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Female Breast Breast infection Normal female breast anatomy

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Breast infection

Alternative Names: Mastitis; Infection - breast tissue; Breast abscess Treatment: Self-care may include applying moist heat to the infected breast tissue for 15 to 20 minutes four times a day. Text Continues Below Antibiotic medications are usually very effective in treating mastitis. You are encouraged to continue to breast-feed or to pump to alleviate engorgement while receiving treatment. Support Groups: The stress of an illness can often be helped by joining a support group in which members share common experiences and problems. See breast-feeding - support group. Expectations (prognosis): The condition usually clears quickly with antibiotic therapy. Complications: In severe infections, an abscess may develop. Abscesses require more extensive treatment, including incision and drainage. Discontinuation of breast-feeding may be recommended in this case. Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if any portion of the breast tissue becomes reddened, tender, swollen, or hot, or if the lymph nodes in the armpit become tender and/or enlarged.

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