Mastitis facts for kids

Mastitis is when a part of the breast or mammary gland gets swollen and painful. It's like an inflammation, which is your body's way of fighting off something harmful, but it can cause discomfort. This condition can happen to humans and many animals, like cows and cats.

What Is Mastitis?

Mastitis means "inflammation of the mammary gland." The mammary gland is the part of the body that makes milk. When this area becomes inflamed, it can be sore, red, and warm. It's often caused by tiny germs called bacteria that get into the milk ducts.

How Does It Happen?

Bacteria can enter the mammary gland through small cracks in the skin or openings. Once inside, they can multiply and cause an infection. Sometimes, if milk doesn't flow out properly, it can get blocked. This blockage can also lead to inflammation, even without bacteria at first.

Who Can Get Mastitis?

While mastitis is often talked about in relation to mothers who are breastfeeding, it can affect anyone with mammary tissue. This includes men, women who are not breastfeeding, and even babies. It's also common in many animals, especially those that produce milk, like dairy cows and cats.

Symptoms of Mastitis

If someone has mastitis, they might notice several signs. These symptoms show that the body is trying to fight off the inflammation.

• The affected area feels warm when you touch it.
• The skin over the area might look red.
• The area can swell up and feel tender or painful.
• The person might feel generally unwell, like they have the flu.
• A high fever is also a common symptom.

How Doctors Help

If someone thinks they have mastitis, it's important to see a doctor. Doctors can figure out what's causing the inflammation and suggest the best way to feel better.

Treatments for Mastitis

Often, doctors will prescribe antibiotics. These medicines help to kill the bacteria causing the infection. It's very important to take all the medicine, even if you start feeling better.

Home Care Tips

Besides medicine, there are things people can do at home to help.

• Rest is very important to help your body heal.
• Applying a warm, damp cloth to the affected area can help with pain and swelling.
• Drinking plenty of fluids helps your body recover.

Preventing Mastitis

While it's not always possible to prevent mastitis, there are ways to lower the risk. Keeping the area clean and making sure milk flows freely (if applicable) can help. For animals, good hygiene in barns and proper care are important.

Images for kids

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  An ultrasound image of puerperal mastitis

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  Serous exudate from bovine udder in E. coli mastitis at left. Normal milk at right.

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  Cat with mastitis

See also

In Spanish: Mastitis para niños