Sinus Infection When Breastfeeding: Treatment And Home Remedies

Timely treatment and following precautions can prevent infection spread to babies.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Preeti Gangan, MBBS, DCH, IBCLC Dr. Preeti Gangan Dr. Preeti GanganMBBS, DCH, IBCLC MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on TwitterFollow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pediatrics & LactationExperience: 15 years
Written by , BDS, CLC Dr. Ritika Shah BDS, CLC Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Dental and General Health, LactationExperience: 10 years
Edited by , BSc Rebecca Malachi BSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years
Fact-checked by , MSc, MA, BEd Ghazia Shah MSc, MA, BEd Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health & WellnessExperience: 3 years
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Sinus Infection For Breastfeeding Mom

Image: ShutterStock

Experiencing sinus infection when breastfeeding can cause discomfort to mothers, and they may worry if it can be transmitted to the baby. Also, many are unsure about the safety of medicines they take. Sinuses are air-filled spaces within the bones of the face and are most commonly located near the cheeks, around the nose, or between the eyebrows. It is a common infection that affects about 31 million people annually in the US, and a 2018 CDC National Health Interview Survey found that the prevalence of sinusitis among women in the US was around 14%. The sinuses are lined mucus membranes, and an infection may lead to sinus inflammation, thereby increasing mucus production. (1) (2). It is a common infection that affects about 31 million people in the US every year. Dr. Theodore Kremer, a board-certified pediatrician from St Louis, Missouri, says, “Bacterial sinus infections often start with plugging of one of the openings of the bones of the skull called a sinus passage. After one of these openings becomes clogged, mucus builds up in the sinuses. Bacteria can thrive and reproduce quickly when the mucus cannot drain appropriately.” Read this post to learn more about the precautions you must take while feeding if you have sinusitis, home remedies, and management of sinusitis in nursing mothers.

In This Article

Can A Sinus Infection Affect Milk Supply?

Sinus infection does not directly impact the milk supply. However, certain medicines, like some decongestant sprays that are used to treat sinus infection, might reduce the quantity of milk production (3).

Danielle, a mother of four, shares, “There are times when breastfeeding gets the best of me because it feels like that’s all I do during growth spurts or days like today when my milk supply is low due to my never-ending sinus infection and little man (her son), is cluster feeding but I keep pushing through because it’s what’s best for my baby, hopefully strengthening his immune system (i).”


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Can A Mother Pass A Sinus Infection To The Baby?

The infection does not get transmitted through breast milk. It is a droplet infection which gets transmitted through coughing and sneezing. Therefore, wearing a face mask and maintaining proper hand hygiene while breastfeeding can help prevent baby sinus infections.

What Are Some Precautions To Take When Breastfeeding With Sinus Infection?

Keep hands clean to prevent sinus infection

Image: IStock

The following precautions might help in preventing the transmission of sinus infection from the mother to the baby.

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before handling the baby and their personal items, such as toys and clothes.
  • Keep tissues handy to wipe your nose.
  • Use a sanitizer to clean your hands.
  • If the baby touches your face with his/her fingers, then clean the baby’s hands too.
  • Do not share the same utensils like the cup, glass, spoon, etc. with the baby.
  • Wear a mask while breastfeeding the baby.

    Nurse with mask on to prevent sinus infection while breastfeeding

    Image: Shutterstock

  • Avoid kissing the baby until you are cured of the infection.

protip_icon Quick fact
It is highly likely that the baby is already exposed to the infection before you exhibit symptoms. Therefore, do not stop feeding the baby as the baby will get antibodies to fight the infection from mother’s milk (16).

If you notice any symptoms in the baby, then see a pediatrician promptly.

What Are Some Home Remedies For Sinus Infection?

You can consider observing some simple remedies at home. The following home remedies might help significantly reduce the intensity of infection (4) (5) (6).

  • Rest well and try to sleep whenever your baby sleeps.
  • Keep yourself hydrated by drinking several glasses of water throughout the day.
  • Use a cool-mist humidifier in your room for optimum moisture in the air.

    Use a cool-mist humidifier to moisten room's air

    Image: IStock

  • Boil some water and inhale the steam for relief.
  • Avoid any fragrances or allergensiA substance or protein that can cause an allergic reaction in the body that can trigger your sinus allergies.
  • Put a warm compress over your head and nose to help relieve sinus pressure.
  • Use a nasal saline spray.
  • Inhale steam from a solution of a few drops of eucalyptus oil mixed in two cups of water.
  • Consume warm soup and warm caffeine-free drinks for relief from the symptoms.

    Consume warm soup to relieve symptoms

    Image: Shutterstock

  • Keep your pillow elevated so that you can breathe better.
  • You might have reduced appetite, but still, eat the foods you can to have optimal breast milk production.
  • Ask family or friends to help you out with the baby for a few days if your symptoms are very severe.

protip_icon Experts say
Dr. Eric A. Mann, M.D., Ph.D., FDA suggests that nasal irrigation devices such as neti pots, neti pots, bulb syringes, squeeze bottles, and battery-operated pulsed water devices can help with sinusitis (17).

When To See The Doctor?

If you try the home remedies and they do not work, then you should consider visiting a doctor. A sinus infection that is diagnosed early can be treated faster. Do not wait for too long once you begin to notice symptoms of sinusitis. Use the medicines prescribed by the doctor so that you can manage the symptoms better.

Medications For Sinus infection While Breastfeeding

The doctor is likely to prescribe the following medicines for sinus infections.

  1. Oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are usually prescribed for sinusitis. But these medicines have exhibited a reduction in breast milk production (3). However, it is a temporary change, and the quantity becomes normal once the medicine is discontinued.
  1. Saline nasal sprays are safe and effective in treating sinusitis. The doctor could prescribe an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal decongestant spray to relieve the congestion and aid in sinus drainage. They are generally considered safe when used as per a doctor’s prescription (3).

    Saline nasal sprays can relieve congestion

    Image: Shutterstock

  1. Pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) are usually considered safe for sinus pain relief in a sinus infection  (7).
  2. Antihistamines such as cetirizine or fexofenadine are considered to be safe during breastfeeding to get relief from nasal congestion (8). Antihistamines that cause drowsiness in mothers may cause drowsiness in the babies too, and are not usually prescribed.

The doctor will suggest the timing and dosage of the medicine in a way that the concentration of the drug in breast milk is minimal. Therefore, only have the medicines as per doctor’s prescription.

What Are Some Medications To Avoid When Breastfeeding?

Generally, doctors avoid the following medicines for sinus infections when you are breastfeeding, as they could be harmful to the baby.

  • Avoid OTC drugs without consulting the doctor because you should know if these medicines contain compounds that could pass into breast milk and affect the baby.
  • Avoid medicines that contain naproxen (9)
  • Do not consume any antibioticsiMedicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microbes  for sinus infections, as most sinus infections do not need antibiotics. Viral infections do not need antibiotics. The doctor will prescribe antibiotics for severe symptoms, such as fever over 38.6°C (101.48°F), pain and tenderness in sinuses, and signs of a skin infection, such as a hot, red rash that spreads quickly (10). The commonly prescribed antibiotics are levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and amoxicillin/clavulanate (11). If antibiotics are prescribed by the doctor, then the breastfeeding mother can safely consume it as it does not affect her breast milk.

Although some OTC medicines may not cause any potential hazard to the baby, it is suggested to use only prescription drugs.
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What To Take For A Sinus Headache While Breastfeeding?

You can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to get relief from headaches while breastfeeding if the doctor permits (7). Avoid using any drugs without the doctor’s consent.

protip_icon Quick tip
A massage, warm shower, and hot or cold packs on neck and shoulders and a cold compresses over head may help reduce headaches (18).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if a sinus infection in a breastfeeding mother goes untreated?

Untreated sinus infection may lead to maternal complications such as decreased or total loss of smell, breathing difficulties, or laryngeal inflammationiThe swelling of the larynx or voice box due to an infection or an irritant . The mother may also pass the pathogens to her baby through coughing or sneezing. In rare cases, the infection may spread to other tissues causing severe problems such as eye infections and meningitisiA condition in which the membranes around the brain and spinal cord get inflamed (12).

2. How long does a sinus infection last?

An acute sinus infection or acute sinusitis may continue from ten days to eight weeks, while chronic sinusitis can remain longer. Chronic sinusitis may also recur, with a duration extending for months at a time (13).

3. Will a sinus infection go away on its own?

Symptoms of sinus infection caused by viruses and acute sinus infection may resolve on their own within seven to ten days in most cases. However, sinus infections caused by bacteria or fungi would require specific treatment (14) (15).

4. What are the signs and symptoms of sinus infection?

The signs and symptoms of a sinus infection include about ten days of cough, congestion, sore throat, runny nose often accompanied by fever and difficulty sleeping, not caused by another medical condition.

5. Can a sinus infection lead to mastitis or other breastfeeding complications?

No, there is no evidence that a sinus infection can lead to mastitis or other breastfeeding complications. Nipple damage is a strong contributing factor to infectious mastitis (19).

6. How can I differentiate between a sinus infection and a common cold while breastfeeding?

You differentiate between both by considering symptoms such as the duration of the illness, sinus pressure, the color of discharge, and bad breath. Sinus infections can last longer, with facial pain and pressure and yellow/green discharge (20).

Since infection spreads through droplets and not via breast milk, you need not worry about your baby contracting an infection. However, the medications taken to treat a sinus infection when breastfeeding may alter the milk’s quantity. If you are experiencing sinus symptoms, maintain proper personal hygiene and rest well. Consult your doctor on the treatment plan and keep them informed of any nursing changes you notice during that period. Fortunately, this is a temporary condition, and with proper treatment and rest, you shall be healthy in a few days.

Infographic: Precautions To Take When Breastfeeding With Sinus Infection

As a breastfeeding mother, you tend to be extra cautious around your baby to protect them from contracting any disease from you. So how do you take care of them when you have a sinus infection? This infographic highlights the measures to take to prevent transmission of the infection to your baby.

how to prevent sinusitis transmission to your baby (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • A sinus infection does not directly affect milk supply, but certain drugs used to treat it may temporarily decrease milk output.
  • Sinus infection is spread through coughing and sneezing, not through breast milk.
  • Precautions to take when nursing with a sinus infection include constantly cleaning hands, using tissues, wearing a mask, and avoiding kissing the infant.
  • Home remedies for sinus infections include rest, fluids, steam inhalation, and warm compresses. Consult a doctor if home treatments are ineffective.
  • Medications for sinus infections while nursing include saline nasal sprays, oral decongestants, pain medication, and antihistamines.

Illustration: What Can I Take For Sinus Infection While Breastfeeding?

Sinus Infection When Breastfeeding_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Sinusitis is a common condition that causes facial discomfort, nasal congestion, and headaches. Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, therapy, and underlying pathology of this condition.

Personal Experience: Source

MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. I’m lucky I’m able to feed my baby;
https://bee-ingmommy.blogspot.com/2020/03/im-lucky-im-able-to-feed-my-baby.html

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Sinusitis; Department of Health & Human Services, State Government of Victoria, Australia
2. Sinus Infection; American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
3. Decongestants and Breastfeeding; The Breastfeeding Network
4. SINUSITIS; Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
5. Antibiotics for Sinus Infection While Breastfeeding-Should You Take it?; SinusCure Organization
6. Sinus Infection Basics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
7. Medicines and breastfeeding; Australian Government Department of Health
8. Antihistamines and Breastfeeding; The Breastfeeding Network
9. Naproxen; National Center for Biotechnology Information
10. Treating Sinus Infections: Don’t rush to antibiotics; Choosing Wisely Canada
11. Acute Sinusitis Medication; Medscape
12. What Happens if you Let a Sinus Infection go Untreated?; Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy Specialist
13. Sinus infection; American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
14. Killer Sinus Infection? How to Tell If Yours Is Viral or Bacterial; Cleveland Clinic
15. Acute Sinusitis; Cleveland Clinic
16. Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and the Common Cold;Nationwide Children’s Hospital
17. Is Rinsing Your Sinuses With Neti Pots Safe?; US Food and Drug Administration
18. Sinus Infection While Pregnant; American Pregnancy Association
19. A case-control study of mastitis: nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus; PMC
20. How to Tell If Your Cold is Actually a Sinus Infection; Cleveland Clinic

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Dr. Preeti Gangan
Dr. Preeti GanganDCH, IBCLC
Dr. Preeti Gangan is a pediatrician and a lactation consultant certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, Virginia, US. Dr. Gangan has completed her MBBS and post graduation in Pediatrics (DCH) from the prestigious Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai.

Read full bio of Dr. Preeti Gangan
  • Dr. Theodore Kremer
    Dr. Theodore KremerMD Dr. Theodore Kremer is a board-certified pediatrician and an assistant professor of Pediatrics at Washington University in Saint Louis. He attended medical school at St. Louis University School of Medicine and completed his residency at St. Louis Children’s hospital. He has four years of experience and has a special interest in well-child care, asthma, and ADHD.
    Dr. Theodore Kremer is a board-certified pediatrician and an assistant professor of Pediatrics at Washington University in Saint Louis. He attended medical school at St. Louis University School of Medicine and completed his residency at St. Louis Children’s hospital. He has four years of experience and has a special interest in well-child care, asthma, and ADHD.
Dr. Ritika Shah
Dr. Ritika ShahBDS, CLC
Dr. Ritika Shah is a certified lactation counsellor (CLC) from iNational Health Care Academy, Singapore and a dental surgeon with more than seven years of clinical experience across various cities in India. She did her graduation in Dentistry from KM Shah Dental College.

Read full bio of Dr. Ritika Shah
Rebecca Malachi
Rebecca MalachiBSc
Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi
Ghazia Shah
Ghazia ShahMSc, MA, BEd
Ghazia is a scientist-turned-writer with three years of research experience in Cancer Biology. She did her masters degree in Biotechnology at the University of Kashmir and bachelors in Education at the same university. Ghazia then delved deeper into the science of language with a masters in English.

Read full bio of Ghazia Shah
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