How to shake off bacterial infection without antibiotics in pregnancy?

Hello, I'm about 18 weeks pregnant. Over the Christmas I got some nasty infection. Started with 4 days of sore throat and terrible sinus headache and 4 nights of only about 2 hours sleep each. While travelling back home (slept in a hotel) I got pus in my eye (conjunctivitis) and a cough. Now, two days later, the sinus headache is much better (took one Panadol for the pain, steam inhalations and salt water nose irrigation), I still have sore throat, but the cough is worrying. I have very thick, yellow/brown sputum that is difficult to cough up - causing me pain in my lower abdomen and I worry for my baby.

Usually I'm very healthy and not one to go to doctors. I only took two Panadol tablets in the last 15 years and would really like to avoid the use of antibiotics, especially without a proper diagnosis. Unfortunately in my experience the doctors just give wide spectrum antibiotics without any tests.

I'll probably go to see the GP if this doesn't improve in another day or two as I have a feeling this could be a strept. or worse, staphylococcus...

Any moms there have an experience with similar infection?

Any crunchy moms know how to manage a bacterial infection without antibiotics?

Many thanks

E

[Seb9]

Have you taken a Covid test? It could be something viral and the doctors won't tend to give you antibiotics then. There's lots of viral stuff doing the round at the moment. I think everyone I know has had something. If you've got a fever with your sore throat, it's probably a good idea to visit your GP as the fever is probably going to be worse for you and baby than a course of antibiotics. Hope you feel better soon.

[Hidden in reply to Seb9]

Thank you for reply, I didn't take the test. Based on stubborn symptoms (brown sputum) I believe it's bacterial... Had to take another Panadol today as couldn't take the intrusive thoughts of cutting my own head off anymore 😂Anyways, apart of the headache, I feel an improvement on my chest and my eye is nearly cured.

So I'll continue with my herbal regime, nose flushing and trust that tonight I'll sleep through.

I would still appreciate any advise from people with more experience in herbalism/homeopathy...

Thanks

[Seb9 in reply to Hidden]

From experience on this site, it seems to be more science based information that people share here and most of the herbal chat seems to often lead to scammers trying to flog their mlm. I'm definitely a complete homeopath non- believer, so I'm sorry I can't really help with any of that side of things. Glad you're feeling better x

[Lovethenhs]

If it was me I'd do anything for myself that the chest physios do for patients in hospital. Steam 'nebulisers' with saline , moving around allot, keeping well hydrated, chest physio ie bashing yourself on the chest lol. Er immune system boosting foods. Mushrooms apparently like super foods or something.

I wouldn't worry what bacteria it is quite allot of those are commensal on you anyway.

Also anti homeopathy so you won't get me suggesting that haha unless you would like a placebo

[Hidden]

Thank you for your reply. It's always nice to be able to see other people's experiences and opinions... Chest physio is new to me, so perhaps I'll do more research on that 👍Homeopathy is not for everyone, I haven't tried yet, but as long as the placebo effect works and it doesn't have any "side effects" I'm all for it! 😉

[Habibi87]

Hi Rezeca, I hope you are feeling better, if not I would go to see the gp and ask for a swab to be sent to the lab before taking any antibiotics. In that way you can be sure to use the right antibiotic while also of course ensuring it’s one that it is ok to be used in pregnancy. If you do have a bacterial infection that is not getting better, then it is a good idea to have it checked and treated especially during pregnancy. I have found that if you are quite firm with the gp re not going blind with antibiotics during pregnancy they do listen xxx