What department should I go to for acute mastitis?

Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
Updated on December 28, 2024
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What department to see for acute mastitis is a very common question. Acute mastitis often refers to the inflammation of the mammary glands during breastfeeding or pregnancy. Of course, this also includes breast injuries from physical trauma or parasites. Early-stage acute mastitis can manifest changes such as mild local pain and swelling, and possibly fever without other significant symptoms. Therefore, the early stage of acute mastitis can be quite confusing. In fact, one should visit the Breast Surgery department, Thyroid Breast Surgery, or Breast Thyroid Surgery department in major hospitals. If these specialties are not available, it is advisable to consult a doctor who has received advanced training in relevant fields at higher-level hospitals, typically a general surgery or gynecology specialist.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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How many days does it take for the fever from acute mastitis to go away?

The fever associated with acute mastitis can subside within a few days, but it needs to be evaluated through ultrasound and a complete blood count; these tests can be performed in the breast department of a standard hospital. If the blood count exceeds 10,000, temporary fever reduction is possible, but inflammation can cause fever to recur. In such cases, local warm and moist compresses are recommended, and injections of saline combined with penicillin can be administered to help reduce inflammation. Systemic antibiotics such as penicillin and cephalosporins can be used. Since antibiotics can be secreted into breast milk and affect infants, the use of tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, sulfa drugs, and metronidazole should be avoided. After three days of intravenous treatment, a follow-up complete blood count should be conducted to determine whether anti-inflammatory symptomatic treatment should be discontinued.

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Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What should I do if I have acute mastitis?

If acute mastitis occurs, the first step is to promptly relieve the blockage of the milk ducts, ensuring smooth drainage of breast milk. This can be achieved through warm compresses, massage, and the use of a breast pump for most cases of acute mastitis. With early intervention, significant relief can usually be achieved. However, if the condition has been prolonged and is severe, it is advisable to visit a formal hospital. Prompt medical attention and diagnostic tests, such as a complete blood count and localized ultrasound, are needed to further understand the condition and administer appropriate antibiotic treatment. If an abscess forms in the breast, it should be surgically drained as soon as possible. Maintaining good hygiene, paying attention to a gentle diet, and adopting good living habits, such as going to bed early and waking up early, are also important.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Which part of the body is moxibustion applied to for acute mastitis?

In cases of acute mastitis, it is recommended to promptly visit a formal hospital and receive timely treatment under the guidance of a doctor. Under the doctor's guidance, treatment should be administered through medication. If mastitis is not treated promptly, it can easily lead to a worsening of the condition and the formation of breast abscesses, which not only prolongs the treatment period but in severe cases, may also require surgery. Moxibustion is a slow treatment method, so it is crucial to treat acute symptoms promptly with medication. However, moxibustion can be performed on acupoints such as Tanzhong and Rugen to achieve effective regulation.

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Written by Cui Yu Rong
Breast Surgery
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Is hot compress effective for acute mastitis?

An important factor in acute mastitis is the accumulation of milk during breastfeeding, which leads to mastitis. Applying heat can be somewhat effective, as it helps to unblock the milk, thus further alleviating and controlling the symptoms of mastitis. However, heat application is mainly used in the initial stage of mastitis. If the condition progresses further, with more apparent systemic symptoms or pus formation, then heat application is not very effective. Further anti-infection treatment and, if necessary, incision and drainage surgery are needed to control the condition.

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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.