Symptoms of Mastitis
Mastitis symptoms typically appear suddenly and can cause significant discomfort. These symptoms include breast pain, swelling, redness, and warmth, often accompanied by systemic signs like fever and fatigue. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on whether the condition is inflammatory or infectious. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial to begin treatment promptly and prevent complications such as abscess formation.
1. Localized Breast Pain and Tenderness
The first noticeable symptom of mastitis is usually pain in the affected breast. The pain tends to be focused in one area and may get worse during or after breastfeeding. It is caused by inflammation due to blocked ducts, infection, or trauma.
Breastfeeding mothers often describe the pain as:
- Throbbing or aching
- Sharp or stabbing, especially while feeding
- Worsened by pressure or touch
This pain may lead the mother to avoid using the affected breast, which can cause milk to accumulate, worsening the condition.
2. Swelling and Hard, Engorged Area
Swelling in the affected breast is another common sign. The swollen area may feel:
- Firm or hard to the touch
- Raised or lumpy
- Warm and visibly larger compared to the other breast
This swelling often occurs in one or more parts of the breast and is typically on only one side. Blocked milk ducts and inflammation contribute to the hard texture.
3. Redness or Wedge-shaped Area of Inflammation
A classic sign of mastitis is a red, triangular or wedge-shaped patch extending from the nipple. This redness happens due to increased blood flow and inflammation. The affected skin may also appear:
- Shiny or stretched
- Red and sensitive
- Thicker than surrounding tissue
The red area often matches the most painful or swollen part of the breast.
4. Warmth Over the Affected Area
The affected breast may feel warmer than the surrounding skin because of the increased blood flow and inflammation. Early on, the heat may be subtle, but as inflammation progresses, the area becomes noticeably warmer.
In infectious mastitis, the warmth is often more intense than in non-infectious cases, though both can feel hot to the touch.
5. Fever and Chills
When mastitis becomes infectious, systemic symptoms like fever and chills can occur. A fever is a sign that the body is fighting an infection. Women with mastitis may experience:
- Fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F)
- Chills or shivering
- Sweating, especially at night
These symptoms can resemble flu-like illnesses, so it’s important to consider the breast symptoms. If a woman has a fever along with breast pain, mastitis should be suspected.
6. Fatigue and General Malaise
Even if mastitis isn’t infectious, it can cause significant fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell. This happens as the immune system works to manage the inflammation and potential infection. Symptoms may include:
- Muscle aches
- Trouble sleeping because of pain
- Loss of appetite
When combined with the demands of breastfeeding and caring for a newborn, this fatigue can be overwhelming.
7. Nipple Changes and Discharge
Nipple and areola changes are common due to inflammation or infection. Symptoms can include:
- Cracked or bleeding nipples
- Pus-like or bloody discharge from the nipple
- Scabbing or peeling skin
- Sharp pain during latch-on or milk ejection
Sometimes, thick yellow discharge may look like milk but is actually a sign of infection. Nipple trauma can make the symptoms worse and increase the risk of infection.
8. Lymph Node Enlargement
Lymph nodes in the armpit (axillary nodes) on the side of the affected breast may become swollen and tender. This is a normal immune response to the nearby infection. These nodes may feel:
- Firm but movable
- Tender to the touch
- Slightly swollen without redness
Enlarged lymph nodes are more common in infectious mastitis, though inflammation alone can also cause mild swelling.
9. Decreased Milk Supply or Milk Refusal
Pain can make breastfeeding more difficult, and the baby may refuse to feed from the affected breast. Other issues may include:
- Lower milk supply due to blocked ducts
- Pain preventing the let-down reflex
- Baby refusing to feed on the affected side
If mastitis affects both breasts or lasts too long, mothers may notice a drop in their overall milk supply.
10. Signs of Abscess Formation (in Advanced Cases)
If mastitis is not treated promptly, it can lead to an abscess — a pocket of pus within the breast. Warning signs of an abscess include:
- A persistent, localized lump that feels soft or fluctuates
- Increased redness and thinning of the skin
- A visible or draining wound
- Fever that doesn’t go away with antibiotics
In such cases, ultrasound or drainage may be required for diagnosis and treatment.
How Symptoms Vary by Mastitis Type
| Type | Main Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Lactational Mastitis | Pain, swelling, redness, fever, nipple trauma, reduced milk flow |
| Non-Lactational | Pain, redness, duct blockage, nipple discharge (especially in smokers) |
| Chronic Mastitis | Recurrent pain, thick discharge, skin changes, and hard breast tissue |
| Abscess Formation | Persistent lump, fever, visible drainage, and pus-filled mass |
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical advice if:
- Symptoms worsen after 24–48 hours of self-care
- High fever and systemic symptoms are present
- There’s nipple discharge that looks like pus or blood
- A lump in the breast becomes more painful or grows
- Mastitis recurs or occurs in non-lactating women
Delays in treatment can lead to complications that may require surgery or hospitalization.
Summary
In summary, the symptoms of mastitis include localized breast pain, swelling, redness, and warmth, often accompanied by fever and fatigue. Nipple trauma, decreased milk supply, and lymph node tenderness are common as well. Recognizing these symptoms early enables prompt treatment, preventing the condition from advancing to complications such as abscesses. A careful assessment helps determine whether the mastitis is inflammatory or infectious, guiding the best treatment approach.
