OVERVIEW
Are you a new mom experiencing pain, redness, and swelling in your breasts? Mastitis, a breast infection common in breastfeeding women, affects up to 20% of nursing mothers. Our comprehensive guide provides the information and resources you need to understand, prevent, and treat mastitis effectively.
Get the relief you deserve and continue your breastfeeding journey with confidence.
Available in 50 states. No insurance needed.
What is Mastitis
Mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue that commonly affects breastfeeding mothers. This condition causes redness, swelling, and pain in one or both breasts, often accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills.
Mastitis typically results from a blocked milk duct or bacterial infection, leading to breast engorgement and discomfort.
Left untreated, mastitis can progress and cause severe infection, making prompt treatment crucial. Online platforms like MyInstantMD offer convenient access to board-certified healthcare providers who can diagnose mastitis and provide effective treatment plans, including antibiotics for bacterial infections
Common Symptoms of Mastitis
Common symptoms of mastitis include a swollen, painful, and tender breast, often accompanied by redness or a noticeable lump. Individuals may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches.
The affected breast may feel warm to the touch, and the skin may appear shiny or have a wedge-shaped red area. Pain or burning sensations during breastfeeding are also common indicators of mastitis.
Mastitis can cause a general feeling of malaise and exhaustion, making it challenging for individuals to carry out daily activities. Prompt recognition of these symptoms is crucial for seeking timely treatment.
MyInstantMD’s board-certified healthcare providers are available 24/7 to diagnose and treat mastitis online, offering convenient access to medical care and prescribed antibiotics when necessary.
With proper treatment, individuals can alleviate their symptoms and prevent potential complications associated with untreated mastitis.
Common Causes of Mastitis
Several factors can contribute to the development of mastitis. Milk ducts may become blocked due to improper breastfeeding techniques, infrequent feedings, or tight-fitting bras that restrict milk flow.
Bacteria can enter the breast through cracked or sore nipples, leading to an infection in the milk ducts. Stress, fatigue, and a weakened immune system can also increase the risk of developing mastitis.
Mastitis often occurs in the first few weeks after giving birth but can develop at any point during breastfeeding. Women with a history of mastitis or those who have experienced breast surgery or injury may be more susceptible to developing the condition.
Available Treatment Options
Mastitis requires prompt treatment to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Healthcare providers typically prescribe a 10-day course of antibiotics for bacterial mastitis infections.
These antibiotics effectively eliminate the infection while being safe for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Patients usually start feeling better within 2 to 3 days of starting the antibiotic treatment.
MyInstantMD offers convenient online treatment options for mastitis. Board-certified physicians are available 24/7 to diagnose and treat both inflammatory and bacterial mastitis.
They provide personalized treatment plans, electronically filled prescriptions, and guidance on managing clogged milk ducts. With MyInstantMD, you can access prompt and appropriate care for mastitis, reducing the risk of further complications and helping you find relief from symptoms quickly.
Prescription Medication
Healthcare providers prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial mastitis infections. These medications work to eliminate the bacterial infection and are safe to use while breastfeeding without harming the baby.
Individuals typically start feeling better within 2 to 3 days of starting antibiotic treatment. Board-certified physicians at MyInstantMD are available 24/7 to diagnose mastitis, develop treatment plans, and electronically fill prescriptions.
Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent the spread of infection and alleviate symptoms. MyInstantMD offers convenient access to medical care and medications for those experiencing mastitis symptoms.
Their online platform allows individuals to receive a 10-day course of antibiotics if an infection is present, helping to reduce inflammation and soothe symptoms. Breast infections during breastfeeding are common, and MyInstantMD’s board-certified physicians are ready to provide immediate and appropriate treatment to avoid complications.
Available in 50 states. No insurance needed.
Over the Counter Medications and Self-Care Tips
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with mastitis. Applying warm compresses to the affected breast for 10-15 minutes several times a day may also provide relief and help unclog milk ducts.
Massaging the breast gently while breastfeeding or pumping can encourage milk flow and alleviate engorgement. Frequently emptying the breasts by nursing or pumping is crucial to prevent the buildup of milk and reduce the risk of infection.
Maintaining proper hygiene, such as washing hands before breastfeeding and keeping the nipples clean and dry, can help prevent the development of mastitis. Wearing a supportive, well-fitting bra and avoiding tight clothing that puts pressure on the breasts can also promote comfort and prevent further irritation.
If symptoms persist or worsen despite self-care measures, it is important to seek prompt medical attention through online platforms like MyInstantMD for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment plan, which may include prescription antibiotics to combat bacterial infections.
Available in 50 states. No insurance needed.
Recommendations for Further Mastitis Treatments When Necessary
In some cases, mastitis may require further treatment beyond antibiotics. MyInstantMD providers can recommend additional therapies to reduce inflammation and soothe symptoms. These may include applying warm compresses to the affected breast, gently massaging the breast to help unclog milk ducts, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Continuing to breastfeed or express milk regularly can also help alleviate mastitis symptoms and prevent complications.
If mastitis symptoms persist or worsen after 2 to 3 days of antibiotic treatment, MyInstantMD providers may recommend additional measures. These could include a change in antibiotic medication, further testing to identify the specific type of infection, or a referral to a specialist for more advanced care.
Prompt and appropriate treatment is crucial to prevent the spread of infection and avoid potential complications associated with untreated mastitis.
Benefits of Online Treatment
Online treatment offers a convenient way to access quality medical care without leaving your home. You can quickly get the care you need for mastitis through a secure telehealth platform.
Convenience and accessibility
Mastitis treatment is now more accessible and convenient than ever with online platforms offering fast, secure, and easy-to-use services. With just a few clicks, individuals experiencing symptoms of mastitis can receive prompt medical care from board-certified physicians.
These online services eliminate the need for in-person visits, saving time and reducing exposure to other illnesses, while still providing effective treatment plans and electronically filled prescriptions for mastitis.
Online mastitis treatment options, such as those offered by MyInstantMD, allow patients to access medical care from the comfort of their own homes. This is particularly beneficial for new mothers who may be experiencing lactation mastitis and find it challenging to leave the house with a newborn.
Avoiding exposure to other illnesses
Online treatment for mastitis through telemedicine platforms like MyInstantMD offers a significant benefit of avoiding exposure to other illnesses. Visiting a doctor’s office or clinic can increase the risk of contracting infections from other patients, especially for new mothers and their infants with developing immune systems.
Telemedicine eliminates this risk by providing access to board-certified physicians and nurse practitioners from the comfort and safety of home, ensuring prompt treatment without compromising health.
Available in 50 states. No insurance needed.
Fast and secure Telehealth platform
Our telehealth platform provides fast and secure access to medical care for individuals experiencing symptoms of mastitis. Patients can receive prompt treatment from board-certified physicians, without the need for in-person visits.
Our platform allows for quick and easy online diagnosis, treatment plans, and electronically filled prescriptions for mastitis, ensuring patients get the care they need to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
Designed with patient privacy and security in mind, our telehealth platform uses advanced encryption and secure communication channels to protect sensitive medical information. Patients can trust that their personal and health data is kept confidential and secure throughout the treatment process.
Get Started Today
Mastitis is a painful and uncomfortable condition that requires prompt treatment. MyInstantMD offers fast, convenient, and affordable online treatment for mastitis from the comfort of your own home.
Take control of your health today and get started with MyInstantMD’s secure telehealth platform for effective mastitis treatment.
Available in 50 states. No insurance needed.
Acute medical treatment in
3 easy steps
1
Answer a few simple questions
2
Provider will then review your information
3
Send prescription to the pharmacy of your choice
Frequently Asked Questions
Mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue that can result in infection, causing breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. It is most commonly experienced by breastfeeding women but can also occur in non-lactating women. MYInstantMD provides a convenient and effective way to get a treatment plan for mastitis. By completing an online assessment, our providers can review your symptoms and offer a personalized treatment plan, typically within an hour.
Yes, it is generally safe and often recommended to continue breastfeeding if you develop mastitis. Breastfeeding helps keep the breast milk flowing and can aid in faster recovery. MYInstantMD providers can offer specific advice and treatment options to ensure both you and your baby remain healthy during this time.
Risk factors for developing mastitis include incomplete emptying of the breast, infrequent breastfeeding, tight-fitting bras, and nipple damage or irritation. MYInstantMD’s online assessment can help identify these risk factors and provide tailored advice to prevent future occurrences.
After you submit your online assessment, our providers will review your symptoms and medical history to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and effective solution within an hour. If the treatment includes medication, a prescription can be sent to your chosen pharmacy.
While mastitis and inflammatory breast cancer can share similar symptoms such as redness and swelling, they are distinct conditions. If our providers suspect any serious underlying conditions, they will advise you to seek further evaluation from a specialist. MYInstantMD focuses on treating common conditions like mastitis, ensuring you receive appropriate and timely care.
Patients have 24 hours to send messages to their provider if they have any questions after completing the online consultation. Our support team is also available to assist with any additional inquiries or concerns you may have about your treatment plan or how to manage your condition effectively.
