Skip to main contentSkip to main content

Mastitis

Overview

Open all pages about Mastitis

Symptoms of mastitis include a swollen, hot or painful breast, a wedge-shaped lump or hard area on your breast, and nipple discharge.

You may be able to help ease mastitis symptoms by resting, drinking fluids, taking painkillers and continuing to breastfeed (if you’re breastfeeding).

If mastitis does not get better on its own, a GP will usually prescribe antibiotics.

In women who are breastfeeding, mastitis is often caused by a build-up of milk. Other causes include smoking or damage to the nipple.

Mastitis is when your breast becomes swollen, hot and painful. It’s common when breastfeeding

Page last reviewed: 17/03/2023
Next review due: 17/03/2026