Question 1

what is a breast abscess?

Accepted Answer

Localized Infection: A breast abscess is a localized collection of pus in the breast tissue. Breast abscesses develop as a result of infection of the breast tissue which can occur due to several causes. Treatment involves incision and drainage of the breast abscess.

Question 2

what are the tests for breast abscess?

Accepted Answer

Aspiration: The best way to diagnose a breast abscess is by physical examination supplemented by ultrasound.  If a fluid-filled lump is present in the right setting for an abscess (redness, tenderness, swelling, etc), a needle can be inserted under local anesthesia with ultrasound guidance:  drawing pus out is diagnostic (and, combined with antibiotics, may be all that's needed for rx).

Question 3

what are the symptoms of breast abscess?

Accepted Answer

Red, painful lump: Breast abscesses usually cause a red, swollen, tender lump.  Associated symptoms may include fever, malaise, and lethargy.  While more common when breastfeeding, they can occur at any age.  The cornerstone of therapy includes antibiotics and drainage, which may be done via needle aspiration or surgical "i and d", depending on the severity of the infection.

Question 4

how to know that a breast abscess is recurring?

Accepted Answer

Lump: A breast, or any abscess, is a 'lump' ... self exam is the key.  Abscesses are areas of infection that the body attempt to contain in one area.  Abscesses are a lump, mass or some sort of space occupying mass that you can feel.  There may be pain, redness or a general feeling of illness or fever with some abscesses ... but ... it's a matter of size and degree.

Question 5

blood from breast abscess?

Accepted Answer

Usually not: If you have bloody nipple discharge, that needs medical evaluation, and most commonly is related to a growth on the lining of a milk duct. If there is bloody drainage from the incision made on the skin to drain the pus, that is perfectly normal until it heals.

Question 6

does smoking  affect a breast  abscess woundw?

Accepted Answer

See below: Smoking is bad for all healing including the type you mentioned.  It probably won't be helped by stopping now, but stopping asst any time is a good idea.

Question 7

does  smoking  affect  breast  abscess  wound?

Accepted Answer

See below: Smoking is bad for all healing including the type you mentioned.  It probably won't be helped by stopping now, but stopping asst any time is a good idea.

Question 8

can breast abscess removed without any surgery?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Sometimes aspiration of the abscess and antibiotics can " cure" an abscess without surgery.  The aspiration would also allow an accurate culture be done to guide antibiotic choice as well.

Question 9

how long does chills associated with breast abscess last?

Accepted Answer

If treated....: If your abscess is treated appropriately with drainage and antibiotics, the fever and chills should resolve within 48-72 hours.  If the fever/chills persists, then contact your surgeon, the abscess may not have been completely drained (can happen with a complex abscess) or you may need a different antibiotic.  This may mean the infection has spread beyond the breast.

Question 10

is it common for teenage girls to develop a breast abscess?

Accepted Answer

No, but it happens. : Breast abscesses can occur at any age, typically via normal skin bacteria entering a break in the skin or nipple. Rx centers on antibiotics and draining any pus, ideally via (repeated) aspirations rather than surgical drainage. Surgical evaluation is mandatory--it is best to treat this as early as possible.

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Pathophysiology of breast abscess

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What is a breast abscess?

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What are the tests for breast abscess?

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How to know that a breast abscess is recurring?

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Blood from breast abscess?

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Does smoking affect a breast abscess woundw?

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Does smoking affect breast abscess wound?

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Can breast abscess removed without any surgery?

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How long does chills associated with breast abscess last?

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Is it common for teenage girls to develop a breast abscess?

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