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Breast Abscess, Pediatric

Charles A. Pohl, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Breast abscess: infection of the breast bud or tissue associated with localized pus and inflammation

  • Mastitis: infection of the breast tissue observed primarily during lactation

EPIDEMIOLOGY

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Ask about history of breast trauma or manipulation, concomitant illness or infections, and patient’s immunologic status.

  • Constitutional symptoms including irritability and lethargy usu...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Warm compresses

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) help control the inflammation and pain in older children.

  • Continuation of breast milk expression helps prevent en...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Clinical improvement should be evident after 48 hours of parenteral antibiotics. 
ALERT

Signs to watch for are the following:

  • A poor or delayed clinical response to ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Al Ruwaili N, Scolnik D. Neonatal mastitis: controversies in management. J Clin Neonatol.  2012;1(4):207–210. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Barbosa-Cesnik C, Schwartz K, Foxma...

CODES

ICD9

  • 611.0 Inflammatory disease of breast

  • 771.5 Neonatal infective mastitis

  • 675.20 Nonpurulent mastitis associated with childbirth, unspecified as to episode of care or not applicable

ICD10

  • N61 Infla...

FAQ

  • Q: How can you differentiate a breast abscess from mastitis?

  • A: Although both illnesses involve signs of inflammation (i.e., warmth, erythema, swelling, tenderness), a breast abscess is distinguish...

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