Medical Questions » Breasts, Female Questions » Question No. 181
| Question: | In a recent item you wrote on breast feeding, you neglected to mention that mastitis may be treated by ultrasound. Would you please bring this excellent form of treatment to the attention of your readers. |
| Answer: | Mastitis is an infection of the breast. It usually occurs in only one of the many segments of the breast in mothers who are breast feeding. The cause is a blockage in the outflow of milk from one of the segments of the breast. The milk accumulates in this area, and becomes ' sour' and infected.
As with all bacterial infections, the usual treatment is antibiotics, which are very effective.
In the early stages of the condition, when the woman first feels discomfort in the breast, ultrasound applied to the breast may break down any blockage, and allow the ' sour' milk to escape, thus curing the condition. Ultrasound is applied by a physiotherapist, and involves moving a smooth instrument over the surface of the breast. There is no pain or discomfort involved.
Both ultrasound and antibiotics mav be used together.
Any woman who is breast feeding should see a doctor immediately she feels any undue pressure, pain or discomfort in the breast, so that the mastitis can be treated early, and the risk of an abscess developing is then dramatically reduced. First-time mothers (and those who are more experienced as well) will find that the Nursing Mothers' Association (see your phone book) offers excellent support and advice to all mothers who are breast feeding their babies. |
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