Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Different Types of Mastitis?

Melissa Barrett
Melissa Barrett

Mastitis is generally categorized as either puerperal, or occurring in lactation, or nonpuerperal. In lactating women, the condition is common. While painful, the infection is easily treated and fairly harmless. When the condition occurs in nonlactating individuals with no apparent mode of transmission, however, more testing is indicated.

Puerperal mastitis is the most common form of breast infection. This term can be confusing, however, as it points to the fact that the patient is pregnant or lactating rather than the specific cause of the infection. Most frequently, these infections are caused by various bacteria that have entered the breast during breast feeding. Once inside the warm, moist milk ducts, the bacteria reproduce quickly.

Mastitis is a fairly common condition in breast-feeding mothers.
Mastitis is a fairly common condition in breast-feeding mothers.

There is no evidence that suggests that infants are harmed by nursing from a mother with mastitis. So, while nursing with mastitis may be uncomfortable, stopping is not usually encouraged. Conversely, some doctors believe that breast feeding will relieve some of the symptoms and hasten recovery.

Infection of breast tissue is far less common in nonlactating women. Although these infections are generally easily treatable, they may point to a more serious underlying condition. Most frequently, nonpuerperal mastitis will be further labeled as ductal ectasia. This diagnosis is essentially another synonym for breast infection and points to no specific causation.

Puerperal mastitis is a common form of breast infection.
Puerperal mastitis is a common form of breast infection.

Most frequently, ductal estasia presents as a small or tender area on the breast, which may or may not be accompanied by nipple discharge. This type of mastitis is generally brought on by changes in the constancy of the breast. These changes, which often occur as a natural part of the aging process, can result in blocked milk ducts and subsequent infection. Rarely however, these changes may be indications of abnormal growths in nearby breast tissue. As such, patients who present with even uncomplicated and mild cases of ductus estasia may be referred to mammogram or ultrasound testing.

Most women with mastitis have breasts that are swollen and very warm to the touch.
Most women with mastitis have breasts that are swollen and very warm to the touch.

Regardless of the cause, the symptoms of mastitis are fairly universal. Most patients with the condition report moderate to severe pain and swollen breasts that are very warm to the touch. Nipple discharge, ranging in color from white to black, is also frequently noted. Flu-like symptoms, including fatigue and fever, are common as well.

Although rare, a breast abscess may occur in patients with mastitis. This happens when bacteria pool inside a hollow area of the breast. Abscesses are extremely painful and frequently require removal of the bacteria with a needle. Antibiotics are generally prescribed to these patients.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Mastitis is a fairly common condition in breast-feeding mothers.
      By: Valeriy Velikov
      Mastitis is a fairly common condition in breast-feeding mothers.
    • Puerperal mastitis is a common form of breast infection.
      By: Arto
      Puerperal mastitis is a common form of breast infection.
    • Most women with mastitis have breasts that are swollen and very warm to the touch.
      By: Marin Conic
      Most women with mastitis have breasts that are swollen and very warm to the touch.
    • Most patients with mastitis report moderate to severe breast pain.
      By: Iaroslava Zubenko
      Most patients with mastitis report moderate to severe breast pain.
    • Infection of the breast tissue is less common in non-lactating women.
      By: Balint Radu
      Infection of the breast tissue is less common in non-lactating women.