Mastitis

Inflammation of breast tissue, usually caused by bacterial infection and sometimes by hormonal changes. Mastitis usually occurs when bacteria enter the nipple during breast-feeding. It can also be caused by changes in levels of sex hormones in the body – for example, at the onset of puberty. Mastitis results in pain, tenderness, and swelling in one or both breasts. Bacterial mastitis during breast-feeding also causes redness and engorgement and may result in a breast abscess. Mastitis caused by infection is treated with antibiotic drugs and analgesic drugs, and by expressing milk to relieve engorgement. Mastitis caused by hormone changes usually clears up in a few weeks without treatment.