Mastitis

Mastitis can cause a fever or flu-like symptoms. In the breast, there can be additional symptoms:

• Sensibilidad al tacto
• Enrojecimiento
• Inflamación
• Calor

A MinuteClinic provider will discuss a person's symptoms, health history and (when applicable) breastfeeding techniques. They can perform an examination as well as prescribe antibiotics and over-the-counter treatments, when necessary.

1. Es posible que tenga que responder algunas preguntas para ayudarnos a prepararnos para su consulta antes de programar su cita.

2. La manera de registrarse varía según cómo programó su cita:

   Si hizo su cita en línea:
   Regístrese con el correo electrónico o mensaje de texto que le enviamos para confirmar su cita. Si prefiere registrarse en el quiosco electrónico, asegúrese de tener su código de confirmación.

   Si hizo su cita en la clínica:
   Inicie sesión en el quiosco electrónico.

   Si programó una cita de Atención Médica Virtual con MinuteClinic®:
   Para unirse a su consulta virtual, use el enlace del correo electrónico o mensaje de texto que le enviamos para confirmar su cita. Únase 15 minutos antes de la hora programada para su consulta. You will need your date of birth, email address and phone number to join the visit.

3. Cuando sea momento de su cita, un proveedor lo llamará por su nombre.
4. Su proveedor hará un examen exhaustivo basado en el motivo de su consulta, los síntomas que tenga y sus antecedentes de salud. Los cargos dependerán del examen y los servicios prestados durante la visita.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material. Si usted lo solicita, podemos enviarle información sobre su consulta a su profesional de la salud de cabecera.

The most common cause of inflammatory mastitis is an oversupply of milk in the breast, which can lead to engorgement. Different things can cause the initial inflammation:*

• An overproduction of milk
• Putting pressure on the breast that restricts flow, such as wearing a tight bra or using a tight seatbelt
• Fumar

Bacterial mastitis happens when bacteria enter through a crack or cut in the nipple.

Bacterial infections like mastitis may be treated with antibiotics. Compresses (cool or warm), lymphatic drainage (such as breastfeeding) and over-the-counter (OTC) medications may help ease the symptoms* while taking antibiotics.

Mastitis is usually diagnosed through a physical exam. Sometimes, an ultrasound or fluid removal (to identify the type of bacterial infection) may be needed to diagnose.

After starting treatment, a person can start to feel better in a few days.* However, it can take days to a few weeks before your symptoms completely disappear. 

Untreated mastitis can lead to an abscess that may need additional treatment. In rare cases, mastitis can lead to sepsis.*

A MinuteClinic provider will discuss a person's symptoms, health history and (when applicable) breastfeeding techniques. They can prescribe antibiotics and over-the-counter treatments. If an ultrasound or fluid removal is needed, they can recommend a specialist.