What symptom is commonly associated with mastitis?

Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that results in breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. It is often accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and general malaise. This systemic response occurs because the body is fighting the infection. Flu-like symptoms are a key indicator of mastitis because they reflect the body's inflammatory response to the infection within the breast tissue.

Increased milk production is not associated with mastitis; in fact, women may find that their milk supply is affected during an infection. Bleeding from the nipple is indicative of injury or trauma rather than mastitis. Excessive fatigue can be a result of many factors, including caring for a newborn or lack of sleep, but it is not a specific symptom of mastitis. Understanding the symptoms of mastitis is important for timely intervention and treatment, which can help maintain breastfeeding success.