Mastitis develops, usually in the lactation period (after birth), when the probability of infection in the ducts of the maximum. Mastitis pathogens most often are:
staphylococci,
streptococci,
enterobacteria.
Much less is caused by pneumococci, gonococci, some anaerobic bacteria.
Mastitis - an acute inflammatory disease of the breast, referring to non-specific pathology. In contrast to the nonspecific to specific examples of infections include syphilis, tuberculosis and actinomycosis of the breast. Mastitis is common to all mammals, including humans. Factors contributing to the development of mastitis include cracked nipples, milk stasis in the lobules (lactostasis), lack of proper care of the mammary gland during lactation, breach or failure to comply with personal hygiene, the presence of sources of infection (eg, pustular skin disease).
When there is mastitis?
There is basic, but only at first glance, the explanation. There should be internal and (or) external causes for the disease, as well as factors contributing to the development of mastitis. In fact, everything a little harder, that is, and the causes and contributing factors are very diverse. External cause of mastitis are bacteria. As already mentioned, in most cases this coccal flora (staphylococci and streptococci). But the fact that these microorganisms are all around us quite a long time in sufficiently large quantities. But people are not always sick.
Therefore, in order to penetrate the microorganism and the mammary gland was there almost with impunity, to multiply, it is necessary to know the factors that contribute to this phenomenon.
One major factor is the number of microorganisms near the nipple. We know that "one is safety." If the bacteria on the nipple and around it will be a lot, and the risk of mastitis increases.
Another factor closely related to the previous one, is the presence of microtraumas nipple and areola. It is in the cracks, abrasions and scratches, which will almost inevitably occur at the beginning of feeding (2-3 weeks, ie, immediately after discharge from the maternity ward) is preparing to "springboard" for an attack on the mammary gland. It is here that the microbes begin to multiply rapidly and prepare for the invasion of the ducts and lobules of the breast. It is for this reason that such an important consideration should be given breast health, prevention of scratches and cracks, as well as skin care areola and nipple. The basic principles are simple: you must correctly put baby to breast, not to exceed the recommended time of feeding, wash the breasts before and after feeding process. If feeding time is exceeded, and is not observed properly latch baby to breast, then sharply increases the risk of microtraumas areola and nipple, which are skin after childbirth is not enough rough and unable to prevent the development of sores. It is known that the abrasions and blisters easily formed on the untrained delicate skin areas. Therefore, following the recommendations for the care of the skin around the nipple (you can get them back in the hospital), the risk of mastitis is sharply reduced.
In addition to external factors in the development of mastitis, there are internal. They are: Anatomical features of the structure of mammary lobules. The fact that a fairly large part of the nulliparous women, some segments of the ducts are not wide enough for milk yield. At the same time for the penetration of microorganisms they are quite comfortable. It turns out that the milk stagnates and becomes a breeding ground for germs. This fact is the most important reason for the recommendation for mandatory express milk after each feeding. The rules are fairly simple pumping milk. It is only necessary to remember that a correct and complete pumping along with the hygiene of the skin around the nipple are the primary means of effective prevention of postpartum mastitis.
Features of immunity. In the normal immune response is minimal risk of mastitis. It is therefore necessary to pay attention to anything that strengthens the body's defenses: a healthy diet, adequate physical activity, adequate sleep and rest, good living conditions, etc. It should also be remembered that immediately after the birth of a child is breast milk is the main factor in his defense against disease. It is transmitted through the milk the child a temporary immunity. Milk contains a large amount of immunoglobulin that protect against various infections. Therefore, if a mother immune bad, and the protection of themselves, and the protection of the child may not be sufficiently effective.
Thus, knowing the underlying causes of mastitis, you can very effectively deal with the risk of their development. The rules are simple, and you can learn how to use them either in the nursing home, or a specialist, such as physician-mammologist.
