Runny nose

Pharyngitis symptoms and treatment in pregnant women. Pharyngitis during pregnancy: risks to the fetus, treatment and prevention

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharynx that occurs as a result of exposure to various traumatic factors or infection with viruses and bacteria. During the long nine months of pregnancy, the vast majority of pregnant women experience this disease. How does pharyngitis develop and what are its consequences for expectant mothers?

Causes of pharyngitis

While expecting a baby, the main factor contributing to the occurrence of pharyngitis is hypothermia. Ingestion of cold food and drinks also provokes inflammation of the pharynx. It should be taken into account that the immunity of pregnant women is usually reduced. Against this background, any adverse effect can lead to the development of an inflammatory process in the pharynx and the appearance of pharyngitis.

Factors provoking the development of pharyngitis:

hypothermia;
cold and dusty air;
smoking;
chronic diseases of the ENT organs (tonsillitis);
dental caries;
cold drink.

Inflammation of the pharynx can also be of infectious origin. The source of infection is a sick person suffering from a runny nose or cough. In most cases, infection occurs in autumn and winter, when influenza and ARVI become more active. In early spring, vitamin deficiency and a decrease in the protective forces of the female body can also cause the development of pharyngitis.

Pharyngitis can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. Often inflammation of the pharynx is combined with damage to the larynx. Pharyngitis is almost always accompanied by rhinitis, an inflammatory process in the nasal cavity. In some pregnant women, the infection also affects the mucous membrane of the eye, causing the development of conjunctivitis.

Symptoms of pharyngitis

Signs of inflammation of the pharynx are known to every pregnant woman:

sore throat that gets worse when swallowing;
sore and scratchy throat;
cough is dry or with little sputum;
enlargement and slight tenderness of the cervical lymph nodes.

The general condition of a pregnant woman with pharyngitis usually remains normal. An increase in temperature is not typical for this disease. In some cases, a short-term fever with a rise in body temperature to 37.5 degrees is possible.

A sore throat and sore throat are associated with swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa. Cough with pharyngitis is caused by drainage from the nose down the back of the throat. Associated rhinitis makes itself felt by nasal congestion and severe runny nose in the first three days of illness. All these signs together make it possible to establish a diagnosis based solely on the complaints of a pregnant patient.

Diagnosing pharyngitis is not particularly difficult. A simple examination by a doctor is enough to determine the location of the inflammation. Treatment of pregnant women with pharyngitis is carried out at home. Hospitalization for this disease is not required.

Complications of pharyngitis

In the vast majority of cases, the disease proceeds without any special consequences. Recovery occurs within 7 days subject to adequate treatment. With a pronounced decrease in immunity and a protracted course of the disease, inflammation may spread to the mucous membrane of the trachea. Tracheitis develops - a condition that poses a certain danger to expectant mothers. In this case, treatment may take up to two weeks or even more.

In many women, pharyngitis is combined with inflammation of the ear cavity. Otitis media develops, accompanied by ear pain and significant deterioration of the condition. This condition is associated with structural features of the pharynx, which lead to the rapid spread of infection to the ear cavity.

Why is pharyngitis dangerous for pregnant women?

Inflammation of the pharynx does not have much effect on the course of pregnancy. Most women tolerate this disease quite well without any consequences. After suffering from pharyngitis, it is possible to give birth to a healthy child on time.

Pharyngitis poses a serious danger only in the early stages of pregnancy.. In the first 12 weeks, all the internal organs of the baby are formed, and any exposure during this time can lead to the development of serious diseases. Fetal death and spontaneous miscarriage are possible.

Treatment of pharyngitis during pregnancy

Up to 12 weeks, much attention is paid to non-drug methods of therapy. All pregnant women are recommended to:

talk as little as possible to allow the throat mucosa to recover;
drink more warm drinks (tea, fruit juice, compote, herbal decoctions);
during treatment, avoid spicy, salty, fried foods that irritate the pharyngeal mucosa;
humidify the air in the room;
regularly ventilate the room;
do not engage in physical activity until recovery.

In the early stages of pregnancy, herbal decoctions are used to treat pharyngitis. Calendula, chamomile, lemon balm and sage have a good antiseptic effect. The herbs are poured with boiling water according to the instructions, infused for an hour and cooled. You should gargle every 4 hours. There should be at least 30 minutes between eating and rinsing. Instead of rinsing, you can inhale with herbal solutions.

Unfortunately, not all women tolerate herbal infusions well. If an allergic reaction develops, you will have to stop gargling and switch to other medications. To treat the throat in the first trimester of pregnancy, Tantum Verde or Miramistin spray is prescribed. Medicines are used every 4 hours for 5-7 days until complete recovery.

To treat pharyngitis, you can also use various lozenges. Among the most popular drugs, it is worth noting “Lizobakt”, “Faringosept”, “Strepsils”, “Laripront”. In terms of their effectiveness, these products are in no way inferior to sprays, and at the same time can also be used from the early stages of pregnancy.

In the second half of pregnancy, the treatment regimen for pharyngitis does not change significantly. Of the approved drugs, Hexoral and Bioparox sprays are added to therapy. Before starting treatment, it makes sense to consult a doctor - some medications have various contraindications.

During pregnancy, foot baths, as well as visiting baths and saunas, are prohibited. These popular folk methods of treating colds can cause uterine hypertonicity and miscarriage. In later stages, such therapy often causes premature birth.

When should you see a doctor?

Pharyngitis is a disease that can be successfully cured at home in 7 days. Unfortunately, even with this pathology complications are possible. Pregnant women should definitely consult a doctor in the following conditions:

lack of effect from treatment within 3 days;
deterioration of the condition during therapy;
temperature rise above 38 degrees;
severe dry painful cough;
the appearance of copious purulent sputum;
severe ear pain;
severe headache;
lower abdominal pain;
the appearance of a rash on the skin;
confusion;
decrease in fetal activity after 28 weeks.

If any of these signs appear, you should wait for a doctor to come to your home or call an ambulance.

The slightest illness can lead to troubles and various kinds of complications. This is due to the fact that drug treatment for women during this period is contraindicated, as the drugs can harm the baby.

Pharyngitis is no exception. This is a fairly serious disease that causes inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa. Almost always, the disease requires treatment with medications, in particular antibiotics. Therefore, women have a question about how to treat pharyngitis during pregnancy without harming the unborn baby.

Causes of the disease

Pharyngitis is a process of inflammation that occurs on the back wall of the larynx. It is almost always accompanied by pain when swallowing, soreness and runny nose, and possibly an increase in temperature. The causes of the disease may be the following:

Drinking very cold drinks.
Not fully treated ARVI.
Caries.
Concomitant diseases of the ENT organs.
Staying near an air conditioner or fan for a long time.
Smoking during pregnancy (active or passive).

Pharyngitis can also be caused by influenza, herpes, and rhinovirus viruses. With the rapid and active proliferation of fungi or infection, pharyngitis can become acute or chronic.

Signs of the disease

They appear quite quickly. The disease can have an acute or chronic form. During pregnancy, the acute form appears due to adverse effects on the mucous membrane of the larynx. Exacerbation during pregnancy occurs due to prolonged irritation of the laryngeal mucous membranes. It can also develop due to incorrect treatment of the disease in its acute form. Its signs are as follows:

The throat feels dry and uncomfortable.
In the evening, voice hoarseness may appear.
The patient feels a sore sensation.
Swelling or redness appears
There is an increase in lymph nodes.
The temperature rises.

If pharyngitis during pregnancy has a chronic stage, then a dry cough may appear without an increase in temperature.

Consequences

If a woman does not treat the disease, then pharyngitis during pregnancy can lead to very serious consequences. This is due to the fact that the source of the disease is a virus or infection that poses a threat to both the intrauterine development of the baby and the pregnant woman herself. In the first trimester, a woman's immune system is very weak. Therefore, the body is subjected to a serious test when a virus or infection occurs. Pharyngitis during this period can provoke a threat of miscarriage. In the second and third trimester, complications such as fetal hypoxia and the threat of premature birth may occur.

The placenta very reliably protects the fetus, so there is no need to fear serious developmental abnormalities. However, during illness, toxins appear in the mother’s body, which can disrupt the functioning of the baby’s internal organs. This often occurs due to lack of or incorrectly selected treatment. An increase in a pregnant woman's body temperature can also negatively affect the condition of the fetus. It mainly affects the baby's nervous system. To prevent it during pregnancy, a woman must recognize the disease in time, seek medical help and complete the course of treatment.

Gentle treatment

For infectious diseases, doctors usually prescribe a course of antibiotics. Therefore, the treatment of a disease such as pharyngitis during pregnancy raises many questions. How to treat? After all, antibiotics can negatively affect the health of the mother and the unborn baby.

First, you should completely trust the doctor. Typically, pharyngitis during pregnancy requires compliance with the following points:

Bed rest and rest.
Constant ventilation of the room.
Do not eat foods that can irritate the laryngeal mucosa (carbonated drinks, too hot or cold food, seasonings and spices, alcohol).
You need to drink a lot of warm liquid.
It is recommended to apply warm compresses to the neck.
You can't float your feet.
You should gargle with saline solution.
You can use lollipops or lozenges for concomitant treatment: Faringosept, Strepsils, Sebidin. You cannot use Falimint or Septolete at the same time.

This treatment is very suitable for eliminating the symptoms of chronic pharyngitis; the first four points are also its prevention.

Treatment with antibiotics

The above methods can treat chronic pharyngitis during pregnancy. How to treat an illness caused by a bacterial infection? In this case, only a doctor can prescribe treatment. This may be taking local antiseptic and antibacterial medications. In some cases, antibiotics are prescribed in tablets or capsules (only if the cause of pharyngitis is group A streptococcus). Medicines are prescribed only in case of acute disease. In addition, the doctor may recommend treatment of pharyngitis with folk remedies in adults.

Treatment at home

Traditional recipes should be used only after consulting a doctor. Some home remedies are far from harmless; they can cause bleeding in pregnant women, which can lead to miscarriage.

Treatment of pharyngitis with folk remedies in adults involves the use of:

Fresh potatoes for gargling.
Potato and spruce steam for inhalation.
Propolis for lubricating the tonsils.
Sage, chamomile, blackberries, raspberries for gargling or ingestion (can be added to tea).
Garlic and honey.

If a pregnant woman begins timely treatment for such a dangerous disease as pharyngitis, she will be able to protect herself and her baby from serious consequences and complications. But in this situation it is better to prevent the development of the disease than to treat it.

Prevention

Prevention of pharyngitis is simple. If a pregnant woman sticks to it, then a disease such as pharyngitis can be forgotten. Prevention measures include:

Cleansing the oral cavity from contaminants.
Avoiding large crowds of people.
Using oxolinic ointment to lubricate the nose.
Periodically rinse the nose with saline solution.
Constantly wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.
Frequent ventilation of premises.
Daily regular walks in the fresh air (at least an hour).

It is better to prevent the development of the disease than to treat it later and worry about possible complications.

Pharyngitis is a fairly common disease. It is an acute infectious disease and can cause significant discomfort. Pharyngitis is especially dangerous during pregnancy, since the disease can complicate the process of bearing a fetus and it is not possible to fully use all medications for therapy.

The disease can easily become chronic and cause serious complications. That is why the question of how to treat pharyngitis during pregnancy and what the consequences of the disease may be is of interest to many women.

Pharyngitis as a disease is a significant inflammatory process occurring in the back wall of the pharynx. It can be acute or chronic in nature. The acute form of the pathology occurs abruptly and continues for several days. The disease manifests itself in the form of malaise, dryness and sore throat, and increased temperature. It is provoked by viruses or bacteria, so it often occurs against the background of colds.

During pregnancy, the risk of infection increases significantly, as the immune system is quite weakened.

The chronic form lasts for a long time with periodic exacerbations.

Causes

The disease can be provoked by various factors, in particular such as:

incompletely treated colds;
pathologies of ENT organs;
very cold drink;
cold or polluted air;
caries;
smoking.

The causative agents of the disease can be rhinovirus, herpes viruses, influenza viruses, adenovirus and others. Often, initially there is a viral infection, and then various kinds of fungi and bacteria join, which provokes an exacerbation.

Symptoms

Acute pharyngitis in pregnant women occurs as a result of exposure of the pharyngeal mucosa to certain unfavorable factors. In the chronic form, the disease occurs due to prolonged irritation of the pharyngeal mucosa or due to incorrect treatment of the structure of the form.

The acute form of the disease is characterized by such symptoms as:

sore throat and discomfort;
increase in temperature;
inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck;
swelling of the back of the throat;
hoarse voice.

In the case of the chronic form, a dry, severe cough may appear along with these symptoms. In addition, no increase in temperature was observed.

Danger during pregnancy

This disease is not considered a very dangerous pathology, however, pharyngitis in the early stages of pregnancy, especially in the 1st trimester, can lead to complications and even provoke fetal death. In the first trimester, treatment must be carried out very carefully, since it is during this period that all the organs and systems of the child are formed. However, if you start therapy in a timely manner and strictly follow all the rules and recommendations of the doctor, this can be avoided.

Pharyngitis can have a negative effect on the fetus in later stages of pregnancy, as there may be swelling of the placenta, which leads to hypoxia of the child. As a result of this, in the future the baby may be significantly behind in weight and development.

In the last months of pregnancy, pharyngitis can provoke the onset of premature birth, which is why it is very dangerous. While carrying a child, you must follow all the doctor’s instructions and recommendations, since only he can assess the possible risks for the woman and the unborn child.

A timely visit to a doctor and proper treatment will help avoid negative consequences.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is made based on interviewing the patient and performing pharyngoscopy. Additionally, bacterial culture and clinical blood tests may be prescribed.

The survey helps determine what could have caused the disease and determine its form. During the examination, the general condition of the pharyngeal mucosa and the presence of pustules are assessed, as this allows us to determine the nature of the course of the disease.

To more accurately determine the pathogen, bacterial culture of the contents of the nasal passages and pharynx is performed.

Features of treatment

Treatment of pharyngitis during pregnancy must be comprehensive and use the most gentle and safe drugs. All medications should be prescribed only by the attending physician, indicating the dosage and course of therapy, since some drugs and herbs can be dangerous to the fetus.

During treatment you need to:

provide peace to the throat;
drink plenty of warm liquids;
apply a warm bandage to the throat;
ensure the correct microclimate in the house;
stick to a diet.

Medication

Drug treatment of pharyngitis in pregnant women involves taking antiseptics and anti-inflammatory drugs. These can be various lozenges, aerosols that help eliminate infections in the throat and relieve inflammation.

If acute pharyngitis occurs during pregnancy, medications such as:

Decathylene;
Inhalipt;
Bioporox;
Efizol and others.

However, before starting treatment, you need to consult a doctor, as some drugs are contraindicated in the first trimester. If, with pharyngitis, a bacterial infection occurs, then antibiotics are additionally prescribed, although they are extremely undesirable during pregnancy.

Chronic pharyngitis during pregnancy cannot be completely cured, however, following a special diet, increasing immunity and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can achieve long-term remission.

Traditional methods

Pharyngitis during pregnancy can be treated quite well with the help of folk remedies, however, some herbs have contraindications and can increase the tone of the uterus, so you should first consult a doctor.

The following are very suitable as traditional medicine:

inhalation of potato vapors;
warm compresses on the throat;
lubricating the throat with Lugol or iodine;
rubbing with essential oils;
garlic tincture.

Sea buckthorn helps eliminate inflammation and swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa very well, but it is worth remembering that sea buckthorn oil may be contraindicated during pregnancy, since in some cases it provokes allergic reactions if intolerance to this remedy is observed. Traditional medicine is also quite suitable for treatment during breastfeeding. However, when feeding, you should not use products that can change the taste of milk, as the child may refuse it. If pharyngitis is observed during hepatitis B, then it is advisable not to use drugs for treatment.

To minimize the unpleasant consequences of pharyngitis, you need to start treating the disease as early as possible, immediately after the first signs appear.

Pharyngitis is an inflammatory process that develops on the mucous membrane of the larynx. The disease can occur both under the influence of various viral infections, and against the background of a general or local decrease in immunity due to hypothermia, diseases of the oral cavity, prolonged inhalation of polluted air, and allergic reactions. In medicine, pharyngitis is not considered a serious disease and, with properly selected therapy, is not dangerous. However, pharyngitis during pregnancy should be treated with caution, because in this condition a number of medications and medical procedures are contraindicated for a woman.

Symptoms in pregnant women and possible complications

It is known that the immune system of a pregnant woman is depressed and cannot fully resist infection. Therefore, even a slight decrease in immunity, for example, as a result of hypothermia, can provoke the development of inflammation of the nasopharynx.

There are several main symptoms of pharyngitis:

sore throat and feeling of a foreign object;
tickling, hoarseness up to complete loss of voice;
swelling and redness of the throat;
enlargement of the upper cervical lymph nodes;
slight increase in body temperature, usually up to 37-37.5 degrees;
drowsiness, fatigue.

Treatment of pharyngitis during pregnancy should be carried out under the strict supervision of a specialist. Since the formation of the organs and systems of the unborn child occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy, any disease can cause a miscarriage or the formation of various pathologies.

Pharyngitis can also have a negative impact on the condition of the fetus in the second half of pregnancy, increasing the risk of placental edema and the development of oxygen starvation of the fetus. In late pregnancy, acute pharyngitis is dangerous due to premature birth.

Treatment

From all of the above, it follows that after a pregnant woman is diagnosed with pharyngitis, it is necessary to begin treatment immediately. How to treat pharyngitis in pregnant women, and what medications and therapeutic procedures will not harm the unborn child? To carry out safe and effective treatment, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

reduce the load on the throat and vocal cords (talk less);
drink a sufficient amount of warm liquid (compotes, alkaline water, decoctions of medicinal herbs, milk with honey), unless prohibited by a doctor;

Important! Before using various medicinal herbs, bee products and other substances for the treatment of pharyngitis, it is important to ensure that there are no allergic reactions or individual intolerance to the components.

make a dry warming compress on the throat, tying a woolen scarf;
to prevent drying out of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, it is necessary to maintain optimal climatic conditions in the room - regularly ventilate the room, carry out wet cleaning;
adhere to the correct diet: exclude spicy, salty, fried, smoked, hot and cold foods, giving preference to porridge-like warm foods (porridge, vegetable puree, soups, broths, fruit jelly).

Pharyngitis often requires drug treatment. How to treat pharyngitis in pregnant women, and what medications will help you recover faster?

If the disease occurs with a significant increase in temperature, it is advisable to use antipyretic drugs (Paracetamol or Ibuprofen).
The use of various sprays, tablets, lozenges and lozenges has an anti-inflammatory and disinfecting effect, helps reduce pain in the nasopharynx, and soften a dry cough. During pregnancy, the use of drugs such as Ingalipt, Bioparox, Decathylene is allowed.
In the event that a bacterial infection has developed, the use of antibiotics cannot be avoided. It is known that antibacterial drugs are not advisable to use during pregnancy, but the complications that can arise from an untreated bacterial infection are much more dangerous. During pregnancy, you can use penicillin drugs (Amoxicillin, Amoxiclav), cephalosporins (Suprax, Cefazolin), as well as Rovamycin and Erythromycin.
Rubbing the throat area with special ointments (Doctor Mom, Doctor Theis).
If pharyngitis is of an allergic nature, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of the allergy and, if necessary, take an antihistamine (Zyrtec, Loratadine).

Gargling

It is known that in many inflammatory processes of the nasopharynx, using a procedure such as rinsing is effective to reduce pain and fight pathogenic microorganisms. To do this, you can use the following solutions, decoctions and infusions:

The use of these remedies, when used correctly, has no contraindications for the treatment of throat diseases during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and at the same time has a powerful antibacterial effect.

Rinsing has an exclusively local effect, since the drugs are not absorbed into the blood, and also do not penetrate the placenta or into breast milk.

However, in order for rinsing to have the desired effect and not cause harm to the expectant mother and fetus, it is necessary to follow several simple rules:

Carry out the procedure half an hour after eating;
do not use too hot a solution for rinsing; it is better if the temperature of the product is equal to normal body temperature (36-37 degrees);
the rinse solution must be freshly prepared; it is not recommended to store the finished product for more than three hours;
the duration of one rinsing procedure should be at least ten minutes;
it is necessary to repeat the procedure every three to four hours, taking a break for night sleep;
After the procedure, you should not drink or eat any food for an hour.

Traditional medicine methods

Folk remedies for the treatment of pharyngitis are often no less effective than pharmaceutical drugs. Therapy using decoctions, infusions of medicinal herbs, throat ointments, inhalations, rubbing, compresses help reduce the severity of the main symptoms of the disease, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and relieve swelling. The most effective and safe means for treating pharyngitis for pregnant women are:

inhalation over warm steam (boiled potatoes, decoction of chamomile, sage, baking soda solution);
lubricating the surface of the throat with iodine solution (Lugol);
rubbing the throat area with essential oils (eucalyptus, fir, tea tree);
garlic with honey to boost immunity (a few cloves of garlic are crushed, a tablespoon of honey is added and heated over low heat, left for several hours, filtered and consumed orally, a tablespoon three times a day);
alkaline mineral water (Borjomi, Polyana Kvasova) helps to moisturize the mucous membrane of the throat, remove phlegm (can be used simply for drinking or for inhalation);
a solution of milk, honey and butter (a teaspoon of honey and butter per glass of warm milk) helps soften a dry cough, has an immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory effect;
decoction of medicinal chamomile (a tablespoon of dry matter per glass of boiling water);
warm tea with the addition of viburnum or raspberry jam.

Important! It is better not to use tea with lemon for pharyngitis, as excessive acid can have a negative effect on the inflamed mucous membrane of the throat.

Prevention and contraindications

To prevent various throat diseases, including pharyngitis, it is necessary to:

limit your stay in crowded places, especially in the autumn-winter period and during epidemics;
monitor the condition of teeth and gums, promptly treat caries, change your toothbrush every three months;
Avoid hypothermia, drafts, sudden temperature changes, and drinking hot water.

During pregnancy it is absolutely contraindicated:

The use of hot foot baths - despite the fact that this method is very helpful in treating diseases of the nasopharynx, alleviating the patient’s condition, such a procedure is dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause hypertonicity of the uterus.
Uncontrolled use of decoctions of herbs such as licorice, yarrow, celandine, St. John's wort, sage, calendula or aloe is contraindicated for oral use during pregnancy, as this can cause premature birth or miscarriage.
The use of essential oils of thuja, sage, wormwood, mint and lavender should also be used with caution during pregnancy, as there is a high risk of developing an allergic reaction.

Pharyngitis is a fairly common disease. It belongs to the category of acute respiratory infections and can cause serious discomfort to a person. And pregnancy is a period when a woman needs to take especially careful care of her health.

Like any inflammatory disease, pharyngitis is very undesirable during pregnancy. In addition to the fact that it can significantly complicate the course of pregnancy, many medications that are used to treat the throat become unavailable to pregnant women.

As a result, the disease can become chronic and then serious health problems cannot be avoided. How to treat pharyngitis during pregnancy is a question that interests many women. To answer this, you need to understand in more detail the features of this disease.

Symptoms of pharyngitis in pregnant women

Pharyngitis is an inflammatory disease of the laryngeal mucosa. It can occur due to infection with respiratory viral infections, hypothermia (general or local), various diseases of the oral cavity (advanced caries, etc.), as well as due to inhalation of tobacco smoke or certain chemicals.

Pharyngitis often occurs in the summer, when it gets hot outside and you want to cool down by taking a cool shower or drinking cold water. Due to the fact that a pregnant woman’s immunity is depressed, any provoking factor can lead to an inflammatory disease in the throat.

Symptoms of pharyngitis in pregnant women include:

discomfort and sore throat;
hoarseness, temporary loss of voice;
swelling and redness of the throat;
enlarged cervical lymph nodes;
increased body temperature (although in some cases this symptom may be absent).

Why is pharyngitis dangerous during pregnancy?

In ENT practice, pharyngitis is not considered a dangerous disease. However, in the early stages of pregnancy (especially in the first trimester), when the process of formation of all organs and systems of the future body is underway, any infection can lead to miscarriage or fetal death. However, if you start treatment on time and follow all the doctor’s recommendations, this can be avoided.

Undesirable consequences of pharyngitis can also be observed in later stages of pregnancy. So, at the end of the second and third trimester there is a risk of placental edema and, as a consequence of this, the occurrence of fetal hypoxia. A thick placenta does not conduct oxygen and nutrients well, as a result of which the baby may lag behind in weight and development. In the last months of pregnancy, acute pharyngitis can lead to premature birth and is therefore extremely dangerous.

Therefore, during pregnancy, at any stage, it is extremely important to strictly adhere to the doctor’s recommendations. It is he who must assess the possible risks for the woman and the unborn child. As a rule, if you have had pharyngitis, you can avoid any consequences. Treatment can be carried out at home using folk remedies.

Features of treatment of pharyngitis

When treating pharyngitis in pregnant women, it is extremely important to adhere to the following recommendations:

provide peace to the throat (talk less);
drink more warm (not hot) liquid: herbal teas, compotes, alkaline water, milk with honey and butter, etc.;
apply a warm bandage (so-called dry compress) to the throat;
organize the correct microclimate in the room - ventilate the room and humidify the air (inhalation of dry air provokes coughing and complicates the course of the disease);
adhere to a special diet (exclude rough foods that can scratch the throat, as well as foods that irritate the mucous membranes).

Treatment of acute pharyngitis involves the use of medications (after consultation with a doctor) and remedies from the arsenal of traditional medicine. Rinsing, inhalations and other physical procedures also give a good effect. Treatment of chronic pharyngitis in pregnant women may require the use of stronger drugs and even antibiotics. To lower the temperature, take Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. However, if you consult a doctor in a timely manner, you can get by with simple folk remedies.

Drug treatment of pharyngitis during pregnancy

Drug treatment of pharyngitis involves taking antiseptic and anti-inflammatory drugs. These can be lozenges or aerosols that contain medicinal substances. When applied to the pharynx area, they kill the infection and relieve inflammation. In addition, they moisturize the mucous membrane, because viruses and bacteria, multiplying on its surface, lead to dryness and cause acute pain.

During pregnancy, drugs such as Decathylene, Efizol, Tantum Verde, Ingalipt, Bioparox, etc. are allowed. However, before starting treatment for pharyngitis, you still need to consult a gynecologist and therapist. The fact is that many medications are contraindicated in the first trimester. While in the middle and end of pregnancy their use will be safe.

If a bacterial infection occurs, you cannot do without antibiotics. Although they are extremely undesirable during pregnancy, a constant inflammatory process in the throat is much more dangerous than some medications. Modern antibiotics, as well as classic penicillin drugs, can be prescribed in the second and third trimester. However, the dosage and duration of treatment, as well as the need for such therapy, are determined by the doctor.

Before you start taking any pills or other medications, you must read the instructions. There must be instructions regarding the safety of this drug for pregnant women.

Gargling for pharyngitis

For inflammatory diseases, rinsing pharynx can have a good therapeutic effect. They relieve inflammation and reduce pain. For rinsing, you can use the following products:

decoctions of medicinal herbs - chamomile, calendula, sage;
propolis tincture;
alcohol solution of chlorophyllipt;
furatsilin;
weak solution of potassium permanganate.

These products are completely safe and can be used in the treatment of pregnant women and nursing mothers. They act locally, are not absorbed into the blood and therefore have no effect on the fetus. However, these medicinal substances have a powerful antibacterial effect and help treat inflammatory throat diseases such as pharyngitis. They quickly destroy the infection and relieve inflammation, reducing pain and alleviating the condition.

For treatment with rinses to be effective, you need to follow simple rules:

Do not carry out the procedure immediately after eating (it is better to wait 30-40 minutes).
The solution for gargling should be warm, but in no case hot.
For each procedure, you should prepare a fresh portion of the medicine; do not store the diluted solution for more than 3 hours.
One rinse should last at least 10 minutes.
Procedures should be performed every 3-4 hours (with a break at night).
Do not take food or other medications immediately after rinsing. An interval of up to 1 hour should be maintained.

Folk remedies for the treatment of pharyngitis

Traditional medicine recipes in some cases help as well as any medicine. And pharyngitis is precisely the disease that does not exclude the use of so-called grandma’s remedies.

Among the folk remedies for the treatment of pharyngitis are:

inhalation of steamed boiled potatoes (a well-known folk method that helps with dry cough and sore throat);
warm dry compresses on the throat (you can simply wrap a warm scarf around your neck);
lubricating the throat with iodine or Lugol;
rubbing with essential oils, among which are: eucalyptus, fir, juniper, tea tree, etc. (however, in the first and last trimesters you need to be especially careful, since many aromatic substances may be contraindicated during this period);
garlic syrup (to prepare it, finely chopped garlic is heated with honey over low heat until all the cloves are completely dissolved. Then filter, leave for several hours and take a tablespoon three times a day).

However, before using remedies from the arsenal of traditional medicine, it is advisable to consult a doctor. The fact is that many, even the most harmless remedies, can be unsafe during pregnancy.

Warm drinks and diet for pharyngitis

In case of acute pharyngitis, the doctor often prescribes the patient plenty of warm drinks. It helps relieve pain and soothe a sore throat. In addition, additional fluid helps alleviate the disease. To treat pharyngitis, the following are used:

alkaline mineral waters, slightly heated (all carbon dioxide must first be released);
warm milk with honey and butter;
decoction of medicinal chamomile;
warm drink with viburnum jam.

It is better not to drink traditional lemon tea, as the acid can irritate a sore throat. Also, when treating pharyngitis in pregnant women, it is important to adhere to a special diet. You need to eat food in crushed and pureed form so that it does not injure your sore throat. Spices and seasonings, as well as sour and salty foods, smoked meats, and sausages should be excluded. And vice versa: all kinds of cereals, vegetable purees, lean soups and broths will come in handy during the treatment of pharyngitis. Liquid fruit jelly coats the throat and helps relieve pain. Following a diet allows you to treat pharyngitis faster and more effectively.

Disease prevention

During pregnancy, a woman should avoid sources of infection. These may be other people suffering from acute respiratory infections, as well as factors that provoke the development of the disease. Therefore, during pregnancy you need to change your toothbrush more often (every 3 months), prevent the development of caries, and pay attention to the symptoms of various diseases in a timely manner. You should also avoid hypothermia, drafts and not drink cold water.