Does acute mastitis require infusion?

Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
Updated on September 13, 2024
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In cases of acute mastitis, the specific situation must be considered. If it is a simple case of acute mastitis without a significant abscess, without particularly high white blood cell counts, and without pronounced fever, then it is not necessarily required to administer IV fluids. Local applications of magnesium sulfate compresses can be used, and in colder weather, these can be heated for a warm compress. Alternatively, traditional Chinese medicine such as Jin Huang powder can be applied externally and is often sufficient to resolve the issue. However, if the acute mastitis is accompanied by an increase in neutrophilic leukocytes, which requires verification through blood tests, and systemic symptoms such as fever and pain, then antibiotic treatment is necessary, typically administered through IV or orally, though IV is often faster. When acute mastitis is complicated by a breast abscess, not only is IV treatment needed, but also procedures for abscess drainage or incision and drainage. Currently, many minimally invasive methods for draining abscesses and other treatments are employed.

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Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
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Does acute mastitis require infusion?

In cases of acute mastitis, the specific situation must be considered. If it is a simple case of acute mastitis without a significant abscess, without particularly high white blood cell counts, and without pronounced fever, then it is not necessarily required to administer IV fluids. Local applications of magnesium sulfate compresses can be used, and in colder weather, these can be heated for a warm compress. Alternatively, traditional Chinese medicine such as Jin Huang powder can be applied externally and is often sufficient to resolve the issue. However, if the acute mastitis is accompanied by an increase in neutrophilic leukocytes, which requires verification through blood tests, and systemic symptoms such as fever and pain, then antibiotic treatment is necessary, typically administered through IV or orally, though IV is often faster. When acute mastitis is complicated by a breast abscess, not only is IV treatment needed, but also procedures for abscess drainage or incision and drainage. Currently, many minimally invasive methods for draining abscesses and other treatments are employed.

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Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
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What IV drip is used for acute mastitis?

For the treatment of acute mastitis at the hospital, it usually involves blood tests to observe the blood picture. We look at whether the white blood cells and neutrophils are elevated. When these levels are elevated, doctors will recommend the use of antibiotics, which are commonly referred to as anti-inflammatory injections, but are actually antimicrobial drugs, targeting bacteria. The treatment mainly involves cephalosporins, and some may use fluoroquinolones, or even add anti-anaerobic bacteria drugs like metronidazole or tinidazole. How to use these specifically should definitely be under the guidance of a specialist. For instance, fluoroquinolones such as levofloxacin should not be used by individuals under 18 years old; instead, cephalosporins or erythromycin should be preferred.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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What should I do if acute mastitis bursts?

An acute breast abscess has ruptured, and it should be treated in a formal hospital setting. Under general anesthesia through intravenous administration, the abscess area should be expanded to the normal tissue via an incision. Then, using color ultrasound for abscess localization, to avoid damaging the milk ducts and prevent fistula formation, the incision should follow the direction of the milk ducts, extending radially towards the areola. If there are multiple abscess cavities, the partitions between the cavities should be opened with a finger. If necessary, multiple incisions should be made, or successive operations for drainage of the abscess cavities might be required. Latex sheets or drainage tubes may be used.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Can acute mastitis be treated with hot compresses?

Acute mastitis can be treated with hot compresses, which can reduce local pain, dilate the milk ducts, and facilitate the expulsion of milk. To completely cure mastitis, it is essential to visit a hospital for examination. Under a doctor's guidance, taking antibacterial drugs for anti-infection treatment is recommended. For women who are breastfeeding, the priority in treating mastitis is to empty the breast milk first; thereafter, taking antibacterial drugs for anti-infection treatment is advisable. For severe cases of mastitis, it may be necessary to perform puncture aspiration or incision and drainage to achieve optimal treatment results. Patients with mastitis should pay attention to their diet and eat lightly in daily life, avoiding particularly greasy foods. It is advisable to eat light meals, vegetables, and fruits.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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The causes of acute mastitis

The main causes of mastitis are as follows: First, the accumulation of milk is due to improper breastfeeding techniques or incidental contact with the mammary glands by the child, which causes the milk ducts to close and ultimately leads to the accumulation of milk. Milk is an ideal culture medium that facilitates bacterial growth, leading to mastitis. Second, bacterial invasion occurs when there are cracks or abrasions on the nipple, allowing bacteria to travel along the milk ducts to reach and infect the mammary lobules. Lastly, a decrease in the patient's own immune system can also lead to bacterial infection.