Patient's question:
Postpartum for 38 days. Breastfeeding the child. Now I have a cold and my throat is very sore. Even swallowing saliva is painful. I feel a bit of cough, and it's probably my tonsils that are inflamed. I've been boiling brown sugar ginger hot water to drink, is it okay? Can I take medication?Doctor's answer:
When a breastfeeding patient experiences another upper respiratory tract infection based on acute pharyngitis symptoms, as this condition is mostly caused by viral infections and has a self-healing nature with a course of 1-2 weeks, it is recommended to manage it symptomatically. Mainly, one should drink plenty of water and can consume a very small amount of light salt water. Rest more in bed, pay attention to preventing colds, and avoid excessive sweating. Wash your face frequently and maintain good oral hygiene. Eat a light diet and consume high-Vitamin C fruits like oranges. Since oral medications can be excreted in breast milk and interfere with infants, it is advised to avoid antibiotic treatment for the time being. If the condition is difficult to control, seek medical attention, use antibiotics, and temporarily stop breastfeeding.