PT Health Life -Breast abscess is a condition of inflammation, redness and pus accumulation in the breast caused by bacteria. This is a common problem in postpartum and breastfeeding women. In addition, women who are overweight, have large breasts or who do not maintain clean personal hygiene are also at high risk of experiencing this problem.
1. Can Oriental medicine cure breast abscesses?
The most common cause of breast abscess is Staphylococcus aureus bacteria . Staphylococcus aureus often appears on the skin and they can penetrate through damaged skin areas in the breast such as cracks around the nipples when a woman breastfeeds… they cause infections that often appear with foci. pus so Eastern medicine cannot cure it.
However, Oriental medicine can help patients recover quickly and reduce symptoms of the disease.
2. How to handle a breast abscess
When an abscess occurs, a woman easily gets tired, and the pain spreads from her chest to her back, spreading to her shoulders and arms. The skin over the abscess is swollen, hot, tight, purple, and may have high fever, chills, dry lips, headache , and milk may be mixed with pus flowing through the nipple.
If left untreated, the abscess spontaneously ruptures or necroses, which can lead to serious complications such as sepsis, kidney failure , multi-organ failure, blood clotting disorders, necrosis of the limbs, and is life-threatening.
Therefore, when there is redness, swelling or pain in the chest area; The nipple is inverted or there is pus oozing from the nipple; feel pain while breastfeeding; body has fever, chills… you should see a doctor soon.
Depending on the severity, the doctor prescribes antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs or interventions such as incision or aspiration. In particular, the spoke incision will help minimize damage to the milk ducts, speed up recovery, and ensure aesthetics.
3. How to care for breast abscess at home
In addition to taking medication as prescribed by doctors, patients can use pain relievers at home; Warm compresses/breast massage…
Apply warm compresses, massage the breasts, use a bra to support the breasts: Methods to help reduce clogged milk ducts, dissolve lumps formed by clogged milk ducts, bras to support the breasts reduce swelling and make the breasts less painful when the mother moves.
The wound will be cared for daily; Express, pump, and breastfeed your baby according to your doctor’s instructions for breastfeeding mothers.
Patients with breast abscess need to have a reasonable diet and exercise regimen:
- Drink enough water from 2 – 2.5 liters/day.
- Eat foods that are fully supplemented with 4 groups of nutrients: starch, sugar, fat and vitamins and minerals.
- Keep personal hygiene clean.
- Clean your hands and breasts before breastfeeding.
- Avoid cracking or scratching the nipples, which allows bacteria to enter, causing inflammation of the milk glands and the risk of breast abscesses.
- Get enough sleep 6 – 8 hours/day.
4. Can a breast abscess heal on its own?
If signs of breast abscess are detected early in postpartum women, the disease is still mild and there is timely intervention by cleaning the abscessed breast and feeding the baby regularly on the healthy breast. . Follow a scientific diet, get appropriate rest… the condition of mammary gland abscess will improve and the disease can heal on its own without needing to see a doctor for treatment.
However, if a breast abscess is detected in severe condition or due to pathological causes, depending on the severity of the disease, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics for treatment, or perform surgery/operation.
5. Note for postpartum women
- Rest, drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods.
- Gently massage the breasts to clear the milk ducts and breastfeed soon after birth, frequently and in the right position.
- Let the baby drink all the milk and alternate breasts, expressing the milk after finishing feeding.
- Clean nipples properly and cleanly before and after feeding.
Methods to reduce breast tenderness for postpartum mothers:
- Use a warm compress to apply to the breast before feeding the baby, massage the mother’s neck and back, express a little milk before feeding and wet the nipple to help the baby suck more easily.
- After breastfeeding, the breast must be supported with a chest bandage, and a cold compress applied to the breast between feedings.
- Avoid cracking or scratching the nipples, which allows bacteria to enter and cause inflammation of the milk glands, which is a risk factor for breast abscess.
- If there are signs of mastitis, immediate treatment is needed to avoid breast abscesses.
- Do not wean early. When weaning, you need to gradually reduce the number and number of feedings.
6. Medical examination and treatment costs
The cause of most breast abscesses is skin infection, with the main agent being Staphylococcus aureus. Although breast abscesses are uncommon in developed countries, they are still a problem for women in developing countries, related to nutrition, maternal hygiene, quality of life, and antibiotic use. born late and ineffective.
Treatment may be:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs – pain relief
- Antibiotics appropriate to the bacterial strain
- Tissue recovery drugs
