What Is A Breast Engorgement?

It is defined as a disorder in which there is an inflammation of the breast. It leads to pain, swelling and redness of the breast. It leads to discomfort. The most common organism responsible for it is S. aureus. It is the same micro organism which is present in the oral cavity. The other organism responsible for it is streptococcus. Its name varies according to the geo graphical region. It is also known as chronic cystic mastitis or fibro cystic disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of Breast engorgement?
It includes the pain, swelling and redness of the breast. One or both of the breasts can be affected. The breast is warm to touch. The patient feels ill and there is a wedgeshape of the breast. The breast has a lump and a fever more than 101 degree F. Flu like symptoms are also seen in few women which includes the aches, chills and shivers, fatigue as well as the engorgement of breast. The patient is anxious too. He must consult the specialist as early as possible. The breast becomes sore. One can see a discharge from the nipples in the later stages. The breast pain makes anindividual to function each day.

What are the causes of Breast engorgement?
It occurs when the milk is not properly removed from the breast. It leads to the blockage of ducts as a result the milk is not properly drained. It puts undue pressure on the breast leading to pain. It feels as a tight fitting cloth. It is known as a non infection inflammation of the breast. The baby must be properly attached to the breast when he is feeder. . The most common organism responsible for it is S. aureus. The other organism responsible for it is streptococcus. It can also occur due to the presence of special protein in the breast known as cytokines. The milk does not provide a good environment for the bacteria to grow. But the milk which is not fresh is a good house for the bacteria. It is known as an infection inflammation of the breast. It can also occur if the nipple is pierced and is quite common in the case of breast feeding women. It happens few days after the delivery. It is not common among the women who do not breast feed. It is quite common in the smokers as it can damage the milk ducts. It makes them susceptible to infection. It can also occur if the patient is suffering from the AIDS, diabetes etc. Any disease which compresses the immune system can cause the inflammation of breast.

How Breast engorgement can be diagnosed?
One can also go for few imaging tests such as x ray, CT scan etc. Mainly, it is quitedifficult to diagnose. The underlying cause must be known and the diagnosis can be made accordingly. One can also go for the mammographies along with a biopsy of the breast. One can also go for few cultures along with the aspiration biopsy.

How Breast engorgement can be treated?
One can use anti inflammatory drugs or topical medicines. Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs are also helpful. Aspirin is one such example. Antibiotics have also proved to be crucial in this regard.