Management of Breast Fever During Lactation
Apr 10, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Xiaopeng
Introduction
Breast warmth during lactation may be due to normal physiological factors and therefore does not require special treatment. However, it could also result from pathological causes such as milk stasis or mastitis, which require management—including general care, medication, or surgery—depending on the underlying cause. Additionally, breast abscess can also cause breast warmth during lactation, and prompt medical evaluation at a hospital is necessary.
During lactation, breast warmth may result from normal physiological factors and typically does not require special treatment. However, it could also be caused by pathological conditions such as milk stasis or mastitis. Depending on the underlying cause, management may involve general care, medications, or surgical interventions. The details are as follows:
I. Physiological Factors
After childbirth, hormonal changes stimulate milk production in the mammary glands, leading to gradual breast enlargement and engorgement. This often causes a sensation of warmth or heat, known as normal lactational fever, which is a natural part of breastfeeding and requires no specific intervention.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Milk Stasis
When breast milk accumulates in the breast due to insufficient or infrequent emptying, it can lead to breast warmth and swelling. If not resolved promptly, prolonged milk stasis may progress to mastitis. Initial management includes applying warm compresses with a heated towel, increasing breastfeeding frequency to enhance milk drainage, and performing gentle clockwise massage of the breasts. Additionally, professional manual expression by a certified lactation consultant can help effectively clear blocked milk.
2. Mastitis
Mastitis usually develops on the basis of milk stasis from various causes, triggering an inflammatory response in the breast tissue, with or without bacterial infection. Symptoms may include breast pain, palpable lumps, warmth, and redness. For patients with significant breast engorgement, local application of warm compresses can help reduce inflammation. Under medical supervision, treatment may also include antibiotics such as amoxicillin granules, oxacillin sodium for injection, or cefradine for injection. In cases where abscess formation occurs, surgical incision and drainage are necessary.
Furthermore, breast abscesses can also cause breast warmth during lactation. Prompt medical evaluation is essential to identify the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment under a physician’s guidance.
