Mastitis is a painful condition that causes inflammation of the breast or udder tissues usually due to infection or blockage of the milk duct as a result of lack of emptying breast milk during breastfeeding.
It is also referred to as milk fever. The most common pathogen responsible for mastitis is Staphylococcus aureus. 

TYPES OF MASTITIS

LACTATIONAL MASTITIS: The most common type. This occurs in breastfeeding mothers (during lactational) as a result of improper breastfeeding position and habits; causing the breast milk not to be properly drained out, causing accumulation of milk in the duct thereby pain and inflammation turns up. This condition is common during the first six months of breastfeeding. It can leave a new mother feeling tired. Breastfeeding mothers with babies whose teeth has started to develop can develop mastitis as a result of their babies biting their nipple and causing crack on the nipple. Cracks on the nipple creates way for bacteria on the skin to enter the breast and cause mammitis (another name for mastitis).

NON-LACTATIONAL MASTITIS: though mastitis is most common with breastfeeding mothers but in some cases it occurs in pregnant women too. This type is known as non lactational mastitis. This occurs as a result of crack on the nipple due to some factors like dried skin(lack of moisture) and trauma. The crack on the breast creates an opening for bacteria on the skin to enter and cause infection in the breast, making the breast to become tender and painful and can sometimes be followed by fever and chills.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS
Mastitis rarely occurs in healthy women. Some clinical conditions can make both pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers prone to this condition, they include; diabetes melitus, AIDS,sickle cell disease, weakened immune system due to constant prolonged stress and other chronic illnesses, tight fitted or bra that puts much pressure on the nipple.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Swollen breast, warm breast, feeling of continuous pain or burning sensation in the breast, Brest tenderness, fever, chills, breast skin becomes red, sometimes heart rate increase.
Mastitis that is not quickly detected or not treated can lead to abscesses (puss filled in a cavity due to infection).
COMPLICATIONS OF MASTITIS
Abscess: untreated mastitis can cause puss filled in a cavity of the breast due to infection.
MILK STASIS: untreated mastitis can cause blockage of milk duct Leading to accumulation of milk in the breast thereby causing breast pain and inflammation.
RECURRENCE: women with history of mastitis may still experience this condition again.

MANAGEMENT OF MASTITIS
For lactational mastitis antibiotics are most times not needed but breastfeeding mothers should adopt a breast feeding pattern that will permit the flow of breast milk and proper and complete drainage of milk.
broad spectrum antibiotics like amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combination are used to treat the bacteria infection causing the mastitis. Ascorbic acid(vitamin C) may be included in patient's medication to help improve immune system. Metronidazole may also be used along with the other antibiotics used in managing the infection so as to rule out any possible anaerobic bacteria present. Always meet meet your a qualified healthcare practitioner for your prescription.. Do not self prescribe.

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