Mastitis is an infection in the breast. It is usually found in women who are breast feeding. During nursing, normal germs from the skin enter the breast. If the breast is not emptied well, or a breast tube, or duct, is clogged, the germs are likely to grow. The symptoms of mastitis include:
* fever,
* pain,
* redness, and sometimes
* a lump in the breast.

If not treated, a pocket of infection, called an abcess, can form. This may need to be drained for complete relief.

If you are breast feeding and think mastitis is starting, make sure you are emptying your breasts with each feeding. You may need to use a breast pump or manually express your milk to make sure of this. Mastitis can start when your baby first sleeps through the night. Take care to empty your breasts well with each feeding. You may empty a small amount between feedings if pain starts. If you are feeling sick, or this does not improve in 24 hours, call your healthcare provider. You can continue to feed from the breast but you may need an antibiotic for complete treatment. Make sure you wash both your hands and breasts with a mild soap and water before and after each feeding. This will help prevent another infection.

If you are not breast feeding and think mastitis is starting, you need to call your healthcare provider. The treatment will depend on the situation, but usually an antibiotic will be all that is needed. In the older woman, a mammogram may be offered as well.

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