associated with oral thrush

Question 10

How does Candida of the nipple present

Answer 10

Sore nipples bilaterally, particularly after feeding

Nipple tenderness and itching

Cracked, flaky or shiny areola

Symptoms in the baby, such as white patches in the mouth and on the tongue, or candidal nappy rash

Question 11

Management of Candida of the nipple

Answer 11

Both the mother and baby need treatment

Treatment with:

• Topical miconazole after each breastfeed
• Treatment for the baby (e.g. miconazole gel or nystatin)