Mastitis Signs and symptoms

　　Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that causes pain, swelling and redness of the breast. Mastitis most commonly affects women who are breast-feeding, although in rare circumstances this condition can occur outside of lactation.

　　Often, mastitis occurs within the first six weeks after birth (postpartum), but it can happen later during breast-feeding. The condition can leave you feeling exhausted and rundown, making it difficult to care for your baby.

　　Sometimes mastitis leads a mother mistakenly to wean her baby before she intends to. But you can continue breast-feeding while you have mastitis.

　　With mastitis, signs and symptoms can appear suddenly and may include:

Breast tenderness or warmth to the touch General malaise or feeling ill Swelling of the breast Pain or a burning sensation continuously or while breast-feeding Skin redness, often in a wedge-shaped pattern Fever of 101 F (38.3 C) or greater

　　Although mastitis usually occurs in the first several weeks of nursing, it can happen any time during breast-feeding. Mastitis tends to affect only one breast ― not both breasts.