Introduction
Sore throat is a symptom of an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the throat (pharyngitis). Sore throat often occurs together with colds, i.e. inflammation of the airways and fever. The cause is usually viruses and, more rarely, bacteria.
Sore throats naturally also occur during breastfeeding. Breastfeeding women go through changes in the hormone balance and immune system. It is suspected that pregnant and breastfeeding women are susceptible to certain pathogens that cause inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa.
Am I already contagious for my baby?
If a mother has a cold, suffers from flu or a mild infection, the body quickly forms antibodies that protect the breastfed baby. By breastfeeding, the mother transmits the antibodies to the baby. The antibodies help the breastfed baby to continue protecting itself against the pathogens.
Many pathogens are transmitted by droplet infection. This means that a nursing mother can infect the baby if she sneezes or coughs on it. Transmission of pathogens through breast milk is less likely.
Instead, breast milk supports the baby’s immune system. As a nursing mother, you can infect your baby with sore throats. There are simple tricks to protect the baby from infection.
A cold is mainly transmitted by droplet infection, like coughing or sneezing. If you have to cough or sneeze when you are close to the baby, you should turn your head to the side. Hygiene is very important.
Therefore you should wash your hands very often and thoroughly. If the baby sleeps in your bed, the bed linen should be changed more often. Breastfeeding supports the baby’s immune system and should definitely be continued. Are you more interested in this topic?
What medications can I take?
For sore throats during breast-feeding, which do not subside despite home remedies and sufficient fluids, the drug cetylpyridinium chloride can be taken. The drug cetylpyridinium chloride (trade names include Dobendan Strepsils®, Anginette®) is an antiseptic. It is effective against inflammation in the mouth and throat area.
Cetylpyridinium chloride can be taken in the form of lozenges, lozenges, solutions or throat spray. Contraindications against the drug are a known hypersensitivity to the active substance, mucous membrane damage and contact allergy. The drug acetylsalicylic acid, known as Aspirin®, should not be taken during breast-feeding.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are preferable to acetylsalicylic acid. There are also salts that can help with sore throats. Pastilles (for example Emser Pastilles®) contain charged particles which neutralize acidic metabolic products on the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.
Saliva production is stimulated and the symptoms of pharyngitis are alleviated. The next article may also be of interest to you: Painkillers for lactationBoth warm and cold compresses can relieve sore throats. A popular household remedy is warm compresses with tea.
To do this, moisten a cloth with chamomile, thyme or sage tea and wrap the cloth around your neck. You can use another cloth to fix the wrap and leave the wrap around the neck until the warming effect wears off. Cold compresses are often used when swallowing difficulties are present in addition to the sore throat.
You can quickly make a cooling quark wrap. To do this, put curd on a cloth and fold the cloth over so that the curd does not lie directly on the skin. With another cloth you fix the wrap on the neck.
Liquid also plays an important role in sore throats. Drinking a lot moistens the mucous membranes and makes it harder for pathogens to penetrate and multiply. Gargling with salt water is a tried and tested household remedy that effectively helps to relieve sore throats.
To do this, put a teaspoon of table salt in a cup of warm water and gargle the solution. Every two to three hours you gargle a big gulp, which you spit out afterwards. For gargling you can also use camomile or sage tea.
In addition, inhaling sage tea can help to moisten the throat, relieve swallowing difficulties and clear the airways. Homemade chicken soup has been recommended for generations. The protein cysteine contained in it is said to have an anti-inflammatory effect.
In addition, chicken soup has a positive effect on the water and mineral balance.
- Cool compresses alleviate inflammation, pain and difficulty swallowing.
- Warm compresses promote blood circulation, have a relaxing and pain-relieving effect.
- Herbal teas are beneficial and promote healing.
- Sage tea has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Thyme helps with coughing.
- Ginger tea, which also has an anti-inflammatory effect, is very popular for sore throats.
- Home remedy for sore throat
- Home remedy for tonsillitis
For sore throats, hot drinks such as teas are particularly beneficial. A lot of liquid supports the affected mucous membranes and relieves the pain.
Herbal teas have healing effects. Sage tea has an anti-inflammatory effect and soothes the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. Thyme tea helps with colds when the respiratory tract is affected in addition to the throat.
Lime blossom tea helps with cold viruses. Ginger tea is becoming increasingly popular for sore throats. The soothing tea has an anti-inflammatory effect and supports the immune system.
There are various homeopathic globules and Schüssler salts that can be used for sore throats. For dry, burning throat and difficulty swallowing, there are the remedies Barium carbonicum, Aconitum napellus or Belladonna. Depending on the cause of the sore throat and accompanying symptoms, there are numerous different globules. Schüssler salts for sore throats are Ferrum phosphoricum, Kalium chloratum, Kalium sulfuricum or Calcium sulfuricum. In case of severe sore throat and accompanying symptoms such as fever, a doctor should be consulted in any case while breastfeeding.
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