Mastitis usually only affects one breast and symptoms often develop quickly.
These symptoms include:
- a red, swollen area on your breast that may feel hot and painful to touch
- an area of hardness on your breast
- a burning pain in your breast that may be continuous or may only occur when you are breastfeeding
- nipple discharge - which may be white or may contain streaks of blood
Over half of women with mastitis may also experience flu-like symptoms such as:
- aches
- high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
- shivering and chills
- tiredness
- feeling generally unwell
Visit your GP immediately if you experience these symptoms, and you also have a red, tender area on your breast.
Mastitis is not usually a serious condition, but advice and prompt treatment may be needed to stop the condition getting worse.
Speaking to your GP or midwife will also help to reassure you.
