How to treat throat infection while breastfeeding?

Understanding Throat Infections While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of managing illnesses, such as throat infections, while ensuring the health and safety of their infants. It’s crucial to approach treatment with care, balancing the need for relief with the potential impact on breastfeeding.
Symptoms and Concerns
Throat infections can manifest as soreness, difficulty swallowing, and general discomfort. For breastfeeding mothers, the primary concern is whether the infection could be transmitted to the baby through breast milk. Fortunately, most throat infections, including viral and bacterial types, do not pose a significant risk to infants when the mother continues to breastfeed. In fact, breast milk can provide antibodies that help protect the baby from infections.
Home Remedies for Relief
When dealing with a throat infection, several home remedies can provide relief without compromising breastfeeding. Here are some effective strategies:
– Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids is essential. Water, herbal teas, and broths can help soothe the throat and keep the body hydrated.

– Gargle with Salt Water: This simple remedy can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from soreness. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle several times a day.
– Use Honey: If the baby is over one year old, honey can be a soothing addition to warm drinks. It has natural antibacterial properties and can help coat the throat.
– Avoid Certain Medications: While some over-the-counter medications may be safe, it’s crucial to avoid those that are not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. Always consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If symptoms persist or worsen, it may be necessary to consult a healthcare professional. Signs that warrant medical attention include a high fever, severe pain, or difficulty breathing. In some cases, antibiotics may be required, especially if a bacterial infection like strep throat is diagnosed. Fortunately, many antibiotics are safe for breastfeeding mothers, and healthcare providers can prescribe options that minimize any risk to the infant.
Continuing to Breastfeed
Despite the discomfort of a throat infection, continuing to breastfeed is generally encouraged. Breastfeeding not only provides essential nutrients but also helps in the transfer of antibodies from mother to child, bolstering the infant’s immune system.
In summary, managing a throat infection while breastfeeding involves a combination of home remedies, careful medication choices, and ongoing communication with healthcare providers. By prioritizing hydration, utilizing soothing techniques, and remaining vigilant about symptoms, mothers can effectively navigate this challenge while continuing to nurture their babies through breastfeeding.

What medicine can I take for strep throat while breastfeeding?

The following antibiotics are all safe to take whilst breastfeeding;

• Amoxycillin, Amoxil ®,
• Azithromycin, Zithromax®,
• Cefaclor, Distaclor®,
• Cefuroxime, Zinnat®
• Cephalexin, Cefalexin, Keflex®,
• Cephradine, Velosef®,
• Clarithromycin, Klaricid®,
• Co-amoxiclav, Augmentin®,

Will strep throat go away on its own?

Strep throat typically lasts three to five days if untreated. Despite the short duration, antibiotic treatment is recommended. Antibiotics are often used to treat strep throat. Taking antibiotics reduces severity, shortens sick time, prevents complications and prevents the infection spreading to others.

What can I take for throat infection while breastfeeding?

Sore throat
Throat lozenges containing local anaesthetic, antibacterial agents or benzydamine may be used while breastfeeding. Avoid excessive use as it may cause unwanted side effects such as diarrhoea. Gargling salt water or drinking lemon and honey products may also help to ease a sore throat.

What throat drops are safe while breastfeeding?

You can use lozenges, pastilles and throat sprays (e.g. Strepsils®, Ultra-Chloraseptic throat spray®, Difflam®) when you are breastfeeding, to relieve your symptoms. There is very little data on whether these products affect breastfed infants, but they have been used extensively without reports of problems.

What kills a sore throat fast while breastfeeding?

Experts agree that cough drops/lozenges and sore throat sprays, such as Chloraseptic are safe to use while breastfeeding, as well.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended while breastfeeding?

Zyrtec, although generally safe, is not recommended during breastfeeding because it passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Possible side effects on the baby include irritation or lethargy. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding.

What is the safest antihistamine while breastfeeding?

Cold and allergy meds that are safe while breastfeeding include: Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are the recommended antihistamines when breastfeeding. Other antihistamines are also considered safe but do not have as much research to support this. These include Allegra and Xyzal.

Is Mucinex safe for breastfeeding?

The expectorant guaifenesin and the cough suppressant dextromethorphan are often found together in products like Mucinex DM or Robitussin DM. Both of these medications have been used while breastfeeding. Small, occasional doses of antihistamines are acceptable while nursing.

Can amoxicillin affect breast milk supply?

However, the Mayo Clinic lists several antibiotics that are generally considered safe for breastfeeding women, including: penicillins, including amoxicillin and ampicillin.

Can I have honey while breastfeeding?

Yes, it is ok for a breastfeeding mother to eat honey. Botulism is not transmitted by breast milk. The Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program recommends continuing breast feeding or the feeding of expressed breast milk during the illness and recovery from infant botulism.