Breast abscesses, pus-filled lumps that often appear in women, can be a source of concern, especially for breastfeeding mothers. Although different from mastitis, a common infection of the breast, breast abscesses not only attack breastfeeding mothers, but also women in general, including those who are older. Let's find out more about breast abscesses, starting from the symptoms, causes, and how to treat them below.

Recognize Breast Abscess Symptoms

A breast abscess is a collection of pus that forms in the breast area. These lumps usually feel soft and move freely when touched. However, if the abscess is located deeper, the lump may not be palpable.

Symptoms of a breast abscess can vary from person to person, depending on the severity. Here are some signs to watch out for:

• Breasts are red, swollen, and painful.
• There are lumps that don't go away after breastfeeding.
• Pus discharge from the nipple.
• Severe breast pain, so that the mother cannot breastfeed.
• Ongoing pain that interferes with daily activities.
• Fever for more than 3 days that does not improve with medication.

If you feel one or more of the symptoms above, immediately consult a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to prevent more serious complications.

Causes and Risk Factors of Breast Abscess

A breast abscess, or purulent lump in the breast, is a collection of pus that forms due to infection. This infection can occur due to several factors, one of which is untreated inflammation of the breast tissue (mastitis). In breastfeeding mothers, mastitis can occur due to bacteria from the baby's mouth entering the milk ducts through cracked nipples.

Although it is more common in breastfeeding mothers, non-breastfeeding women and men can also experience it. The following are several factors that increase the risk of breast abscess:

• Nipple piercings
• Diabetes
• Smoking habit
• HIV/AIDS
• Breast surgery
• History of breast infection
• Elderly

Breast Abscess Treatment

Breast abscesses, painful pus-filled lumps, require proper treatment. Here are some treatment options:

1. Broad Spectrum Antibiotics

The doctor will prescribe antibiotics to fight the bacterial infection that causes the abscess. The type of antibiotic given will be adjusted to the patient's condition, and laboratory tests may need to be carried out to determine the most effective antibiotic.

2. Abscess Aspiration with Ultrasound

This procedure is performed with the help of ultrasound to guide a sterile needle into the abscess. The pus is then sucked out through the needle. Ultrasound aspiration is less invasive than drainage surgery.

3. Drainage Operations

If the abscess is large or difficult to reach with ultrasound, surgical drainage may be necessary. The doctor will make a small incision in the abscess lump to drain the pus and clean the area. The incision may not be stitched to allow it to heal from the inside out.

Although this infection most often occurs in breastfeeding mothers, it can also occur in women who are not breastfeeding.If you feel symptoms of a breast infection, see a doctor immediately. The sooner it is treated, the less likely it is that the infection will develop into an abscess (pus-filled lump).

References:

https://www.alodokter.com/abses-payudara 

https://www.halodoc.com/kesehatan/abses-payudara

https://primayahospital.com/bedah/abses-payudara/