Terms describing the body after childbirth
Mastitis
Related terms · Lactational mastitis · Condition of heat and pain in the breast
Mastitis is a condition where the breast becomes swollen, hot, and painful; during breastfeeding, it can appear suddenly in one breast and may be accompanied by body aches, chills, and fever.
Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung · Last updated 2026-08-27
Meaning and Distinctions
What is mastitis?
We check for distinct areas of hardness, wedge-shaped pain, redness, or a burning sensation during breastfeeding on one side. Since redness may not be easily visible depending on skin tone, we also check for heat, tenderness, and systemic symptoms. Mastitis is a condition where the breast becomes swollen, hot, and painful; during breastfeeding, it can appear suddenly in one breast and be accompanied by body aches, chills, and fever.
- Easily confused terms
- Unlike the general tightness of both breasts seen in breast engorgement, Breast engorgementmastitis can quickly present with localized pain and heat on one side, along with systemic symptoms like body aches.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- If mastitis is suspected, the need for diagnosis and antibiotic treatment is checked first. Once safety is confirmed, herbal medicine treatment also addresses breastfeeding status, sleep, diet, chills, and the recovery of energy.
- What to record for your visit
- Please record the time symptoms started, body temperature, the location of redness or hardness, changes after breastfeeding or pumping, and any medications taken. If symptoms do not improve or worsen within 12 to 24 hours after home care, please seek medical evaluation from a healthcare provider.
Women's Health Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check a brief definition before proceeding to a detailed explanation.Breast EngorgementBreast engorgement is a common term used to describe a state where the breasts become hard, swollen, or painful as they fill with milk after childbirth.LochiaLochia refers to the blood and vaginal discharge that occurs while the uterus recovers after childbirth. It is typically red at first, then gradually decreases in amount and changes to brown, pink, or a lighter color.
Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideBreast EngorgementJeot-momsal (breast engorgement) occurs in the early stages of breastfeeding when milk supply increases or the interval between breastfeeding or pumping widens, causing both breasts to feel tight, hard, and painful, and the nipples to flatten, making it difficult for the baby to latch. If pain is concentrated in one area with heat and redness, accompanied by fever, chills, body aches, or if a painful lump remains, do not dismiss it as simple congestion and seek an evaluation from an obstetrics and gynecology clinic or breast surgery clinic on the same day.→
- Condition GuidePostpartum Wind Syndrome (Sanhu-pung)Sanhu-pung (postpartum wind) is not a single internationally established disease name, but rather an expression that groups various discomforts after childbirth, such as joint pain, feeling cold, chills, fatigue, and night sweats. These may be part of the recovery process involving sleep deprivation, muscle strain, and breastfeeding; however, fever and foul-smelling discharge may indicate infection, swelling and pain in one leg may indicate a blood clot, severe fatigue and constipation following palpitations may indicate postpartum thyroiditis, and if feelings of depression persist and make daily life difficult, postpartum depression should be checked. Record the location and onset of symptoms along with changes in body temperature, bleeding, and mood; if warning signs are present, prioritize an evaluation at an obstetrics and gynecology clinic or emergency room over herbal medicine treatment.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhat should I prepare before a consultation for women's health conditions?Please record the start date and bleeding dates of your last three cycles, the number of times you changed products on your heaviest day, the location of pain, and your response to painkillers. Regarding discharge and itching, please prepare your test results and previous treatment responses rather than self-diagnosing the odor and color. Please also provide full details on the possibility or planning of pregnancy, ultrasound or blood tests, and any hormone medications, contraceptives, infertility treatment medications, or supplements.→
- Women's Health ColumnThe role of postpartum restorative herbal medicine and acupuncture when postpartum chills, joint pain, and fatigue persist→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment explanations.
- NHS: MastitisInformation regarding swelling, heat, and pain in one breast, body ache symptoms, breastfeeding management, and when to seek medical evaluation.