Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that most often occurs in people who are breastfeeding, a condition known as lactation mastitis. It can be caused by milk stasis, where milk becomes trapped, which may lead to a bacterial infection. Symptoms typically appear suddenly and include a painful, red, and swollen area of the breast, often accompanied by flu-like symptoms. While the infection itself rarely causes digestive issues, the necessary treatment for mastitis is frequently the source of diarrhea for both the mother and the infant.
The Connection Between Mastitis Treatment and Diarrhea
Diarrhea is not a primary symptom of the mastitis infection itself, but it is a common side effect of the treatment. Mastitis involving an infection requires antibiotics. These broad-spectrum antibiotics disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the mother’s gut microbiome.
This disruption can lead to antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), involving frequent, loose, or watery stools. The gut flora are killed off, allowing bacteria to overgrow and cause digestive distress. Taking a probiotic supplement during and after the antibiotic course helps restore the gut’s balance and minimize these side effects.
Systemic Symptoms of the Infection
The inflammatory process triggers a strong immune reaction, resulting in distinct flu-like symptoms. These common signs include a fever, often reaching 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, chills, body aches, and general malaise.
The affected breast may feel hot to the touch, and the redness might appear in a wedge-shaped pattern. These physical symptoms are the direct result of inflammation and the body fighting the bacterial presence. Recognizing these symptoms helps differentiate the infection from the potential side effects of antibiotic treatment.
Mastitis and Infant Digestive Health
It is safe and encouraged to continue breastfeeding or expressing milk from the affected breast while you have mastitis and are taking antibiotics. The primary reason an infant might develop diarrhea is due to the small amounts of the antibiotic drug that pass through the breast milk.
This transferred medication can temporarily disturb the baby’s own developing gut flora, leading to loose, runnier, or greener stools. This is the most frequent cause of infant diarrhea during maternal mastitis treatment. The benefits of continuing to provide breast milk, which contains antibodies, typically outweigh the temporary inconvenience of mild digestive changes.
Knowing When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
It is important to seek prompt medical attention if mastitis symptoms are not improving within 24 hours of home care, or if they worsen after 48 hours of starting antibiotics. This is crucial for preventing complications like abscess formation.
Maternal Concerns
Red flags for the mother include an escalating fever, the development of a firm, hard lump that suggests an abscess, or if the breast redness continues to spread. For diarrhea, immediate consultation is warranted if the mother experiences signs of dehydration, such as extreme thirst, dizziness, or significantly decreased urination.
Infant Concerns
The infant needs prompt medical review if they exhibit signs of dehydration or severe diarrhea. Signs of concern include:
- A sunken soft spot on the head.
- Fewer than four wet diapers in 24 hours.
- Blood visible in their stool.
- Severe diarrhea that lasts more than 48 hours, or is accompanied by vomiting or lethargy in either the mother or the baby.