Treatment for blocked sinuses while breastfeeding

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DD is 3 weeks old and exclusively breastfed..
I suffer with sinus trouble a lot..and it intensifies after Ive given birth..no idea why.

I tend to get blockages in my nose then my sinuses block up..IM using a sinuses saline rinse but normally when Im symptomatic I use beconase, nasonex or flixonase to releive the inflammation..but am not sure if I can whilst breast feeding..
Ive got some beconase in and am feeling so desperate Im inclined to just use it before bed...Im in so much pain..my ears are blocked and painful and my face feels swollen

any one know if I can use nasal sprays or not?

Hi - go to your docs or at least the pharmacy. Maybe you can time it just after a feed so medicine has chance to work. Could it be an infection?

Antihistamines can mess with supply, and as your baby is quite young, I would be nervous.

That being said, this page goes through the antihistamines and their likely effect on you both.

I'm guessing you've already tried hot compresses? I find they can work wonders, at least at unblocking me ...

thanks both..dont think its an infection yet as its more discomfort and pressure than the awful pain..and no temperature...am very nervous about taking anything,but my head feels like its going to drop off..bleuurrghh..have tried sinus massage and hot compress to no avail

back to steaming I guess and nasal rinse..

The webpage I linked to said the non-drowsy ones were safer, maybe try one of the ones they recommend, in the day, and see how you get on?

Would a locally acting nasal spray work for you? Something like Vicks Sinex. Since it is only working on your nose, it should be safer.

Oooh, yes, locally-acting stuff is much much safer.

will give the gps a ring and ask anout vicks

When I had blocked sinuses I found a humidifier at night was a god send. Took the pressure off enough so that I could sleep. Just had to dress us all like it was the middle of summer as it made the room warm! HTH x

I know how horrible this is as I can suffer from this too.

I used Vicks and a hot flannel on my nose whenever it got really bad.

Vicks should be absolutely fine. Interestingly this webpage talks about inhaled antihistamines, and which active ingredients are safest for bf mums. I don't know the site (unlike the other one I linked to) but it looks reputable and reasonable.

Oh, duh, this is the best page. Reputable organisation, and meant for a UK audience, so uses the drug names you already know.

It says nasal sprays can be safely used while breastfeeding.

THIS IS USEFUL Ooops caps. Breastfeeding network drug info sheet for cold remedies.

How about something like ibuprofen as well to reduce the inflammation.

Have you tried acupunture or massage? I had many infections last year and just generally pressure in my head. I then had a massage on my sinuses, right the way down my neck. I have to say that my nose was running for 2 weeks, but I haven't had any pain for about 5 months.

yes Ive had accupuncture in the past and it definitely helps....

gp recommended brufen..and if desperate..Flixonase spray..but said best not to take anything if possible...have been steaming all day and feel slightly less horrific

MemoryLapse

Please ask your GP/local pharmacist to contact Leicestershire drug information centre (phone number in BNF). They specialise in drugs in lactating mothers. My suspicion is that you'd be OK to use steroid nasal sprays like you normally use as very little of it is absorbed.

I don't think it's helpful of your GP to say only to use flixonase if you're desperate. Usual drug reference sources aren't very good for drugs in breast milk hence the specialist service at Leicester.

HTH

Sofaking...thank you for that..must admit my GP not very helpful..may pop up to our pharmacy tomorrow as the pharmacist is usually very helpful..in fact when we took a script for eye drops for the baby last week, not only did he come out and congratulate us..but also gave us lots of umprompted info on the drops and assured us they were safe for little DD

hi just wanted to say cranial sacral therapy can work wonders on sinus problems, could be worth a try