Mastitis...

[Kourt]

I've been having pain in my armpit area, it has spread to my left breast, I've had a fullness, almost warm feeling in my breast with a dull ache for roughly five weeks now, so far I have found no lump. I have been to my GP this evening who has advised that it maybe Mastitis? I've not breast fed my children for years? I have been given a course of antibiotics for 7 days and told to return for a follow up appointment which may result in being referred to the breast clinic. Could this be mastitis? TIA

It's possible, yes. Mastitis is any inflammation of the breast/milk ducts. It can be caused by bacteria getting into a cracked nipple or nipple piercing in a non-bf woman, and apparently hormonal changes around menopause can cause the ducts to get clogged with dead skin.

Thank you. I didn't feel like I got a proper response when I asked my GP, I felt like it was a case of we have to treat you for this before we refer you & no further explanation given. I'll see how the course of antibiotics go. X