Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Mastitis risk factors
Introduction
Overview
Overview
The most potent risk factor in the development of mastitis occurs in women who are breastfeeding, especially if they have sore or cracked nipples or have had mastitis previously.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
The most potent risk factor in the development of mastitis occurs in women who are breastfeeding.
Other common risk factors of mastitis include:
- Previous history of mastitis while breastfeeding[1]
- Infrequent feedings[1]
- Nipple excoriation or cracking[1]
- Rapid weaning
- Illness in mother or baby[1]
- Maternal stress or excessive fatigue[1]
- Maternal malnutrition[1]
- Women who use only one position to breastfeed[1]
- Wearing a tight-fitting bra which may restrict milk flow
- Women with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, chronic illness, AIDS, or an impaired immune system, may be more susceptible to the development of mastitis
- Nipple piercings pose a risk due to bacterial infection following the injury and hormonal stimulation by the piercing[2]
References
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development. Mastitis: causes and management. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2000. http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2000/WHO_FCH_CAH_00.13.pdf.
- ↑ Leibman AJ, Misra M, Castaldi M (2011). “Breast abscess after nipple piercing: sonographic findings with clinical correlation”. J Ultrasound Med. 30 (9): 1303–8. PMID 21876102.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Prince Tano Djan, BSc, MBChB [2]