Mastitis Flashcards
what is mastitis?
breast infection
when does mastitis develop?
well after the flow of milk has been established
what is generally the infecting organism?
hemolytic S. aureus
what does it typically look like?
infected nipple fissure usually is the initial lesion, followed by ductal system involvement.
Inflammatory edema and engorgement of the breast obstruct what?
the flow of milk in a lobe; regional, then generalized, mastitis follows
If treatment is not prompt, mastitis may progress to:
breast abscess
when do the symptoms appear?
appear before the end of the first postpartum week and are more common in the third to fourth weeks
what are the symptoms of mastitis?
chills, fever, malaise, and local breast tenderness. Localized breast tenderness, pain, swelling, redness, and axillary adenopathy
what is the tx?
antibiotics
how is lactation maintained in mastitis?
maintained by emptying the breasts every 2 to 4 hours by breastfeeding, manual expression, or a breast pump
what should mothers be counselled about for when they go home?
prevention of cracked nipples, incomplete breast emptying, and plugged milk ducts
what is the management/tx for mastitis?
intensive antibiotic therapy (e.g., cephalosporins and vancomycin, useful in staphylococcal infections), support of breasts, local heat or cold, adequate hydration, and analgesics.
how can almost all instances of acute mastitis be avoided?
using proper breastfeeding technique to prevent cracked nipples
what can lead to clogged nipples?
Missed feedings, waiting too long between feedings, and abrupt weaning
