Waram-e- Sadi (Mastitis)

Introduction

It is the inflammation (Waram) of breast tissue that sometimes involves an infection (Ta’diya). In other words it is a painful inflammation and infection of the breast tissue.

Waram-e- Sadi (Mastitis) is an acute, debilitating condition that occurs in approximately 20 % of breastfeeding women. The inflammation results in breast pain, swelling, warmth and redness. Common causes of this disese are a blocked milk duct or bacteria entering the breast. It usually occurs within the first three months of breast-feeding.

Symptoms include sudden onset of intense breast pain, swelling/ inflammation preceded by engorgement, warmth, body ache, high grade fever with chills, tachycardia, flu like symptoms like generalized malaise, nausea, vomiting and headache. Breast abscess usually occurs as a complication of mastitis (Waram-e- Sadi).

These types of bacteria can enter your breast through a milk duct opening or a cracked or sore nipple. Infection (Ta’diya) is more likely to happen when milk is trapped in the breast (Sadi).

As per Unani medicine philosophy, it is caused by predominance of humour (Ghalaba-e- Akhlat) especially Dam (Sanguine) or Dam Aamez Balgham (Phlegm mixed with sanguine). It may also be caused by coagulation of blood and milk (Jumood-e- dam wa laban) within the breast.

When mastitis (Waram-e- Sadi) is getting worse, some signs appear include swollen, painful lymph nodes in the armpit next to the infected breast, fast heart rate, and flu-like symptoms that get worse. Mastitis (Waram-e- Sadi) can lead to a breast abscess, which feels like a hard, painful lump.

Types of Waram-e- Sadi (Mastitis): It is of two types.

Waram-e- Haar (Hot inflammation): It is characterized by pain, fever, redness and increased heat of breast. Pain will be of throbbing nature with engorgement of breasts.
Waram-e- Baarid (Cold inflammation): In case of cold inflammation (Waram-e- Baarid) the clinical features like pain, fever and redness will be of mild nature.

Principles of Treatment (Usool-e- Elaj)

Analgesia (Taskeen-e- Waja’)
Resolution (Tahleel)
To check the infection (Man’-e- Ta’affun)
To resolve the coagulation (Qat’-e- Tajabbun)
Evacuation (Tanqiya)
To suppress milk production (Taqleel-e- Laban)

Pharmacotherapy (Elaj Bil Dawa)

Local application of mucilaginous decanted liquid prepared from Tukhm-e- Hulba (Seed of Trigonella foenum graeceum Linn.).
Application of cloth dipped in water and vinegar on breast.
Fomentation with hot water and Khall-ul- khamr in initial stage of Waram-e- Sadi (Mastitis).
Local application of mucilaginous decanted liquid prepared from Khatmi (Althea officinalis Linn.).
Local application of seed of Aspghol (Plantago ovate Fosrk.) mixed with water and Sikanjabeen in case of Waram-e- Haar (Hot inflammation).
Local application of paste prepared with leaves of Mako (Solanum nigrum Linn.) mixed with Roghan-e- Gul in initial stage of Waram-e- Sadi (Mastitis).
Local application of paste prepared with Nakhuna (Pods of Trigonella uncata Boiss.), Aarad-e- Baqla (Flour of Phaseolus vulgaris Linn.) and Roghan-e- Kunjad.
Local application of mixture of juice of leaves of Mako (Solanum nigrum Linn.), Roghan-e- Gul and vinegar of grapes.
Local application of paste prepared with Kamoon (Carum carvi Linn.) and Aab-e- Karafs (Juice of Apium graveolens Linn.) in case of Waram-e- Baarid (Cold inflammation)
Oral administration of decoction of Panjgusht (Vitex negundo Linn.) 7 gm., Sudab (Ruta greveolens Linn.) 7 gm. And Kamoon (Carum carvi Linn.) 7 gm. to suppress the lactation.
Natool (Irrigation) with the decoction of Hulba (Seed of Trigonella foenum graeceum Linn.), Nakhuna (Pods of Trigonella uncata Boiss.) and Baboona (Matricaria chamomilla Linn.).

Compound Drugs

Zimaad-e- Muhallil for local application

Regimenal therapy (Ilaj Bil Tadbeer)

Bloodletting through popliteal vein (Fasd-e- Mabiz)
Bloodletting through basilic vein (Fasd-e- Basaleeq)
Bloodletting through saphenous vein (Fasd-e- Safin)
Induction of menstruation (Idraar-e- Tams)
Purgation (Ishaal)

Home Remedies for Mastitis (Waram-e- Sadi)

Continue to breastfeed or express milk If you are a nursing mother
Take adequate rest
Take plenty of fluids
Apply a warm or cold compress: A warm or cold compress can ease the pain and reduce swelling
Apply therapeutic breast massage: Unani practitioners recommend using castor oil for breast massage
Apply cabbage leaves on inflamed breast to experience its healing effects
Apply Aloe vera gel (Maghz-e- Elwa) on inflamed breast also
Apply Neem leaf juice: Neem leaves have anti-inflammatory properties and act against certain bacteria that can cause mastitis (Waram-e- sadi)
Use Marshmallow Root (Khatmi) Bath: The roots of marshmallow or Althea officinalis have anti-inflammatory properties
Apply a calendula ointment: Calendula is a also proven as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Note: UnaniDrugs should be taken under the advice of the qualified Unani physician. The patients are required to follow strict Unani regimen for optimum results.

References