Mastitis in newborns: why do the mammary and mammary glands swell and inflame in boys and girls? Is mastitis dangerous in newborns: how to identify and treat Breast inflammation in children.

Mastitis in newborns is an inflammation of the mammary gland in a child of the first month after birth. This process It also occurs in older children, but more often in newborns due to the peculiarities of the structure and functioning of the mammary gland. Any inflammatory process in such a baby threatens with serious complications and generalization of inflammation, which is why the problem of mastitis is so important for timely diagnosis.

ICD-10 code

P39.0 Neonatal infectious mastitis

Epidemiology

The epidemiology of mastitis in newborns is such that about 65% of all children in the first month of life suffer from physiological mastopathy, and about 30% of cases are complicated by purulent mastitis. The death rate from purulent mastitis is 1 in 10 cases of the disease, which is an incredibly high figure, despite the presence of new modern methods treatment. About 92% of cases of mastitis are primary, caused by exogenous entry of the pathogen through cracks or scratches in the nipple. Such data make it possible to prevent the disease by simply talking with parents about the rules for caring for a child, which will reduce the amount of mastitis.

Causes of mastitis in newborns

Mom is the first person who notices any changes in the health of her baby. Mastitis develops very quickly in such a child, so it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint its cause. But you definitely need to know about all the possible factors that affect the development of mastitis, so that it is the mother who can prevent their development.

The mammary glands in a newborn child have their own anatomical and physiological features. The mammary gland consists of glandular tissue, loose connective tissue and milk ducts. In newborns, it lies on a large "fat pad", which consists of connective tissue with a loose structure. The milk ducts themselves are not strongly developed, but they have a slight branching in the radial direction. Under the influence of mother's hormones, there may be an activation of the synthesis of myocytes and connective tissue cells just before childbirth, which some time after birth gives clinical manifestations physiological engorgement of the mammary glands. This process is considered normal and is not accompanied by inflammation. A small amount of secretion may even come out of the nipple - colostrum, which is also not a pathology. But often, out of inexperience or simply through negligence, parents injure the gland or try to somehow treat engorgement by squeezing out a secret. This is often main reason mastitis as a primary complication of physiological mastopathy.

The pathogenesis of the development of the inflammatory process lies in the fact that at the slightest cracks in the nipple or on the halo, the bacteria that are on the surface of the skin enter the tissue of the gland. This leads to the activation of the immune defense and leukocytes are activated in this place of entry of bacteria. After this, an active immune response begins and the inflammatory process causes the onset of symptoms. But a feature of the structure of the mammary gland of newborns is a large amount of loose connective tissue, which in turn allows the inflammatory process to instantly spread further with rapid damage to other tissues. Such features of the pathogenesis of mastitis lead to the early appearance of complications, which must be taken into account in timely diagnosis.

Another common cause of mastitis in newborns can be considered not proper care behind the baby's skin. This group of reasons includes not only insufficient hygiene measures, but also excessive care. This term means that often mothers massage the child incorrectly, or try to wash him thoroughly by rubbing the skin with a washcloth. All this is an additional factor of traumatization, and as a consequence - an incoming gate for infection. Therefore, a healthy newborn child does not need such activities, a light bath in water without rubbing is enough.

The cause of mastitis can be not only a local inflammatory reaction, but also a systemic one. For example, in a child with a sore throat or otitis media that is not diagnosed on time, the infection may spread through the lymphogenous or hematogenous route. At the same time, against the background of weakened immunity or in premature babies, there may be a generalization of infection with the development of mastitis secondary to tonsillitis.

Speaking about the causes of mastitis in newborns, it is necessary to highlight the main etiological factors in children of this age. The cause is often streptococci, staphylococci, enterococci. This is important not only for diagnostic purposes, but also for the choice of treatment tactics.

The causes of mastitis in a newborn are pathogenic bacteria that cause an inflammatory process. To date, group B streptococci (which are a common cause of mastitis in newborns), group C (are the cause of sepsis in newborns) have etiological significance in the development of mastitis. Since the 80s, the number of diseases, pyogenic infections caused by coagulase-negative strains of staphylococci St.epidermidis, St.saprophiticus, St. hemoliticus, St.xylosus, that is, the species composition of staphylococci changes. Therefore, the division of staphylococci into "pathogenic" and "non-pathogenic" is currently conditional. The pathogenic effect of staphylococci is explained by their ability to secrete toxins (lethal toxin, enterotoxin, necrotoxin, hemotoxin, leukocidin) and aggression enzymes (coagulase, fibrinolysin, hyaluronidase), which greatly facilitate the spread of the pathogen in the tissues of the infant's body. In addition, most pathogenic strains secrete penicillinase, cephalosporinase, which destroy penicillins, cephalosporins in usual therapeutic doses.

Further along with staphylococcal infection, which occurs in newborns in 45-50% of mastitis and other skin infections, the proportion of gram-negative flora increases. Outbreaks begin to appear caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, serration, Proteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (in 30-68%), their association. Gram-negative opportunistic flora has a pronounced biological plasticity, which allows them to adapt to different ecological niches. Some of them: Escherichia coli, Klebsiela, Proteus, Enterobacter are representatives normal microflora human, other serrations, pseudomonas are mainly found in environment. They can cause various pathological processes in newborns in addition to mastitis, omphalitis, enteritis, pneumonia, conjunctivitis, meningitis, and sepsis. Of particular danger are hospital strains that are formed in hospitals as a result of the widespread, often irrational use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. As a result, strains with high resistance to antibiotics and disinfectants are formed.

Another feature of the etiological flora of mastitis is the presence of pathogenicity factors in bacteria (enterotoxigenicity, adhesiveness), aggression enzymes (proteases, DNAases), hemolytic activity, which enhance their pathogenic potential. A feature is resistance in the external environment (their ability to stay and reproduce in the external environment for a long time at low temperatures). Moist places are especially favorable for them: toilet bowls, sinks, soapboxes, brushes for washing hands, resuscitation equipment. All this contributes to their wide distribution in a hospital setting and is a risk factor for the development of mastitis in a child when it is infected while still in the hospital.

Thus, the cause of mastitis in newborns is bacteria that may represent the normal flora of the child or can be infected by them from external environment. But in this case, a prerequisite for the development of inflammation in the mammary gland of a child is the presence of an incoming gate for infection. This may be a scratch or damage to the skin of the breast, a crack in the nipple during physiological engorgement, which allows the pathogen to get under the skin and contributes to the further development of the inflammatory process.

The causes of mastitis in newborns are directly related to external factors, so proper care for the baby during this period is very important.

Risk factors

Risk factors for developing mastitis:

premature baby has a reduced protective function immune system, which allows the purulent process to spread faster;
physiological engorgement of the mammary glands may be a prerequisite for the development of mastitis;
injury to the skin of the breast or nipple;
previous operations in a child with a long stay in a hospital and contact with hospital flora;
unfavorable obstetric history: long-term infertility, somatic diseases, extragenital pathology;
pathological course of pregnancy, threat of miscarriage, urogenital diseases, acute respiratory viral infections, exacerbation of chronic foci, prolonged hypoxia;
pathological course of childbirth, premature birth, long anhydrous period, obstetric interventions, tons in childbirth;
the need for resuscitation and intensive care, mechanical ventilation, intubation, catheterization of the main vessels, th nutrition;
artificial feeding from the first days.

Thus, mastitis can develop in an absolutely healthy baby without signs of pathology after birth, and the main factor in this case is infection with the bacterial flora.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of the formation of inflammation of the mammary gland in a newborn child is based on the features of the development of the gland in children after birth. In every child after birth, all organs and systems adapt to the conditions of the external environment. One of these states of adaptation of the child is a sexual crisis. The appearance of a hormonal crisis is due to the action of maternal estrogen hormones, which, starting from the 7th month of gestation, pass from mother to fetus in utero.

One of the manifestations of a sexual crisis is a symmetrical swelling of the mammary glands, which appears on the 2nd-4th day of a child's life, and reaches a maximum value up to 6-7 days. This phenomenon is observed in both girls and boys. The mammary glands are usually slightly enlarged, sometimes they swell to a size walnut. The skin over them tenses, may become hyperemic. When pressed, a whitish liquid resembling colostrum is released from the glands. Against this background, mastitis mainly develops. For this, a prerequisite for the inflammation process should be the penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the breast tissue. Only this implies the development in the future against the background of physiological mastopathy - mastitis.

Susceptibility to infections in newborns is high, which is predetermined by the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the skin of the newborn and their reduced immunological reactivity, imperfection of the nonspecific defense system:

Low phagocytic activity of leukocytes, complement activity, low level of lysozyme impairs the penetration of epithelial-endothelial barrier protection
Specific protection is provided by the humoral and cellular immunity, which also has its own characteristics that contribute to the development of mastitis in newborns:
1. low synthesis of own Ig G, secretory Ig A;
2. the predominance of the synthesis of macroglobulin Ig M, which, due to its structure, does not have sufficient protective properties;
3. low cytotoxic activity of T-lymphocytes, insufficiency of the cellular link.

Symptoms of mastitis in newborns

The first signs of mastitis in a newborn may appear against the background of physiological mastopathy. Then there is a violation of the general condition of the child, capriciousness or even severe anxiety. After a few hours, you can already see the objective symptoms of mastitis. The gland itself increases significantly in size, the skin above it becomes red or even with a hint of blue. If you try the baby's breast, then he will instantly react, as this is accompanied by severe pain. If an abscess has formed, then you can feel how the pus moves under the fingers during palpation - a symptom of fluctuation. This process is usually one-sided. Allocations can also be at the same time from the nipple on the side of the lesion in the form of green or yellow pus. These are the main symptoms that indicate a local inflammatory process. They develop very quickly, sometimes over several hours. But it is not always possible to detect such changes. Sometimes the first symptom may be a significant increase in body temperature. Then the child screams, sometimes there may be convulsions against the background of this.

Mastitis in newborn girls and boys is equally common and the symptoms also do not differ. But there are stages of the inflammatory process, which differ in manifestations. Not always the dynamics of the stages can be traced in newborns, since the process quickly passes from one to another.

Serous mastitis is an inflammation that is characterized by initial changes in the breast tissue and the accumulation of serous secretion. This stage is characterized by the initial manifestations of the disease in the form of a violation of the general condition and swelling of the gland. There may still be no change in skin color, but body temperature may rise.

The infiltrative stage occurs when an active immune response in the gland tissue is accompanied by infiltration and the formation of a diffuse focus. This is already manifested by reddening of the skin, pain, high body temperature. Further, the foci of infiltration merge and the number of dead leukocytes forms pus, which leads to the next stage.

Purulent mastitis of a newborn is characterized by an extreme degree of symptomatology against the background of a massive infectious process, which can easily spread to deeper tissues.

Forms

Types of mastitis are classified according to stages, which is sometimes difficult to distinguish due to the rapid dynamics in such children. Therefore, the main task of the mother is the timely immediate appeal to the doctor if there are symptoms of redness or an increase in one gland with a violation of the general condition of the child.

Symptoms of mastitis in a newborn depend on the stage of the disease. There are several types of inflammation of the breast.

According to the clinical course.
1. Spicy:
  1. stage of serous inflammation;
  2. infiltrative (phlegmonous) form;
  3. abscess stage;
  4. gangrenous.
2. Chronic:
  1. non-specific;
  2. specific.
By localization:
1. subareolar
2. Antemamarny (premamarny).
3. Intramammary:
  1. parenchymal
  2. interstitial.
4. Retromamarniy.
5. Panmastitis.

In newborns, one mammary gland and all at once are more often involved in the process, so we are talking about panmastitis. The first signs of the disease are manifested by local symptoms. The onset of the disease is usually acute. In most cases, the disease begins with the appearance of hardening of the mammary gland, rapidly increasing pain. The pain is intense, can be pulsating in nature, does not radiate, increases with palpation of the gland. Such an inflammatory process causes an early increase in body temperature to high numbers (39-40). Due to the inflammatory process, weakness, anxiety of the baby, a piercing cry develops. Then there is a pronounced hyperemia and fluctuation of the skin over the site of inflammation. The general condition is disturbed, intoxication syndrome is expressed, appetite is reduced, sluggish sucking. Passing through successive stages of the disease, at the stage of formation of a gangrenous or phlegmonous process, the child's condition can be significantly aggravated. The body temperature quickly rises, which cannot be reduced. The child begins to refuse food, he can constantly sleep or, on the contrary, screams. The dark gray or blue color of the inflammatory process may be visible on the skin, which may show through the thin skin of the child. The inflammatory process spreads very quickly and the child's condition may worsen in a few hours. Therefore, purulent mastitis in a newborn is most common, when the process quickly passes from the serous stage to the stage of purulent inflammation. This plays a huge role in the treatment and choice of tactics at each stage of the disease.

Complications and consequences

Complications of mastitis can be a generalization of the infection with the development of sepsis literally in a matter of hours, so it is simply necessary to start treatment immediately after the diagnosis is established. The consequence of the operation may be lactation disorders in the future, if it is a girl, but such consequences are not comparable with the health of the baby. The prognosis can be very serious, so you need to prevent such a pathology.

Diagnosis of mastitis in newborns

Diagnosis of mastitis is not difficult, even by external characteristics. First you need to listen to all the mother's complaints and find out how the symptoms developed. The benefit of mastitis is evidenced by a high body temperature, an acute onset of the disease, a violation of the child's condition.

On examination, the diagnostic signs of the pathology are very simple - you can see an enlarged hyperemic mammary gland, sometimes the local temperature can be increased. On palpation, it can be noted that the child begins to scream and fluctuation or uneven consistency can be felt due to the accumulation of pus.

As a rule, the diagnosis is not in doubt in the presence of such objective symptoms. Additional Methods research for a newborn baby can be challenging. Therefore, if the child was healthy before, then they are limited to general clinical tests. Changes may be characteristic of severe bacterial infection with high leukocytosis and elevated ESR. But the absence of changes in the blood test does not exclude acute bacterial inflammation, since due to the immaturity of the immune system, there may not be a pronounced reaction.

Instrumental diagnosis of mastitis is not often used, since there is no need for a pronounced clinic. Therefore, only for the purpose of differential diagnosis, ultrasound can be performed.

Thermography: zones are formed with an increase in temperature locally.

Invasive study with biopsy of the site of inflammation and laboratory research exudate, determining the sensitivity of microflora to antibiotics is one of the most specific methods for further conservative diagnosis. This allows you to accurately determine the pathogen and, if necessary, prescribe those antibacterial drugs to which the pathogen is precisely sensitive.

Differential Diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis mastitis in newborns should first of all be carried out with physiological mastopathy. Physiological "mastitis" is characterized by a symmetrical increase in the gland to a small size. There is no change in skin color and it does not cause concern to the child. At the same time, the baby's appetite is preserved, sleep is not disturbed, he gains enough weight, the stool is normal, and there are no signs of intoxication. And with purulent mastopathy, the symptoms are reversed.

Mastitis also needs to be differentiated from erysipelas caused by hemolytic streptococcus. Erysipelas is an inflammation of the skin with clear boundaries of the process and a gradual onset of the disease. It causes a gradual and moderate increase in body temperature without other general symptoms. The appetite and sleep of the child, as a rule, is preserved, unlike mastitis.

Treatment of mastitis in newborns

The treatment of mastitis is complex - it is imperative that such young children use surgery and massive antibiotic therapy.

The tactics of treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the spread of the inflammatory process. On the initial stages diseases of serous and infiltrative, conduct complex conservative therapy, with the formation of an abscess and a purulent focus, surgical intervention is performed.

Conservative treatment.

Mode: bed; for the child's mammary gland, it is necessary to provide it with minimal conditions for traumatization with the help of a suspensorium, which should hold the gland, and not squeeze it.
Locally cold ice pack through gauze on the affected areas of the gland for 20 minutes every 1-1.5 hours.
Retromamar novocaine blockade: 70-80 ml of 0.25-0.5% novocaine solution + antibiotic in newborns is rarely performed due to the complexity of the technique.
Antibiotic therapy according to the modern principles of its implementation and after the bacterial analysis and the study of the flora for sensitivity.
Stimulation of the body's defenses: the introduction of antistaphylococcal J-globulin, immunomodulators, autohemotherapy.
Gland massage.

Treatment of mastitis in a newborn with medication involves the use of two broad-spectrum antibiotics. For this purpose, the following preperations can be used:

Ampicillin is an antibiotic from the aminopenicillin group that acts against most microorganisms that can cause skin inflammation and mastitis in newborns. The drug destroys the bacterial wall and neutralizes the cell membrane, disrupting its reproduction. The dosage of the drug for infants is at least 45 milligrams per kilogram of the child's body weight. The course of treatment is at least one week. Method of application - in the form of a suspension, dividing daily dose for three doses. Side effects can be in the form of allergic reactions, and also due to the action of newborns on the intestines, there may be diarrhea. Precautions - do not use if you have a history of allergy to this group of drugs.
Amikacin is an antibiotic from the aminoglycoside group, which is widely used in combination with ampicillin to treat mastitis. The mechanism of action of the drug is associated with a disruption in the functioning of ribosomes and a violation of the incorporation of amino acids into the RNA chain. This leads to the death of the bacterial cell. For newborns with mastitis, it is advisable to use one antibacterial drug orally and the other parenterally. Therefore, the method of application of this drug is recommended intramuscular or intravenous. The dosage is 15 milligrams per kilogram in two divided doses. Side effects may be in the form of systemic or skin allergic reactions.
Cefodox is a third-generation oral cephalosporin that does not die in the presence of lactamase-containing bacteria. The drug is well absorbed when taken internally and is immediately divided into fractions, circulating through the blood throughout the day. This allows you to maintain the required concentration of the drug in the focus of inflammation, given that other antibiotics may not accumulate well in the breast tissue during mastitis. The mechanism of action of the drug is the activation of enzymes that contribute to the destruction of the bacterial wall and the release of bacterial endotoxin (violation of the synthesis of polysaccharides in the cell wall of the microorganism). This ensures the death of the pathogen during mastitis and prevents the development of further infection. Dosage of 10 mg / kg per day, divided into one or two doses. It is possible to combine the use of cefodox with a parenteral antibiotic from the group of macrolides or aminoglycosides, and in severe cases with fluoroquinolones.
Paracetamol is a drug that is used in the treatment of mastitis to reduce high body temperature in a newborn. The main mechanism of action of paracetamol is the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. These substances potentiate the inflammatory response through the synthesis of inflammatory substances. The drug blocks the release of these substances and reduces the temperature and other symptoms of inflammation. Also, in addition to lowering body temperature, paracetamol has an analgesic effect. For newborns, this is the only drug that can be used from the first days. The best way application in the form of syrup. Dosage 10-15 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per dose. You can repeat the reception no less than 4 hours after the last time. The syrup is available in a dose of 120 milligrams in five milliliters, which is then calculated on body weight. Side effects from gastrointestinal tract in the form of dyspeptic disorders, erosions and ulcers of the stomach and duodenum may be bleeding and perforation.

From antibacterial agents use at least two, and sometimes three antibiotics, one of which must be administered intravenously.

Local treatment of mastitis is carried out depending on the phase of the inflammatory process against the background of general conservative therapy. In the phase I phase of inflammation, preference should be given to multicomponent water-soluble polyethylene oxide-based ointments levosin, levomekol, oflokain. They simultaneously have antibacterial, dehydrating and analgesic effects, and also due to the presence in their composition of such a component as methyluracil, they contribute to the activation of the reparative process. In the presence of areas of necrosis that are not removed during surgery, proteolytic enzymes are used. In the regeneration phase, it is advisable to use aqueous solutions antiseptics dioxidine, chlorhexidine, furatsilin.

An obligatory element of the treatment of mastitis in newborns is surgical treatment, since the accumulation of pus in such a baby spreads rapidly and the disease will not be resolved without surgery. Immediately after the diagnosis is made, the child is immediately hospitalized in the pediatric surgical department. Under general anesthesia surgery is done in an emergency. The volume of the operation consists in making notches on the skin of the affected area of the mammary gland in a checkerboard pattern. There may be a large number of them, depending on the volume of the affected gland. Notches are made in such a way that they are located on the verge of healthy and affected skin. Next, drains are installed, along which active washing of such a site is carried out. Then the drains are left for a better outflow of pus. Dressings should be done after the operation several times a day, and the mother should monitor this. Feeding such a child continues as usual with breast milk, which provides better protection for the child. In addition, symptomatic therapy is also used.

For drainage, preference should be given to active methods of flow-flushing, vacuum aspiration. Methods of improved surgical treatment of a purulent wound, which are used to reduce the number of microorganisms in it, should apply physiotherapy treatment:

treatment of the wound with a pulsating jet of liquid;
vacuum wound treatment;
processing with laser beams;
ultrasonic treatment.

Vitamins and physiotherapy can be carried out at the stage of convalescence, when it is necessary to support the baby's defenses.

Alternative treatment, herbal treatment and homeopathic remedies for mastitis are not used, since such a disease in the neonatal period has fatal consequences that develop rapidly. Folk methods do not have this property of rapid elimination of pus, therefore they are not recommended for use by doctors.

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It's important to know!

It should be considered a mistake to advise HIV-infected mothers to switch to formula-feeding, because if an infant has escaped infection in utero, it is unlikely that it will become infected from the mother, and the benefits of breastfeeding may outweigh the small additional risk of infection.

Mastitis is one of the most common breast diseases, which is characterized by infectious and inflammatory processes in the breast tissue. This inflammation has a high spread rate. The effect of inflammation is expressed in the purulent destruction of the glands and breast tissues, which can lead to blood poisoning. First of all, it is worth getting acquainted with the symptoms and types of mastitis for girls who are just preparing to become a mother.

An infection leads to inflammation, which in the vast majority of cases is caused by Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium causes non-critical skin lesions in the form of acne, etc. But it can also lead to dangerous phenomena (meningitis, pneumonia, mastitis, etc.). It is the penetration of staphylococcus into the breast tissue that causes breasts (the old name for mastitis).

Nowadays, doctors are increasingly faced with cases of mastitis, which are caused by a whole complex of bacteria that have entered the mammary gland and caused an infectious inflammation with suppuration. Most often, these are gram-positive staphylococci and gram-negative E. coli.

Mastitis in women is lactational and non-lactational. Lactational mastitis occurs during lactation (especially in girls giving birth for the first time). Non-lactation mastitis appears even in non-nursing, aged 15 to 60 years. It is logical to assume that the causes of mastitis of each of the forms are different, but there are common factors among them:

Decreased immune capacity of the body, which cannot suppress inflammation.
Stagnation of milk in the breast (lactostasis) is a common cause of mastitis.
The presence of direct routes for the penetration of bacteria into the mammary gland (wounds, nipple cracks).
Mastopathy and other diseases of the breast. Their complications lead to infectious inflammation (mastitis).

Risk Factors for Mastitis

The ingestion of Staphylococcus aureus and other pathogens into human breast tissues will not necessarily lead to inflammation and suppuration. Inflammation of the breast in women is caused by anatomical and systemic factors that reduce the body's ability to suppress infection in the mammary glands, or make it easier for bacteria to work:

Hormonal imbalance leading to mastopathy.
Microcracks and other damage to the nipple and areola (especially when feeding).
Surgical interventions, cicatricial formations in the mammary glands.
Anomalies in the shape of the nipples - flat, lobular and others.
Severe pregnancy, late toxicosis.
Small patency of the ducts of the mammary gland, too much milk secreted.
Diseases that lower the immune system.
Stress conditions, insomnia and other psychological complications.

The disease "mastitis" is manifested due to the imperfection of the milk channels, insufficient development of the nipple, violations of the technique of feeding and expressing milk.

Symptoms of mastitis

Symptoms of mastitis vary depending on the form of inflammation, as well as the current stage of mastitis. In general, there are common signs of mastitis that are observed in patients:

The appearance of discomfort in the chest. With the development of mastitis and the growth of inflammation, discomfort develops into pain.
The breast increases in size, swelling of the mammary gland is observed. With bilateral infection, both mammary glands are susceptible to these changes.
Reddening of the skin over the site of inflammatory processes is observed, it is accompanied by local swelling of the chest tissues. When touched and palpated, pain is felt.
Increase and occurrence of pain in lymph nodes. Particularly in the armpits.
Weakness of the body as a whole. The patient develops malaise and constant lethargy, loss of appetite.
The body temperature rises. In the initial stages of the disease up to 37-38°C. At the final, up to 39-40°C.
The stage of abscess development (late forms of mastitis) is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, headache. All this develops into convulsions and loss of consciousness, the patient is often in an infectious-toxic shock. With timely treatment, this group of symptoms can be avoided.

Clinical forms of mastitis

Under clinical picture mastitis refers to the development of inflammation in a woman, 1-4 weeks after the birth of a child (the most common cases of mastitis). Classification of mastitis reveals two main forms of inflammation: chronic and acute. Chronic mastitis does not cause significant harm to human health, the disease proceeds locally and does not spread through the tissues.

Two ambiguous forms of mastitis can be distinguished:

Plasma cell mastitis, it is also called periductal mastitis. It is not inflammation in the truest sense of the word. There is an expansion of the ducts of the mammary gland, in which there is a creamy content (plasma, lymphocytes, histiocytes). At times, purulent discharge from the mammary gland through the nipple occurs. Often confused with mastopathy or cancer. It predominantly occurs in older women.
Fibrocystic mastitis, its development is associated with a violation of hormone levels and pathologies thyroid gland. Represents painful lumps inside the mammary glands. Most often manifested in girls during puberty and in women during menopause.

Types of mastitis are associated with the stage of development of the disease.

Serous

The initial stage of development of mastitis. It is very easy to confuse it with banal lactostasis. Mastitis begins to develop on 2-5 days of stagnation breast milk. In the department of the mammary gland, where stable lactostasis is observed, the tissues are impregnated with serum (serum). There is a local inflammation of the breast tissue, even without exposure to harmful microorganisms. A timely trip to the doctor (mammologist, gynecologist, therapist) will prevent the development of inflammation and quickly recover from mastitis.

There is a thickening of the chest area at the site of stagnation, the temperature of the affected area rises locally, swelling and pain are observed (typical companions of inflammation). Expressing milk causes pain and does not provide relief. If the disease is ignored, mastitis develops into a more severe purulent inflammation.

infiltrative

Infiltrative mastitis is characterized by the accumulation of a mixture of lymph, blood and cell particles in the breast tissues (which is called infiltrate), which can occur in a chronic form. The reason for the development of the infiltrative form of the disease is the defeat pathogenic bacteria. The duration of the stage is influenced by the body's immune reserves and the aggressiveness (quantity) of staphylococcus, or its union with other bacteria. This type of mastitis is able to quickly move to the next stage of the development of the disease. In the acute form, or recurrence of the chronic form of mastitis, patients experience leukocytosis.

Abscessing

This type is associated with the formation of abscesses. Purulent mastitis begins 4-6 days after the appearance of an infiltrate in the chest tissues. Painful sensations intensify, the chest tissue looks like a spongy material saturated with pus. On palpation, there is a sensation of fluid movement. There is persistent intoxication (weakness, headaches, etc.). If at this stage there is no surgical intervention- mastitis passes into the terminal (destructive) stages.

Phlegmonous

Further development of purulent inflammation. An abscess causes complete swelling of the affected part of the body, redness of the chest is adjacent to the bluish color of the surface tissues. Touching the chest causes sharp pain. The nipple is retracted inward. Body temperature fluctuates between 38-39°C (febrile). Purulent mastitis in some cases is accompanied by convulsions and loss of consciousness. Hospitalization for phlegmonous mastitis is strictly required.

Gangrenous

The last type of mastitis is gangrenous mastitis. The affected breast is much larger than the healthy one. Areas affected by necrosis are visible. The necrosis of breast tissues causes infectious-toxic shock. The destructive stage of mastitis leads to lethal outcome. But there are chances for a cure for gangrenous mastitis.

Forms, depending on localization

Mastitis is also classified according to the place of occurrence:

Intramammary localization of mastitis - inflammation occurs in the depths of the mammary glands and affects the glandular tissue. Occurs most often.
Subcutaneous and subareolar mastitis - the area of suppuration of the breast tissue is superficial. With subcutaneous localization, inflammation is located in any area under skin chest. With subareolar localization, the breast tissue under the areola of the nipple is affected. The cause is small abscesses, infected wounds and other damage to the breasts and nipples.
Retromammary mastitis is a breakthrough of purulent inflammation that occurs inside the breast tissues (retromammary region).

The manifestation of the disease in children and men

Mastitis in newborns in the vast majority of cases is confused with physiological mastopathy, which is also characterized by inflammation. Mastopathy refers to the signs of normal adaptation of an infant to life outside the womb. It is associated with an excess of estrogens that came from the mother during pregnancy. Ridding the baby's body of excess hormones causes breast engorgement in children. Inflammation is observed in children of both sexes, but in girls it is more common.

Purulent mastitis in newborns is very rare. It is associated with improper hygiene of the baby, ignoring prickly heat and microdamage to the nipples. It is not uncommon for parents' attempts to cure "mastitis" in a newborn (which is actually mastopathy) and lead to infection with a real disease.

Mastitis in men is also extremely rare. The reasons include diabetes, gynecomastia, tumors in the genital area, the use of anabolics and low-quality beer (estrogens). It is hormonal causes in most cases that are the causative agents of male mastitis. Treatment is similar to women's.

Diagnostics

If pain and inflammation occur in the chest area, a person should immediately consult a doctor: a mammologist, pediatrician or gynecologist. The surgeon also treats mastitis.

The process of diagnosing mastitis does not cause difficulties. The patient's complaints, the results of palpation and laboratory tests are taken as the basis.

The following analyzes are carried out:

Urine and blood analysis (general).
The study of breast milk for bacteriological composition. The parameters of both mammary glands are compared. Enough for 1 ml of liquid.
The study of the number of red blood cells in milk. They play the role of markers of inflammation.
Acid-base balance and reductase are calculated.

In severe forms of mastitis (abscess, phlegmonous mastitis), the patient undergoes a breast examination using ultrasound. Also examine the infiltrate of the affected mammary gland (puncture).

If the diagnosis is difficult (usually in the chronic form of mastitis), mammography is prescribed. Chronic mastitis involves a biopsy to diagnose cancer.

Conservative treatment

Treatment of mastitis with medicines allowed in the early stages. In this case, the patient should feel satisfactory: the temperature does not exceed 38 ° C, there is no purulent inflammation. Blood tests should show the absence of any changes.

If drug therapy does not show effectiveness, preparation for the operation begins.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics and antibacterial drugs for mastitis are taken for 10-14 days. The infectious cause of mastitis is eliminated with drugs that contain amoxicillin. It suppresses Staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus and other infections that cause purulent inflammation.

At the initial stages of inflammation of the mammary glands, treatment with penicillin antibiotics is allowed.

Analgesics

Analgesics are designed to reduce the level of inflammation and swelling, as well as relieve pain syndrome mastitis. Medicines can be supplemented with antispasmodics. Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, No-shpu, etc. are prescribed. The type of drugs depends largely on whether the woman is breastfeeding.

Antihistamines

Blockade of histamine receptors is important for large swelling of the mammary glands. This is especially true for people with reduced pressure as well as patients predisposed to septic shock. In the presence of purulent secretions in milk, lactation is suppressed by drugs.

Immunomodulators

One of the reasons for the penetration of infections is a decrease in immunity. Drugs such as Polyglobulin, Methyluracil, Antistaphylococcal gamma globulin and other immunity modulators are prescribed based on tests and anamnesis.

Vitamin complexes

Vitamins have a beneficial effect on the entire body, and also increase a person's ability to resist pathogens. In addition to fruits and vegetables, useful elements are obtained from vitamin complexes, such as Complivit, Undevit, etc.

Creams and ointments

Preparations with a local decongestant and anti-inflammatory effect for the mammary glands are prescribed in conjunction with the above medicines against mastitis. The ointment heals damage to breast tissues and eliminates the feeling of discomfort of the affected mammary gland. Assign Traumgel, Heliomycin, Progestogel and others.

Under no circumstances should you prescribe drugs to yourself. This can cause allergic reactions and complications of mastitis.

Surgical treatment

Starting with abscessed mastitis, effective treatment is surgical intervention. A small focus of purulent inflammation is treated by inserting a needle into the mammary glands and pumping out the pus. Antibiotics are then pumped into the devastated area to eliminate the inflammation.

A large abscess and multiple foci of inflammation imply an opening of mastitis. During the operation, the focus of inflammation is opened, and the pus is removed along with the affected tissue. Drainage is installed in the resulting cavity to pump out pus. After 3-4 days, the drainage is removed and a suture is made (if mastitis does not recur).

After surgical measures to eliminate mastitis, the patient undergoes therapy with infusion solutions. followed by antibiotics, nonsteroidal drugs against inflammation and immunomodulators.

Alternative treatment at home

Treatment at home is allowed only with serous mastitis or lactostasis. The doctor must agree to home therapy.

Compresses

Use of cold compresses on the chest is allowed:

Pumpkin pulp boiled in milk.
Honey cakes (flower honey and wheat flour).
Tea mushroom.
Shredded carrots.

cabbage wraps

Cabbage leaf is used for redness of the mammary glands. The cabbage is cooled and applied to the chest for an hour or two. You need to repeat the procedure at least 6 times a day.

Water massage

Rubbing with alcohol

Treatment of mastitis with folk remedies should not include exposure to high temperatures. Alcohol compress and rubbing have a warming effect. Bacteria multiply rapidly in heat. This will speed up the transition of mastitis to the abscess stage.

Ice

When mastitis starts, applying ice will slow the spread of the infection and reduce discomfort. The ice pack should be wrapped in a towel to prevent frostbite. The duration of the sessions is no more than 3 minutes.

Honey

Honey has a disinfectant and antibacterial effect. Promotes healing of wounds. You can make cold honey compresses on the chest no more than 2 times a day.

Essential oils

Essential oils added to compresses on the chest. Mint helps to lower the temperature, fir kills bacteria and reduces inflammation. Camphor oil acts as a pain reliever. Essential oils are prohibited when breastfeeding (with lactostasis).

Medicinal herbs

Decoctions are made from herbs, which are used in compresses against mastitis. oral intake allowed with the consent of the doctor.

Sage - suppresses the function of lactation, a weak antibiotic.
Alder reduces inflammation.
Chamomile is a native antiseptic, the effect is noticeable in infectious mastitis.
Sweet clover works as an antispasmodic.

Complications of mastitis

Any infection accompanied by inflammation, especially with the participation of Staphylococcus aureus, can give complications in the form of septic syndromes:

Pericarditis.
Meningitis.
Infectious-toxic shock state.
The appearance of several purulent inflammations - pneumonia, osteomyelitis, etc.
DIC syndrome.

With the timely intake of drugs, complications of mastitis are not observed.

Prevention of mastitis

Prevention of mastitis is a set of measures that minimizes the risk of the occurrence and development of purulent inflammation:

The speedy elimination of stagnation of milk in the mammary glands.
Breast hygiene, especially when feeding.
Timely healing of chest injuries.
Normalization of hormone levels.
Restoration of immune functions.
Regular examination of the mammary glands by a mammologist.

Since the absence of damage to the breast tissue helps to avoid mastitis, special attention should be paid to the choice of a bra. It should be the right size, comfortable shape and made from natural fabrics.

You should not start even a slight inflammation of the breast and hope that it will pass by itself. Seek medical attention if mastitis is suspected as soon as possible.

After birth, the child is under the influence female hormones mothers who entered the bloodstream through the placenta while still in the womb. When they are born, babies are distinguished by chubby arms and legs. It’s all the fault of a hormonal imbalance, when the female-type estrogen hormones are present in the body in overwhelming quantities. With regards to boys, within 2-3 weeks, male-type hormones are produced independently. With girls, the situation is different.

Since, by nature, the female newborn body itself is full of estrogens, maternal hormones are added in addition. Because of this, there is an excessive enrichment of the body. female cells, which often lead to the appearance of mastitis in girls. What treatment is required and is it needed at all?

mastitis in babies

In girls with mastitis, there is a strong swelling of the mammary glands. The mother can notice this due to redness on the skin, without touching the baby and without lifting him by the armpits. In the first 10-12 days after childbirth, the glands may swell for various reasons, although this is not a pathology or a reason to see a doctor. This is the normal and natural state of a child. Mastitis in newborns manifests itself in a completely different way - the body temperature rises, the glands swell to a state in which purulent secrets are released. The child may experience liquid stool with an unpleasant odor.

If a pediatrician or pediatric gynecologist has diagnosed mastitis in newborns, then we are talking only about purulent mastitis which is not as dangerous for a child as it is for an adult. Within a few days, the girl is prepared for surgery if the problem cannot be eliminated by other methods. An operation cannot be dispensed with only in the case when the mammary glands have swollen to the size of the palm of an adult. In other cases, you should not panic - this is the result of the work of hormones, and any surgical intervention can disrupt the stabilization of the balance of hormones in the body, especially for a child.

The mother must first of all forget about medical intervention. It is necessary to bathe the child daily, do not squeeze the chest area with diapers, sliders. The baby can only sleep on its side, it is allowed to lie on the stomach if the girl sleeps in the arms of an adult. If your baby's nipples are tight, don't panic. The baby does not feel anything, since he experiences mechanical sensations only by 3 months. In the first month of life, the child cries only when punctured (when they take blood for analysis, or are vaccinated at the maternity hospital). It is believed that the baby is simply afraid of other people's hands.

Ointments and gels against mastitis should not be used! Avoid baby cream, soap and shampoos. This is so far the only treatment you can provide to a baby.

In most cases, this is a physiological process, the symptoms of which must be reported to the doctor. Real and serious mastitis in children can appear 3 weeks after birth. If earlier the mother could notice the swelling of the glands and did something on her own, the newborn could develop purulent-type mastitis. Due to the delicate skin and excessive disinfection of the nipples, the baby can be injured, as a result of which the focus will open.

Symptoms of purulent mastitis

In addition to swollen glands, mastitis in newborns with suppuration often injures the mammary glands - as a result, you can notice:

a sharp jump in temperature;
discharge from the nipple;
indentation of the nipples;
enlargement of the thyroid glands;
skin redness;
unusual shine on the skin around the nipples;
purplish and bluish patches of skin on the glands;
blackening of the nipple;
peeling of the skin.

With such symptoms, you need to consult a gynecologist and a pediatric surgeon. Since the disease does not involve any surgical interventions, treatment should be carried out in a stationary mode. Purulent mastitis in newborns can also be the result of congenital pathologies and anomalies. An infectious disease develops against the background of other existing diseases, for example, the following:

premature babies born at 35-36 weeks;
congenital malnutrition;
heart disease.

Parents may notice that the physiological process is developing, and the child becomes restless, sucks poorly at the breast, sleeps poorly, lethargic and sad. There is also toxicity child's body, which is characterized by an increase in temperature up to 39 degrees, convulsions of the fertile type. In the presence of such symptoms, a diagnosis is made to decide what treatment to prescribe.

If the parents do not go to the doctor in time, the abscess will go to chest, as a result of which the infection will turn into phlegmon - purulent inflammation with fatty tissue, which penetrates into the bloodstream, causing sepsis. It poses a threat to life.

Diagnosis and treatment

When diagnosing an infiltrative condition and the phase of the disease, the child must be in a hospital, undergo treatment under the supervision of a doctor. Thus, conservative therapy is prescribed, involving the use of Vishnevsky ointment. Additionally, compresses are made with ichthyol ointment and compresses based on an alcoholic and semi-alcoholic substance. If mastitis in newborns does not go away, an abscess develops, surgery is necessary. The incisions are made in the area of the radial direction of the beam, so as not to touch the canals and armpits of the girl. If the nipple is depressed, then the incision is made away from the edge of the nipple floor - 3-4 mm from the circumference of the areola.

The wound cannot be drained, as scars may remain, preventing the breast skin from stretching. As a result of this, the mammary gland, as it grows, can be deformed and malformed.

After the operation is completed, the child remains in the hospital for a minimum of 2 weeks. A bandage is put on the chest so that the wound is soaked with a solution of sodium chloride for 3 hours. The rest of the time, a bandage with levomekol ointment is applied. Immediately after the operation, a dose of an antibiotic is administered to kill any residual bacteria that may infect the adjacent area of the gland.

Reading 7 min. Views 1.5k. Published on 07.02.2019

Mastitis is an acute infectious and inflammatory process, the focus of which is localized in the mammary glands. In children, this disease appears in the first few weeks after birth.

You can determine the presence of mastitis visually, because its symptoms are pronounced, however, for an accurate diagnosis, a laboratory examination of the baby is required. Many young mothers, having noticed swollen and enlarged breasts in their child, begin to panic and think that this is a dangerous pathology.

We will figure out whether newborn mastitis can really turn into unpleasant consequences, and how to deal with it so that everything ends without complications.

Causes and symptoms of mastitis

This disease in pediatrics is extremely rare, in about 13% of all newborns. Often it is confused with mastopathy - another pathology that has a similar clinical picture.

Mastitis affects children regardless of their gender. It is equally found in both girls and boys. The main period of development of the inflammatory-infectious process is the first to fifteenth day from the moment the baby is born.

Where does mastitis come from

The main cause of mastitis is the sexual crisis in newborns. This is the name of the condition in which a strong hormonal surge occurs in the body of the crumbs.

First, the level of estrogen falls, and then the balance of other hormones is disturbed, which is reflected in the size of the mammary glands. Simply put, in the first days of his life, the child is faced with what in adulthood is usually called "transitional age".

The sexual crisis is manifested by the following symptoms:

rapid enlargement of the mammary glands (observed mainly in girls);
discharge from the nipples;
swelling of the external genitalia (in girls, the labia is enlarged, and in boys, dropsy of the testicles develops);
spotting white vaginal discharge, as with thrush;
mini periods (a small amount of blood mixed with mucus) are rare;
acne rashes on the face.

In the normal course of a sexual crisis, everything ends within 30 days. During this time, the hormonal background stabilizes, and the baby's body returns to normal.

Mastitis in children appears due to hyperattention and partly the stupidity of parents. Instead of going to the doctor and consulting, many mothers begin to try to cure the sexual crisis on their own, using pharmaceutical preparations, which they were advised on the forums, or resort to traditional medicine.

Such actions lead to the fact that an infection is introduced into the swollen breasts through the delicate skin of the nipples, which causes acute inflammation.

Another reason is the negligence of the mother in relation to the purity of the body of the child. Often, young women, due to severe fatigue associated with postpartum adaptation to everyday life, or lack of the necessary knowledge, simply stop following.

So, against the background of a sexual crisis, a breast abscess develops (purulent formation in soft tissues). Usually, the provocateur of inflammation in this case is staphylococcus or streptococcus.

The following factors can increase the likelihood of developing mastitis:

nipple areola injury;
skin microcracks;
sores and other soft tissue injuries;
diaper rash.

Symptoms of mastitis

It is not difficult to distinguish the normal course of a sexual crisis from a pathological process. Infectious acute inflammation manifests itself as follows:

there is excessive swelling of the mammary glands (both or only one), the child is naughty when they are palpated;
the skin around the nipple becomes red at first, and then purple;
body temperature rises;
a thick white or yellow liquid is released from the nipple - pus;
the chest swells up quickly;
the baby refuses to eat, does not sleep well.

What to do if you find mastitis

First of all, the mother must understand why the mammary glands of her child have increased. If there are no symptoms other than breast swelling, then you should not worry.

At this stage, you need to carefully monitor the well-being of the baby and write down all the changes in a notebook, so that later, if necessary, show the pediatrician.

In the event that slightly swollen breasts begin to turn red, and the newborn begins to cry, you should immediately make an appointment with a doctor. These signs can signal the beginning of the pathological process.

Mastitis in a child is diagnosed with the following:

visual examination of the breasts;
palpation of the glands;
laboratory analysis of discharge from the nipples;
complete blood count (if necessary).

After the diagnosis is made, the doctor gives the mother recommendations for caring for the baby, and also prescribes the necessary therapy.

Ways to treat mastitis in children

The basis of the complex therapy of the inflammatory process in the mammary glands is physiotherapy. For newborns, ultra-high-frequency exposure to the focus of infection or exposure to UV rays is used.

Both procedures are absolutely safe for the child's body. They are aimed at inhibiting the development of pathogenic microflora in soft tissues, improving blood microcirculation and enhancing the effectiveness of targeted drugs.

The main category of medicines that is prescribed to fight an abscess is antibiotics. The type, dose and duration of taking the drugs is determined by the doctor. It is strictly forbidden to pick them up on your own, since most of them are designed to combat mastitis in women and children, especially newborns, they are contraindicated.

To speed up recovery, mommy can use folk recipes, which supplement, and do not replace, physio- and drug therapy.

It will be possible to stop the increase in mammary glands in infants due to the inflammatory process using the following recipes:

In a glass of water, 1.5 teaspoons of chamomile are brewed. The agent is filtered, a piece of cotton wool wrapped in a bandage is moistened in the liquid, and the area around the nipples is blotted 2 times a day;
In 240 ml of boiling water, 50-60 grams of a string are poured and boiled for about 15 minutes. The decoction is filtered and used for washing the mammary glands;
To reduce inflammation, you can use the old and proven method - potassium permanganate. In a glass of liquid, 2-3 crystals of the drug are diluted so that it acquires a pink tint. The solution is washed with the chest once a day, and if the swelling of the mammary glands in newborn boys and girls is at a too acute stage, then 2 times - in the morning and in the evening;
A leaf comes off from an aloe bush or agave, is washed out, cut in half. The mucous side wipes the nipples and the area around them. You need to do 2-3 procedures per day.

Before using folk remedies, it is important to first talk with your doctor, and also make sure that the baby is not allergic to herbal ingredients or potassium permanganate. Otherwise, you can not cure, but harm the health of the newborn.

What is the danger of breast enlargement in infants, supplemented by infection

The likelihood of developing the negative consequences of an infectious-inflammatory process in a baby depends on how accurately the mother followed the doctor's advice and followed the treatment regimen.

With the right and timely approach, the child will not have any health problems. The pustular focus will resolve, the inflammation will pass, the gland will acquire a normal shape.

If mommy tries to squeeze out pus or just hopes that everything will pass by itself, then this can turn into serious violations for the baby.

Mastitis in newborn girls will lead to a change in the shape of the breast. The milk ducts can be transmitted, which in the future will lead to difficulties while feeding the baby.

In boys, this disease does not cause any special consequences.

In both sexes of children, in the absence of adequate treatment, mastitis provokes:

a sharp weakening of immunity, which will take a very long time to recover, because of which the baby will get sick even more;
intoxication of the body (pus from soft tissues enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body);
severe fever, which in weak children, especially premature ones, can cause death.

To avoid trouble and quickly help the child, as soon as the mammary glands swell, you should immediately contact the pediatrician and not self-medicate.

Conclusion

The first and main rule when detecting breast swelling in a baby is not to panic and do not treat yourself. Maternal fear has big eyes. It may not be as scary as you thought it would be.

Only a doctor can diagnose the cause of the swelling and prescribe therapy. And not always it comes to antibiotics. Be attentive to the health of your children. And please respond appropriately to their ailments. Panic mood is a bad helper during treatment.

The birth of a child is a joyful event. From this moment on, parents have a huge responsibility for the health and well-being of the baby. From birth, the baby is in a state of stress.

The child's body is gradually rebuilt, adapting to new conditions. There is an improvement of all organs and systems, the hormonal background changes. Often, newborns show signs of a sexual crisis (swelling of the mammary glands, acne on the face, vaginal discharge in girls, an increase in the scrotum in boys). Such a condition is not dangerous for the health of the baby, however, if infection of the glands occurs at this stage, purulent mastitis develops.

Sexual crisis of newborns and physiological mastitis

A sexual crisis is a natural state of a child up to a year old, adapting to new living conditions after leaving the mother's womb. During the period of gestation, the mother's body produces special hormones - estrogens. They are necessary to maintain pregnancy. Part of the hormones enters the fetus through the placenta.

In the postnatal period, the level of biologically active substances in the blood of a newborn changes dramatically. The fall in estrogen leads to a quantitative change in the rest of the hormones, a “hormonal explosion” occurs. The hormonal background of the baby stabilizes within 3-4 weeks.

The main reason why a child's mammary glands become hard and swollen 3-4 days after birth is hormonal changes. Symptoms of physiological mastitis increase gradually. In this condition, the child does not need therapy, changes in the mammary gland will disappear after 2-4 weeks.

Breast engorgement in newborns is a common occurrence. On average, the symptoms of mastitis appear in 75% of cases, not only in girls, but also in some boys.

Sexual crisis usually develops in full-term infants, while parents of premature babies and children with intrauterine growth retardation are extremely rare. Some experts are of the opinion that the absence of symptoms of a sexual crisis in newborns is more a deviation than a norm. Typically, the breasts naturally enlarge in children who quickly adapt to extrauterine life.

The sexual crisis plays a special role in the development of the child, helping to improve the hypothalamus and the formation of sexual identity. Many experts note that children with natural breast swelling are much less likely to suffer from physiological neonatal jaundice.

Symptoms of pathological mastitis, differences from mastopathy

Symptoms of the disease may differ depending on the form of mastitis or mastopathy. A characteristic symptom of mastitis is swelling of one, rarely two breasts. Due to inflammatory processes in the gland, when pressing on the chest, a whitish liquid may stand out.

With mastitis in newborns, a seal in the chest is felt on palpation. The gland gradually increases in size and hurts. Redness appears on the skin in the area of inflammation. Sometimes only the nipple is hyperemic, but in some cases the entire breast becomes inflamed.

Pathological mastitis affects both one-year-old babies and adults. The disease gives the patient tangible discomfort. The child becomes lethargic and lethargic. He eats and sleeps poorly, is constantly naughty. The chair is broken. The inflammatory process in the chest leads to an increase in body temperature. At high temperature(above 39 degrees) convulsions and vomiting may occur.

With mastopathy, the glandular and adipose tissue grows. In many ways, the symptoms of mastopathy are similar to mastitis, so parents cannot always correctly diagnose the disease. In this case, ultrasound is often used. Mastitis differs from mastopathy in that seals in the mammary gland are not caused by a tumor, but by a purulent-inflammatory process that develops after a streptococcal or staphylococcal infection enters the gland.

Treatment of inflammation of the breast

With physiological engorgement of the mammary glands, specific treatment is not required. The little patient should be provided with peace. Use folk remedies, there is no point in applying ointments and creams during a sexual crisis in newborns. Moreover, active and persistent intervention in natural processes can cause complications.

Some parents, noticing that the gland is swollen and inflamed, try to save the baby from seals. They massage the breast or try to squeeze fluid out of the nipple. Such actions sometimes entail serious consequences, up to an abscess and sepsis. Your baby's delicate skin can be damaged, which increases the risk of infection. If the chest is swollen, the famous pediatrician Komarovsky recommends abandoning tight swaddling, especially in the area of \u200b\u200bthe mammary glands. He advises mothers not to be nervous, but to be patient and wait a bit.

In diseases of the mammary glands, the treatment regimen is very different. If, according to the results of a visual examination and ultrasound, pathological mastitis or mastopathy is diagnosed, the baby is hospitalized. In most cases, it is possible to cope with the disease with the help of conservative therapy, in emergency situations the patient is sent for surgery.

Conservative therapy

The treatment of mastitis in girls must be approached with all responsibility, because even at this age, a long-term inflammatory process can lead to blockage of the ducts. In this case, the growth and function of the breast will be impaired.

With natural breast augmentation, parents should monitor the observance of the rules of personal hygiene of the child. It is necessary to regularly carry out water procedures, change clothes more often and avoid contact with dirty things. In order to prevent complications, experts recommend applying dry, clean tissue to the inflamed gland for small patients. This will avoid the penetration of bacteria into the gland through the lymphatic ducts or damage to the skin.

Purulent mastitis of newborns is treated exclusively in a hospital setting. Self-medication is unacceptable. TO conservative treatment resorted only to the 1st and 2nd stages.

On ultrasound, a picture of inflammation is clearly visible. The infiltrate has clear edges. The doctor prescribes a small patient antibiotic therapy of 2-3 drugs. Also, the patient is given special medicinal compresses. At high temperatures, antipyretic drugs are prescribed.

Surgery

If the swollen glands are enlarged, a ball is felt in the chest on palpation, and conservative therapy does not give the desired results, the abscess is opened. The surgeon makes a small incision (1-1.5 cm) on the chest, and then the wound is drained. After the pus is removed from the abscess cavity, the drainage is removed and a medical bandage is applied.

Due to the fact that it is difficult to completely clean the wound from pathogenic microflora, the child should continue taking antibiotics. Often, patients are sent for repeated operations to eliminate the newly accumulated purulent exudate.

Complications and consequences of mastitis

Physiological mastitis most often goes away without consequences. Fears are caused only by those cases when there are injuries of the chest. In the absence of adequate treatment, mastitis can lead to the development of:

abscess;
phlegmon;
sepsis, etc.

When the blood is infected, the infection quickly spreads throughout the body, causing pneumonia, meningitis, and other life-threatening illnesses. For boys who have recovered from mastitis, the consequences of the disease will be less noticeable in the future than in the case of girls. Due to the purulent-inflammatory process in the mammary glands, sometimes there is a blockage of the ducts, and tissues die. In adulthood, a woman may have problems with breastfeeding. There is a chance that she will not be able to breastfeed her baby.