Medicines for Breast abscess

What it is

A breast abscess is a painful collection of pus that forms within the breast tissue, usually as a result of a bacterial infection. It most commonly develops as a complication of mastitis (inflammation and infection of the breast), particularly in women who are breastfeeding, when a breast infection is not fully treated or does not settle; it can also occur in women who are not breastfeeding (a non-lactational breast abscess), sometimes related to other factors (such as smoking or certain conditions). The symptoms of a breast abscess can include: a painful, swollen lump in the breast, which is often red, warm, and tender; the overlying skin looking red and feeling hot; pain in the breast; and, often, feeling generally unwell with flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature and shivering. It usually affects one breast. A breast abscess is more than simple mastitis because a collection of pus has formed, which usually needs to be drained to clear it — so, unlike mastitis (which often improves with continued breastfeeding, self-care, and antibiotics), a breast abscess typically needs a procedure to remove the pus, along with antibiotics. Prompt treatment is important both to clear the infection and to relieve the pain. Treatment usually involves draining the pus — commonly by inserting a needle (aspiration), sometimes guided by ultrasound, and repeated if needed, or, for larger abscesses, a small incision to drain it — together with antibiotics to treat the infection. For breastfeeding women, breastfeeding or expressing milk can usually continue (and is often encouraged) to keep the breast draining, with advice from a health professional. Most breast abscesses resolve with prompt treatment. The key messages are that a painful, red, swollen breast lump with feeling unwell (particularly after or during mastitis) should be assessed promptly, and that a breast abscess usually needs the pus drained plus antibiotics.

How it is treated

A breast abscess usually needs prompt treatment to drain the pus and clear the infection, and it should be assessed without delay. If a breast abscess is suspected — a painful, red, swollen, tender breast lump, often with feeling unwell or a temperature, particularly following mastitis — medical assessment is needed promptly. The diagnosis is made by examination, often with an ultrasound scan to confirm the collection of pus and guide treatment. Treatment usually combines: draining the pus, which is the key step — this is commonly done by inserting a needle to draw out the pus (aspiration), often guided by ultrasound, and may need to be repeated; for larger or more difficult abscesses, a small cut (incision) may be made to drain it; and antibiotics to treat the underlying infection. Pain relief is used for the discomfort. For breastfeeding women, continuing to breastfeed or express milk from the affected breast is usually encouraged (and is safe), to keep the breast draining and aid recovery, with support and advice on feeding; the infection does not usually harm the baby. Treating any underlying or contributing factors, and, for non-breastfeeding women, addressing relevant factors (such as smoking), is part of care. Most breast abscesses resolve well with prompt treatment, though follow-up may be needed to ensure it has cleared. It is important to seek prompt assessment rather than waiting, as a breast abscess needs the pus drained and does not usually clear with antibiotics alone. It is also worth being aware that, particularly in women who are not breastfeeding, a breast lump or abscess is assessed to confirm the diagnosis and, where appropriate, to exclude other causes. The reassuring messages are that a breast abscess, though painful, is usually treated effectively by draining the pus and giving antibiotics, that breastfeeding can usually continue, and that most people recover well with prompt treatment — so a painful, red, swollen breast lump with feeling unwell should be assessed promptly.