title: Lactational mastitis and breast abscess - diagnosis and management in general practice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lactational mastitis is common, affecting one in 5 breastfeeding women. As well as causing significant discomfort, it is a frequent reason for women to stop breastfeeding.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article outlines an evidence based approach to the diagnosis and management of lactational breast infections in general practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lactational mastitis is usually bacterial in aetiology and can generally be effectively managed with oral antibiotics. Infections that do not improve rapidly require further investigation for breast abscess and nonlactational causes of inflammation, including the rare cause of inflammatory breast cancer. In addition to antibiotics, management of lactational breast infections include symptomatic treatment, assessment of the infant's attachment to the breast, and reassurance, emotional support, education and support for ongoing breastfeeding.
authors.affiliation: leilacusack@gmail.com
authors.forename: Leila
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cusack
authors.forename: Meagan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brennan
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D018450:Disease Progression; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D058006:General Practice / Q000379:methods*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008413:Mastitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016387:Women's Health
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents