What’s really happening when mastitis occurs?

The physiological process the body goes through when you get mastitis is pretty interesting!

Usually, the first time you hear about mastitis, is when you are experiencing it for yourself. It can be a whirlwind time. But what’s really happening when mastitis occurs? Strap yourselves in ladies, we’re about to break down some science here.

First up, it’s good to know that your milk contains heaps of cells, nutrients and markers in it. This includes specific anti-inflammatory and inflammatory markers in it, called cytokines. This is a good thing! For baby and for mum!

BUT, when milk is stagnant in the duct, those anti-inflammatory markers start signalling. Simultaneously, at a teeny tiny cell level, these areas called tight junctions open to allow cells to come into the ducts to respond to the inflammation. Think of it like doors sliding open to allow stuff through. The thing is, that whilst this opens up to let important cells through, it also allows the milk to push back out into the breast tissue!

The body sees this, and responds to those anti-inflammatory markers that are now out in the breast tissue. This process can mimic something called an antigenic action. This is the same response to an infection. This would explain why women with mastitis experience whole body symptoms, like fevers and body aches. Mastitis is NOT IN THE MILK DUCT. It is in the breast tissue.