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Aetiology

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

There are two main causes of mastitis

  • milk stasis
    • caused by inadequate emptying of the breast
    • situations which predispose to milk stasis are:
      • soon after delivery when the breasts are engorged
      • when the infant does not remove the produced milk
      • an overabundant milk supply
      • lactating for multiple e.g. - twins
      • infection
    • the route of infection is uncertain, organisms may enter the breast tissue through
      • the lactiferous ducts into a lobe
      • through haematogenous spread
      • through the periductal lymphatic system (1)
    • commonest organisms seen in mastitis and breast abscess are
      • Staphylococcus aureus
      • Staph. albus
    • other less frequent infectious organisms causing mastitis are:
      • E. coli
      • Streptococcus (alpha, beta and non- haemolytic)
      • M. tuberculosis
      • Candida and cryptococcus
      • salmonella infections (1)

The following factors have been recognised as predisposing factors for mastitis:

  • milk stasis
    • poor positioning and attachment leading to ineffective breast emptyingrestriction of infant feeding - due to feeding schedule, long intervals between feeds or due to missed or short feeds
    • abrupt cessation of breast feeding
    • oversupply of milk
    • engorged breasts
    • blocked milk ducts
    • pressure on the breast - can be due to wearing a tight bra or from a car seat belt
    • stress and fatigue of mother
  • nipple trauma

Reference:

 

 

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