An abscess is a pocket of pus formed by infection. Breast abscesses are most common in women who are breastfeeding. You can usually continue to breastfeed your baby in spite of a breast abscess. It will not harm your baby. If your doctor advises you to stop breastfeeding on the affected breast while it heals, you can continue breastfeeding from the healthy breast.
Sometimes antibiotics are used to treat a breast abscess. If antibiotics do not cure the abscess, it may need to be drained through a small cut (incision).
You may have had a sedative to help you relax. You may be unsteady after having sedation. It can take a few hours for the medicine's effects to wear off. Common side effects of sedation include nausea, vomiting, and feeling sleepy or tired.
The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.
Symptoms of a breast abscess include a breast lump that is hard and painful and a reddened area on the breast. You may also have flu-like symptoms that are getting worse.
Treatment for a breast abscess includes:
Most women can keep breastfeeding with the affected breast while an abscess heals. With your doctor's approval, you can cover the abscess area with a light gauze dressing while you breastfeed.
If you are told to stop breastfeeding from the affected breast while an abscess heals, you can keep breastfeeding from the healthy breast. Be sure to pump or express milk from the infected breast regularly.
Your doctor can diagnose a breast abscess by checking your breast. If an abscess is too deep to check by touching it, your doctor may use a breast ultrasound. Ultrasound can also guide a needle to drain the abscess. A culture can then be done to identify the bacteria that are causing the abscess.
Call 911anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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