10 Mastitis Symptoms

By lizzie

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Mastitis.' Mayo Clinic, 22 July 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mastitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20374829
• 2. 'Mastitis.' La Leche League International, 2021, llli.org/breastfeeding-info/mastitis/

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Mastitis is characterized by inflamed breast tissue. In addition to significant discomfort, it can sometimes result in fever, chills, redness or swelling.¹‘Mastitis.’ Mayo Clinic, 22 July 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mastitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20374829 While this condition is common in women who are breastfeeding, it can also impact men as well as women who are not breastfeeding.

Symptoms of mastitis vary according to cause. For instance, lactation mastitis may manifest differently than bacterial mastitis. The challenge of lactation mastitis can cause some women to stop breastfeeding prematurely. While this is sometimes a frustrating condition, it can be treated effectively to prevent continued discomfort.

Breast Tenderness

One of the main symptoms of mastitis is breast tenderness.¹‘Mastitis.’ Mayo Clinic, 22 July 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mastitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20374829 This symptom can be easy to overlook since breastfeeding can cause slight soreness around the entire breast area, so women may sometimes ignore the early warning signs of mastitis.

While some breast tenderness is to be expected during breastfeeding, it's best to have this symptom checked out if the discomfort becomes overwhelming. Even if mastitis is not to blame, a shift in breastfeeding strategy may be necessary to make it more comfortable if the breast tenderness reaches the point where it becomes unbearable.