How to determine if it is mastitis?

During the lactation period, women's immunity will be reduced, so it is easy to get mastitis. Once a woman develops mastitis during the lactation period, she needs to stop breastfeeding immediately, otherwise it may affect the baby's health. In fact, the disease can be prevented. Before prevention, you need to understand its symptoms. So how do you judge whether it is mastitis?

First, how to determine whether it is mastitis? At the beginning of acute mastitis, the affected breast will be swollen and painful, especially during breastfeeding, milk secretion will be poor, there may or may not be breast lumps, or it may be accompanied by general discomfort, poor appetite, chest tightness and irritability, etc. Then, the local breast becomes hard and the lump gradually increases in size, which may be accompanied by obvious systemic symptoms such as high fever, chills, general weakness, dry stool, etc. Abscesses can often form within 4 to 5 days, and throbbing pain in the breast may occur, with local redness, swelling, and translucency of the skin. When pus forms, the center of the lump becomes soft and feels fluctuating when pressed. If it is a deep breast abscess, the entire breast may become swollen, painful, and have a high fever, but the local skin redness, swelling, and fluctuation are not obvious. Sometimes there may be several abscesses, or they may form at different times. They may penetrate the skin or enter the milk duct, causing pus to overflow from the nipple. After the ulcer breaks and pus flows out, the pus will drain smoothly, the swelling and pain will be reduced, and the disease will heal. If not treated properly, the abscess may penetrate the loose connective tissue in front of the pectoralis major fascia, forming a retromammary abscess; or milk may overflow from the wound and form milk leakage; in severe cases, sepsis may occur.

Second, how to prevent mastitis? It depends on the individual and you should take supplements as needed. Distinguish whether it is true oligogalactia or false oligogalactia. If it is false lactation, then taking foods that promote milk secretion at this time will only have a counterproductive effect and can easily lead to the occurrence of acute mastitis. It is to keep the breasts clean. During breastfeeding, you can use gauze dipped in warm water to clean the breasts and nipples before breastfeeding. After breastfeeding, wipe the breasts and nipples clean with warm water. It is correct breastfeeding. Regular breastfeeding is recommended, preferably every 2 to 3 hours. It is best to feed the two breasts alternately to give the babies equal opportunities. It is a breastfeeding massage. Women who have undergone caesarean section often have slow milk production and insufficient milk in the early stages, so they need timely milk-inducing massage. Keep the environment quiet, your emotions stable, and avoid getting angry. The temperature and humidity of the mother's room should be appropriate, generally 22℃ ~ 24℃. Proper diet, smooth bowel movements and stable emotions are all very important for the mother.

If you discover breast lesions during breast self-examination or screening, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible and do not be afraid to seek medical treatment. Some babies may not be used to eating cow's milk powder. In order to provide babies with a normal milk supply, mothers should pay attention to preventing the occurrence of mastitis.