Someone asked about the systemic symptoms associated with mastitis - how
they can come on so quickly.
I explain to people that the symptoms of lethargy, aching, headache and even
fever are caused by "milk fever". Milk that is banking up in the breast
leaks out into the bloodstream and this leads to an inflamatory reaction
around the body.
Many years ago, Mavis Gunther, recognised the similarity of the fever of
mastitis to the effects of an incompatible blood transfusion (Acute
mastitis, The Lancet, Jan 28, 1956, 175-180).
Maureen Minchin (Breastfeeding Matters) stresses that mastitis is not
necessarily a bacterial infection: it means an inflamation of the breast.
We still don't have an easy way of determining when a bacterial infection is
present and antibiotics are needed.
BTW I was talking to a homepath today and she casually mentioned that the
homeopathic remedy for mastitis may vary according to which breast is
involved. I was amazed! I don't understand homeopathy, but I would like to
know if any studies have "proved" its effectiveness in mastitis. I see many
patients who would rather not take antibiotics, and I find the idea of
homeopathy intriguing.
Also, thanks for the comments about "milk blister" - another area that needs
more research!
Lisa Amir
GP / LC in Melbourne, Australia