Abstract

FERREIRA, Carolina Boavida  and  ANDRADE, Sara. Candida mastitis in a breastfeeding woman: a case report. Rev Port Med Geral Fam [online]. 2019, vol.35, n.1, pp.52-56. ISSN 2182-5173.  https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v35i1.11907.

Introduction: Breast milk is the most suitable food for the baby, exclusively until six months of age, and should be kept up to two years of age. However, for many women, difficulties in breastfeeding result in its premature discontinuation. Breast and nipple pain are frequent complaints and the most frequent reasons for discontinuation of breastfeeding. Candida infection is a cause of breast and nipple pain as represents a challenging diagnosis. This case report addresses the characteristics of breast pain in the context of this fungal infection, as well as its diagnosis, risk factors, and treatment. Case report: Female, 36 years old, healthy, had her first child in April 2016 (uncomplicated pregnancy and childbirth). Exclusive breastfeeding, without pain, until the baby was about a month old, when she started began complaining breast pain (right breast). She was observed by two different specialists and was medicated with oral flucloxacilin. Due to the lack of improvement and the ongoing complaints, she decides to go to her primary care center. The pain was very intense, like stabbing, and worsened after feeding her baby. The physical examination of both mother and baby was non-specific. Due to the semiology presented, severity of the symptoms and duration of complaints, oral fluconazole was prescribe to the mother, and oral miconazole gel for the baby, with as well as usual personal hygiene care. After two weeks of treatment, the woman became asymptomatic and was able to breastfeed without pain. Comment: The diagnosis and treatment of Candida mastitis in breastfeeding women are challenging due to the variety of symptoms that women may experience. The scientific evidence is scarce, with few studies confirming the presence of Candida in the breast milk. It is important for family doctors to be aware of this infection and the suffering it may cause. In this clinical case, the results of the therapeutic choice confirmed the diagnostic hypothesis of Candida mastitis and reduced maternal and fetal distress.

Keywords : Breastfeeding; Mastitis.

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