Sore throat (tonsillitis) belongs to the group of infectious diseases caused by hemolytic streptococcus. To a lesser extent, cases of disease caused by staphylococcus, corynebacteria and other pathogens are recorded.
Treatment of tonsillitis depends on the form of the disease, the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to antibacterial drugs, as well as the duration and characteristics of the course of pregnancy.
Symptomatically, pathology can be suspected based on the appearance of a sore throat, low-grade fever, or malaise. A mild intoxication syndrome indicates the development of a catarrhal form of tonsillitis. At this stage, it is still possible to cure the disease without antibacterial agents if treatment is started early.
With an increase in hyperthermia to febrile levels, increased pain in the throat when swallowing, talking, difficulty opening the mouth, and increased intoxication, one should suspect follicular, lacunar forms of tonsillitis. They are distinguished by the appearance of a purulent component of inflammation. Purulent masses are localized in follicles or lacunae and cover the surface of the tonsils.
As the disease progresses, an ulcerative-necrotic stage develops, when ulcerative lesions form on the tonsils, the films become gray and dull. When you try to remove the plaque yourself, you are left with an open wound with an uneven bottom. Subsequent necrosis covers the surrounding tissues, the posterior pharyngeal wall, uvula, palatine arches, and soft palate.
The development of complications indicates the spread of infection through the bloodstream.
Of the general complications, it is worth highlighting rheumatic fever with damage to the valvular apparatus of the heart, the development of myocarditis, endocarditis, pericarditis, renal dysfunction (glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis), migratory polyarthritis, and sepsis.
With a limited pathological process, an abscess appears when the tonsil becomes tense with a varnished surface and filled with purulent discharge. When purulent masses spread to surrounding tissues, the structure develops phlegmon with unclear boundaries.
In addition, the risk of complications such as neck swelling and bleeding, which require immediate medical attention, increases. As edema increases, breathing becomes difficult, which leads to insufficient oxygen supply to the fetus and the appearance of hypoxia. Bleeding is possible from the blood vessels that feed the tonsils if they undergo purulent melting.
On the part of the embryo, hypoxia leads to disruption of the development of organs and systems. The risk of placental abruption and other pathologies also increases, resulting in spontaneous abortion, premature birth, and fetal death.
Preventive measures to prevent the development of tonsillitis include recommendations that can reduce the risk of many diseases of infectious origin. Even at the stage of pregnancy planning, a woman needs to undergo a preventive course of treatment in the presence of chronic diseases.
Exacerbation of inflammatory and infectious pathologies during pregnancy leads to a decrease in immune defense, as a result of which the body is more prone to infection. For 9 months, a woman is recommended to:
- minimize contact with sick people;
- avoid crowds during flu epidemics;
- strengthen the immune system with vitamins;
- visit the pool;
- regularly ventilate the room and carry out wet cleaning;
- avoid hypothermia, drafts, getting wet in the rain;
- devote enough time to sleep and rest;
- maintain a nutritious diet;
- dress warmly;
- walk in the fresh air, preferably in a park area;
- avoid stress.
If a sore throat does develop during pregnancy in the second trimester, what and how to treat it?
Therapeutic tactics for angina
Compared to the first months, sore throat during pregnancy in the second trimester is not as dangerous, but also requires special attention. Therapy for tonsillitis involves the mandatory prescription of antibacterial drugs necessary to combat the infectious pathogen. This prevents the spread of infection throughout the body and damage to internal organs.
Timely initiation of treatment for catarrhal tonsillitis makes it possible to avoid antibiotic therapy and prevent the development of complications.
What does a pregnant woman need first? If pain or even soreness in the throat appears, it is necessary to begin intensive rinsing with antiseptic solutions. This will stop the progression of the inflammatory process, the spread of pathogenic microorganisms, and reduce their activity before diagnosis.
If a catarrhal form is diagnosed, treatment may be limited to frequent rinsing, irrigation of the tonsils, and dissolving tablets with an antimicrobial effect. After just 3 days, the severity of symptoms is significantly less, which indicates positive dynamics in treatment.
If the pain rapidly intensifies, hyperthermia reaches 38 degrees or higher, malaise, loss of appetite, joint pain, myalgia bother you, and you should suspect the appearance of purulent inflammation.
Therapy for follicular, lacunar tonsillitis includes:
- Strict bed rest, which helps to restore strength and avoid the development of undesirable consequences.
- Drinking plenty of warm water allows you to normalize your water balance, because with fever and shortness of breath, fluid loss increases. In addition, sufficient drinking regimen reduces hyperthermia and activates the removal of toxins from the body.
- Vitamin therapy, which involves taking vitamin complexes, citrus fruits, tea with raspberries, currants.
- A complete nutritious diet. The “pregnant” period excludes dieting, especially during illness. The body of a woman and an embryo must receive a sufficient amount of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates daily to maintain the vital activity of cells. This makes it possible to replenish energy reserves and provide the necessary “material” for growth and development of organs and systems of the fetus.
- Frequent ventilation of the room, wet cleaning.
- Local therapy (rinsing, irrigation of tonsils).
- Fighting hyperthermia.
The prescription of antibacterial agents is necessary to combat the pathogenic pathogen, preventing the generalization of the infectious process. Not all drugs are approved for use by pregnant women.
Remember that fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, sulfonamides, tetracyclines lead to mutations and various defects in the fetus! In this regard, the choice of medications during pregnancy is made exclusively by a doctor.
When visiting a doctor, the dose and duration of taking the medications are determined, taking into account the duration, characteristics of the course of pregnancy, and the severity of concomitant diseases. The choice of antibiotics is determined by the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to the drug, the presence of allergic reactions, and chronic diseases in a pregnant woman.
Why are some types of antibacterial agents prohibited?
Treatment of sore throat during pregnancy is carried out with the following types of antibacterial agents:
- penicillins (amoxicillin, flemoxin) are prescribed first, as they are the safest;
- cephalosporins (cefepime, cephalexin, ceftriaxone) - safe, used in the presence of allergic reactions or ineffectiveness of penicillins;
- macrolides (sumamed, azithromycin) are used under the supervision of a physician; in acceptable doses they do not cause developmental abnormalities.
Help with sore throat
Local treatment involves the use of:
- gargling with solutions with an antiseptic effect, for example, miramistin, chlorophyllipt, chlorhexidine. Rotokan is allowed from herbal solutions;
- irrigation of the tonsils with antiseptics in the form of a spray (chlorophyllipt, tantum verde, inhalipt);
- tablet forms of antimicrobial agents (lizobact, faringosept).
Miramistin does not penetrate the placental protection, is not absorbed into the general bloodstream, does not require dilution, and is therefore absolutely safe for use. Chlorhexidine is also allowed during pregnancy, as it is not absorbed into the blood.
For anti-inflammatory purposes, rinses with a solution of chamomile and tea tree oil (2 drops per glass of water) are prescribed.
When the temperature rises to 37.5 degrees, it is recommended to use physical cooling methods, for example, a warm shower, drinking plenty of fluids, wiping with a vinegar solution diluted with water.
If the above methods are ineffective, the temperature reaches 38 degrees, antipyretics (antipyretics) based on paracetamol should be used.
Aspirin in tablet form or solution is prohibited for use.
Prolonged fever increases fluid loss, which leads to dehydration, and also reduces the delivery of oxygen to the embryo, as a result of which it suffers from hypoxia.
Folk recipes
To strengthen the immune system, traditional medicine recommends using a mixture of ground lemons with peel and sugar (to taste). It is recommended to take a teaspoon 4 times a day. However, women who have high acidity of gastric juice should be careful, as heartburn may bother them.
Another recipe involves taking half a teaspoon of a mixture of grated apple, a small onion and 2 tablespoons of honey three times a day.
For rinsing, an effective solution is considered to be a combination of salt and soda (1 teaspoon each) per glass of water. If there is no allergy to iodine-containing drugs, then you can add 2 drops of iodine. Rinse twice a day.
You can dissolve 15 g of propolis in 250 ml of warm water and gargle every hour. A decoction of dried blueberries is also suitable for rinsing (boil 100 g in 500 water until a residual volume of 300 ml is obtained).
No matter how effective treatment at home turns out to be, medical supervision must be present. This will allow for timely correction of therapy and prevent the occurrence of adverse reactions. At the first symptoms of a sore throat, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor.
How to safely get rid of the disease without harming the fetus? Is it possible to take antibiotics during pregnancy and are there any contraindications?
Sore throat and pregnancy
During pregnancy, women's immunity weakens. Due to this, respiratory tract diseases often develop, especially sore throat.
The disease is divided into several types and is characterized by sore throat, hyperthermia and a number of other symptoms. To cure it safely, you should familiarize yourself with the methods of therapy.
Definition
Sore throat is an infectious pathology caused by inflammation of the lymphatic pharyngeal ring, more often the palatine tonsils. The peak incidence is observed in autumn and spring.
Types of sore throat
The types of tonsillitis differ from each other in the type of pathogen and symptoms. The method of therapy depends on the type of disease.
Purulent
This form is considered severe and is accompanied by the presence of purulent plaque on the tonsils. The causative agents are bacteria (staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci) and viruses that have entered the body. With timely medical care, the disease subsides within 1 week. If left untreated, there is a risk of complications - peritonsillar abscess, meningitis, sepsis. The disease is treated with antibiotics and symptomatic remedies.
Viral
This type of disease is provoked by viruses - rotaviruses, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, and Coxsackie viruses. Initially, pathogenic agents are localized in the back of the throat, and later they move to the tonsils. Treatment occurs with the help of antiviral agents; antibiotics are powerless. The highest temperature is noted, unlike other types of tonsillitis.
Infectious
This type of sore throat is caused by streptococci, staphylococci, fungi or viruses that cause inflammation of the tonsils. It occurs brightly and acutely, with a pronounced clinical picture. Symptoms appear 1-4 days after infection with pathogenic agents. Therapy depends on the specific pathogen; complex treatment is indicated.
In combination with tonsillitis
Sometimes tonsillitis occurs in combination with chronic tonsillitis. The disease develops as a result of failure to provide medical care in the acute phase; tonsillitis appears as a complication. The disease is fraught with the appearance of a scar at the site of the purulent plug. The tonsil tissue is completely replaced by connective tissue, they cease to perform a protective function. An infection that has settled in the tonsils constantly provokes the formation of pus, which is not only evacuated to the outside, but also spread by blood throughout the body. Against this background, inflammation of the heart, joints, kidneys, and brain often occurs.
Sore throat and pregnancy: risks at different stages of gestation
Depending on the duration, the corresponding consequences of tonsillitis occur. Some of them are irreparable.
1st trimester
If inflammation of the tonsils occurs at 2-4 weeks of pregnancy, danger arises. A woman at this stage does not yet know about her situation, and treats a sore throat with antibiotics or antiviral drugs, which negatively affect the embryo. If you fight tonsillitis in this way, a miscarriage will occur within 4 weeks, or birth defects will develop.
Sore throat at 4-12 weeks is also dangerous. The woman already knows about her situation, the appropriate medications are prescribed to her, but the pathogens still affect the fetus. They can disrupt its normal development and lead to incompatible defects of internal organs. The shorter the period, the greater the risk of miscarriage.
With tonsillitis, hyperthermia and general intoxication appear - another detrimental factor for the unborn child. An increase in temperature over 37.5 degrees is fraught with spontaneous miscarriage for up to 12 weeks. Termination of pregnancy occurs at the peak of the disease or a few weeks after recovery.
2nd trimester
In the 2nd trimester, it is easier to cure a sore throat than at the beginning of pregnancy. By this time, the child’s organs have already been formed, and it is easier to select medications. Consequences are less common than in the early stages of fetal formation. Negative phenomena occur in the mother first.
A pregnant woman may experience:
- myocarditis;
- heart failure;
- pyelonephritis.
In the case of untreated purulent tonsillitis, there is a risk of weakening labor.
3rd trimester
In the last phase of pregnancy, in the absence of treatment for tonsillitis, the following often occurs:
- septic poisoning;
- severe toxicosis;
- premature birth;
- placental abruption.
In relation to the fetus, developmental deviations and health problems arise.
Treatment of sore throat during pregnancy
Tonsillitis is treated with complex therapy:
- A course of antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal agents is indicated. During pregnancy, a small list of such drugs is allowed; they do not affect the fetus. The drugs are taken in short courses of 5-7 days, depending on the result.
- Gargling with herbs and antiseptic solutions.
- Drinking plenty of warm fluids will help remove toxins from the body.
- Non-traditional methods will complement the effect of pharmaceutical drugs.
Hot foot baths are contraindicated for women in the first trimester due to the risk of miscarriage. Pregnant women with high blood pressure and varicose veins are prohibited from these procedures at any time.
Where does the treatment take place?
The fight against tonsillitis usually takes place at home. If a pregnant woman has a fever for longer than 5-7 days, intolerable symptoms are present, and it is impossible to eat due to a sore throat, hospitalization is indicated.
What antibiotics are prescribed?
The use of antibiotics for tonsillitis during pregnancy must meet the following conditions:
- be effective against staphylococci, streptococci;
- do not have a teratogenic effect on the child.
Pregnant women are not prescribed antibiotics, studies of which have revealed a negative effect on the fetus in the form of abnormalities.
Women with tonsillitis need to be tested to identify the pathogen strain more often than others. It is especially important to know whether the antibiotic has a detrimental effect on the microorganism that caused the disease. This is due to the fact that pregnant women are prescribed narrowly targeted drugs. When the patient's condition is too severe, broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs are indicated.
Maintenance vitamin therapy
For tonsillitis, it is necessary to strengthen the weakened protective functions of the body with vitamins. This is necessary so that the immune system can overcome infectious, viral or fungal agents and finally recover. Vitamin C is prescribed. In its pure form, the microelement is dangerous for pregnant women, but in the form of food it is quite suitable. It is recommended to eat fruit:
- oranges;
- strawberries;
- a pineapple;
- lemons.
Vegetables:
- bell pepper;
- chilli;
- broccoli;
- Brussels sprouts.
You should not eat lemons, as they can intensify symptoms and cause irritation of the mucous membranes.
A course of treatment
With proper therapy, recovery occurs within 7-10 days. If you ignore therapeutic measures, complications appear that require longer treatment - from 1 month to six months. The chronic stage of tonsillitis is eliminated in 14-21 days.
Consequences for the fetus
Tonsillitis is most dangerous in the 1st trimester, namely:
- with the follicular form, there is a risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream, septic poisoning develops;
- intrauterine abnormalities in the development of the child and the formation of his organs;
- freezing of the fetus.
In the later stages, the female body is exhausted, the following problems may arise:
- myocarditis;
- throat abscess;
- meningitis;
- septic intoxication;
- inflammation of the lymph nodes;
- polyarthritis of an infectious nature.
There is also a risk of weak labor.
Is it possible to treat sore throat during pregnancy at home?
You can fight inflammation of the tonsils at home, but under the supervision of a doctor. A woman should take medications according to the doctor's instructions, on schedule.
Treatment of tonsillitis during pregnancy at home
The following treatments can be performed at home:
- strengthen the body with vitamins C as fruits and vegetables;
- drink plenty of fluids;
- irrigate the throat with alkaline solutions and herbal decoctions;
- if you feel weak, stay in bed;
- if the temperature rises, soak a towel in water, apply it to your forehead, and wipe your body with water and vinegar.
- You can eliminate the pain with a novocaine compress, which is applied externally to the throat. For preparation, use 100 milliliters of alcohol, an ampoule of novocaine (1.5-2 cubes), 2.5 g of menthol and 2 grams of Menovazin. The resulting mixture is soaked in linen fabric or a bandage. Place the application on the throat, cover with cling film and a scarf. Keep for 10-15 minutes. After removing, wrap your neck with a warm scarf made of natural material.
- Purulent plaque from the tonsils is eliminated using antiseptic solutions. It is necessary to irrigate the oropharynx hourly, 3-4 rinses. If accumulations of pus are not removed by home methods, resort to a vacuum aspirator. This device is used to clean plaque in the doctor’s office.
- The tonsils are smeared with antibacterial drugs - Lugol aerosol.
- Spot-use preparations – Bioparox spray. It contains broad-spectrum antibacterial components - fusafungin.
If the condition worsens, call an ambulance.
How to rinse
By irrigating the throat, it will be possible to reduce the activity of pathogenic agents and wash away the purulent plaque. It is recommended to carry out procedures based on the following solutions:
- “Furacilin” – dissolve 2 tablets in a glass of boiling water;
- “Chlorhexine” – solution with a concentration of 0.05%;
- “Miramistin” - the solution is sold ready for use, it can also be used to wipe the tonsils;
- alcohol solution "Chlorophyllipt" - dilute in a ratio of 1:10.
You are allowed to gargle after eating an unlimited number of times a day, every hour. As the condition improves, the frequency of irrigation is reduced.
What drink
For tonsillitis, it is recommended to drink:
- rosehip decoction;
- plain water;
- weak tea;
- fruit drinks;
- natural juices.
All drinks must be warm.
What antibiotics are possible
Safe antibacterial drugs during pregnancy:
- penicillin - “Amoxicillin”, “Oxacillin”, “Ampicillin”;
- cephalosporins - “Cefatoxime”, “Cefazolin”;
- macrolides - Azithromycin, Erythromycin.
Such antibiotics are also prescribed during lactation. They are also suitable for newborns.
Risks for pregnancy and complications for the baby
Pathologies of the heart, joints and kidneys arise due to the fact that the body of a pregnant woman is too actively fighting the pathogenic agents that cause tonsillitis. The immune system, trying to extinguish the pathogen, spends a lot of energy. After recovery, protective functions are at an extremely low level, so they cannot prevent complications.
You can fight tonsillitis during pregnancy quite successfully without a lot of pharmaceutical drugs. With the proper use of non-traditional and gentle means, it is possible to obtain a decent result without negative effects on the fetus.
Inflammation of the tonsils in the early stages is not a reason for an induced abortion. With successful treatment, in most cases, the pathology goes away without leaving a trace, and the child is born healthy.
Useful video
Getting infectious diseases during pregnancy is very dangerous. And colds and acute respiratory viral infections are not as terrible as complications after them. The female body puts a lot of effort into ensuring that the fetus develops properly and is protected, so pregnant women are more vulnerable and susceptible to diseases. Sore throat during pregnancy in the second trimester puts additional stress on the heart, so you need to cure this disease as soon as possible and take preventive measures in order to you won't get sick of it.
What is a sore throat and what are its symptoms?
Sore throat, or acute tonsillitis, is an inflammation of the tonsils and the back wall of the larynx. The main causative agent of this disease is streptococcus, which colonizes the tonsils. The disease itself does not pose any serious danger, but during pregnancy it can result in big problems for both mother and child.
Who among us has not had a sore throat? If there are such people, then they are either lucky, or they suffer from a chronic form of tonsillitis, and it, as we know, rarely turns into a sore throat. The disease is acute, and its symptoms appear immediately. Sore throat is characterized by the following symptoms:
- unbearable pain in the throat when swallowing, during which the patient can neither drink, nor eat, nor even talk;
- nausea and vomiting are some of the first symptoms of this disease;
- enlarged tonsils and redness in the throat;
- chills and high fever, which can torment the patient for several days;
- white coating on the tongue and tonsils, purulent plugs on the tonsils;
- severe cough, provoked by mucus dropping into the trachea;
- headaches, severe weakness and fatigue;
- enlarged cervical lymph nodes, swelling of the neck;
As soon as a pregnant woman discovers at least some of the above symptoms, she should immediately consult a doctor. Timely treatment can significantly reduce the risk of pathologies in the fetus, especially for sore throat in the first trimester.
Is it true that pregnant women are more susceptible to sore throats?
Many people say that the main cause of infection with respiratory diseases and infections of the ENT organs is weakened immunity. Actually this is not true. Yes, the female body accumulates strength during pregnancy and saves resources for the child. But this does not mean that a woman’s immunity is critically low.
Nature is wise and prudent, so not only the fetus is protected, but also the mother. Of course, there are cases when a pregnant woman lacks vitamins and iron, the results of her tests are not the best, and neither is her condition. Then it is easy to get a sore throat, like any other disease. However, if the pregnancy is going well, and the expectant mother feels cheerful and energetic, she has enough vitamins and minerals, then there is no need to talk about any increased risks of contracting infections.
Causes of acute tonsillitis
Most often, acute tonsillitis plagues pregnant women during the off-season. The body does not yet have time to adapt to cold and dampness, and therefore temperature changes can contribute to infection. Reasons for the development of sore throat:
- decreased immunity - at this time streptococcus begins to actively multiply on the tonsils;
- hypothermia is a very common cause of sore throat;
- drinking cold drinks and food (especially milk and ice cream) after severe overheating, for example, after prolonged exposure to the sun;
- contact with a person suffering from tonsillitis;
- complication after inflammation in the oral cavity and paranasal sinuses.
Not only streptococci can provoke a sore throat, but also the well-known Candida fungi paired with cocci, the growth of which occurs against the background of reduced immunity, as well as adenoviruses, Coxsackie enterovirus, herpes virus and staphylococcus.
Features of the course of sore throat during pregnancy
The greatest danger of sore throat is in the first trimester. During this period, all systems and organs are formed in the child, so taking any medications is a high risk. In the second and third trimesters, a woman can already afford to take some medications and even antibiotics. From 13-14 weeks, a safe period begins when the fetus is less vulnerable to infections and medications.
In pregnant women, one peculiarity of the course of acute tonsillitis in the second trimester is observed - it occurs without high fever. This happens because the body is trying to protect the child, because if the mother has fever and chills, this negatively affects his development. In this case, a sore throat may be accompanied by low-grade fever, but this is not observed in all pregnant women.
Treatment of sore throat
When the expectant mother gets sick, it is important to overcome the disease as quickly as possible. Therapy is aimed at destroying streptococci in the body, and in the second trimester this can be done with the help of an antibiotic. Adequate treatment, which was provided even before the development of purulent processes in the tonsils, will help avoid complications and preserve the health of the unborn baby.
Medicines
What you can take:
- Antibiotics. For pregnant women, a special group of medicines has been developed that act more locally without having a negative effect on the fetus. Among them are Amoxil K, Amoxiclav, Augmentin, Azithromycin, Cephalexin. If this is the catarrhal form of acute tonsillitis, then it is allowed to take Bioparox.
- Antipyretic. You should also not get carried away with such drugs, as they are too harmful. In the 2nd trimester, pregnant women can take Ibuprofen and Panadol in the form of a suspension.
- Local preparations. For resorption, you can choose something from homeopathy or give preference to chemical medications. In this case, the main thing is not to start the disease and to adequately assess the risks and benefits. Among the approved drugs are Lizobact, Faringosept, Travisil. Pregnant women may prefer Tonsilotren among their homeopathic remedies. Peppermint and lemon lozenges provide only short-term relief - they do not kill the infection, so there is no need to take them.
- Irrigation of tonsils and oral cavity. For these purposes, drugs such as Orasept, Stomatidin, Chlorophyllipt are suitable. These medications relieve pain - after spraying or rinsing, the expectant mother feels a slight numbness.
Buying and taking these drugs without a doctor’s prescription is highly not recommended! They can be purchased only after visiting a therapist or otolaryngologist. Only a specialist can adequately assess the benefits for the mother and the risk for the fetus from taking each of the above drugs in the second trimester of pregnancy.
In addition, the list of prescribed medications must be approved by an obstetrician-gynecologist! Self-medication is dangerous and unacceptable under any circumstances, especially if there is a threat of miscarriage.
Rinse
- Rinse, rinse and rinse again! The infection needs to be washed out of the larynx as quickly as possible, and therefore you need to constantly wash it out of there with the help of rinses. If for some reason ready-made pharmacy rinses for sore throat in the second trimester are not suitable, you can prepare them yourself:
- Furacilin. One tablet of furatsilin, purchased at any pharmacy, must be dissolved in a glass of warm water. The taste of this solution is not as pleasant as the previous one - furatsilin is slightly bitter and causes dryness after rinsing, but it is no less effective. You can rinse as often as with salt and soda - every two hours. This is a well-known remedy for disinfecting purulent wounds and cuts, so the result will be visible the very next day.
- Peroxide, chlorhexidine and calendula tincture. All these drugs will also effectively clear a pregnant woman’s throat of purulent inflammation. A tablespoon of any of them is added to 100-150 ml of warm water. The throat is treated with such solutions every two hours.
Frequent rinsing is perhaps the most effective way to cure sore throat in pregnant women, children, and adults. The more you expose your throat to this procedure, the faster the infection will leave the tonsils.
Diet, daily routine and additional measures
To recover quickly, a pregnant woman should stay in bed, drink plenty of fluids and eat right. It is worth noting that these measures are important, but they are only additional - you cannot limit yourself to teas and broths.
- Treatment of sore throat in the second trimester should be comprehensive - then the result will not be long in coming.
- warm drink: there are special antiviral teas for pregnant women - they are quite suitable as additional therapy. For recovery you need a lot of vitamin C, so tea with raspberries and currants must be present in the patient’s diet. Warm milk with honey also helps very well to cope with acute tonsillitis;
- food: everything fried and fatty should be removed from a pregnant woman’s diet. Digesting heavy food is an additional process that loads the body, and during illness it is definitely useless. Solid food with sore throat is difficult to swallow, so preference should be given to soups with permitted vegetables, low-fat chicken broth, mashed potatoes and non-acidic stewed vegetables. Beef or chicken liver is what a pregnant woman needs, because it is a storehouse of iron, and this microelement is a source of strength. All products must be kneaded and ground so that the pregnant woman does not experience acute pain when swallowing. Food should be easily digestible so that the gastrointestinal tract digests it faster. Also, the diet of the expectant mother in the second trimester should include fermented milk products and cereals.
Prevention measures
- do not visit hospitals and public places during epidemics;
- drink homeopathic remedies to prevent sore throat, for example, antiviral teas and Engystol;
- be sure to take complex vitamins for pregnant women, which contain folic acid, many vitamins and microelements throughout pregnancy;
- after visiting public places, if there is a risk of getting a respiratory infection, for example, after interacting with people who are sneezing and coughing, gargle and rinse your nose with saline solution;
- visit an otolaryngologist in the first trimester so that he can assess the condition of the tonsils and examine the nasopharynx.
Sore throat in the second trimester is a serious matter, but there is no need to panic. The concern of a pregnant woman is completely justified, because a new life is being born in her, but nervous tension will not help matters. At the first symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor - a specialist will definitely help you quickly overcome the disease. It is necessary to treat a sore throat during pregnancy promptly and quickly - this is a guarantee that everything will be fine with the child and mother.
If a sore throat occurs during pregnancy in the second trimester, treatment must be prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication during this special period can be extremely dangerous.
A sore throat can be recognized by such phenomena as pain in the throat when trying to swallow food, fever up to 38 degrees, weakness, poor appetite, enlarged lymph nodes under the jaw. However, only a doctor can make a final diagnosis.
Treatment of sore throat during pregnancy in the second trimester
Therapy should be comprehensive and include gargles, sprays, lozenges, antibiotics, antipyretics (if necessary). Doctors prescribe medications that do not have a harmful effect on the fetus. Typically, the biggest concern for expectant mothers is the need to take antibiotics. However, treatment of sore throat during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester is quite safe to carry out with the help of drugs such as clarithromycin, sumamed, cefazolin, cefepime, rovamycin. Also important elements of complex therapy are:
- bed rest;
- proper nutrition;
- drinking plenty of fluids.
Untimely treatment of sore throat during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester is fraught with the spread of infection throughout the body. The consequences can be circulatory disorders in the uterus, placental abruption, fetal hypoxia.
Decrease in temperature in the second trimester of pregnancy
Antipyretics are prescribed in cases where there is an obvious threat to the health of the expectant mother that exceeds the potential risk to the fetus. You should not take medications on the advice of friends, acquaintances or based on an article on the Internet. Only a doctor, having objectively assessed the patient’s condition, can select a remedy, the use of which is appropriate in this particular case.
Medicines containing aspirin should not be taken during pregnancy. They increase the likelihood of placental abruption and the risk of bleeding. Typically, pregnant women are prescribed antipyretics based on paracetamol. Non-drug methods of influencing a pregnant woman can include a refreshing shower and sponging the body.
Diet for sore throat in the second trimester
Due to illness, appetite decreases, but the expectant mother still needs good nutrition. To prevent discomfort in the throat when swallowing, solid foods should be avoided. In the first days of this unpleasant disease, chicken broth can become the basis of the menu.
If you have a sore throat, it is useful to drink vegetable juices. You can, for example, drink a mixture of cucumber, beet and carrot juices - this is not only an excellent source of vitamins, but also a means of soothing an irritated throat and reducing swelling.
It is advisable to avoid carbonated drinks, hot coffee, sour cream, yogurt, and fried foods. You should also avoid hot and sour foods.
Prevention of sore throat in the second trimester of pregnancy
Since treating a sore throat during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester is more difficult than preventing it, you need to think about some simple preventive measures in time. Factors contributing to the development of this disease are inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract and caries. Therefore, at the beginning of pregnancy or even at the planning stage, you should visit an ENT doctor and dentist to identify and, if necessary, treat potential sources of infection.
You should also avoid contact with sick people. If one of your loved ones has a sore throat, the pregnant woman needs to take precautions (do not eat from the same dishes as the sick person, wear a mask).
Any sore throat is characterized by an acute inflammatory process in the throat. Improper treatment is dangerous because the infection easily penetrates into the skull and chest, causing the most dangerous complications. Sore throat during pregnancy, like any cold, cannot but pose a threat to the development of the fetus.
This disease can cause irreparable harm to the unborn child. Therefore, it is important not only to know how to treat a sore throat during pregnancy, but also to direct all efforts to prevent it.
The causative agents of sore throat can be various pathogenic microorganisms, so this disease is classified into several types:
- Bacterial sore throat. Occurs most often. It is caused by streptococci, adenoviruses, staphylococci and enteroviruses.
- Catarrhal sore throat. This type of disease is characterized by a pronounced inflammatory process in the area of the affected tonsils and high body temperature.
- Purulent tonsillitis during pregnancy is common. It occurs in various forms.
Types of purulent sore throat:
- Follicular tonsillitis– during pregnancy it is usually characterized by a mild course. Its main difference is the appearance of pustules (white spots on the affected tonsils).
- Lacunar tonsillitis. Its main symptom is a yellowish film on the tonsils.
- Necrotizing tonsillitis- the most severe of the purulent ones, since necrosis of the tonsil tissue occurs against its background. It usually occurs in combination with scarlet fever.
Symptoms
If an expectant mother experiences a sore throat, this does not mean that she has a sore throat. The same symptom is common in acute respiratory viral infections, which proceed more mildly than with sore throat. The fact is that sore throat is so insidious and similar to other throat pathologies that only an infectious disease specialist can make this diagnosis with firm confidence.
Sore throat is a serious infectious disease that is transmitted through dirty hands or airborne droplets. That is why expectant mothers are not recommended to take unnecessary risks and come into contact with infection by being in crowded places.
Signs of sore throat during pregnancy:
- fever, a sharp increase in body temperature up to 40°;
- severe pain in the throat, sometimes interfering with normal conversation, eating and drinking;
- pathological enlargement and pain of the lymph nodes;
- weakness, loss of appetite;
- nasal voice.
If you notice any sign of a sore throat in early or late pregnancy, it is important to contact your doctor immediately. You cannot self-diagnose and prescribe treatment yourself.
What is the danger of sore throat during pregnancy?
In the first trimester of pregnancy, sore throat is very dangerous. This disease can interfere with the normal formation of the placenta and the development of vital organs in the unborn child. Also, tonsillitis in the first weeks of pregnancy provokes intoxication damage to the entire body of the fetus. This is fraught with intrauterine death of the unborn child. Thus, a doctor should treat a sore throat at the beginning of pregnancy; in the future, it is necessary to more closely monitor the development of the fetus.
In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, sore throat can also negatively affect the fetus. As the mother's body temperature rises, the child begins to suffer from intoxication, lack of nutrients and oxygen. Sore throat during pregnancy in later stages leads to disturbances in the development of its internal organs and systems.
It has been proven that temperatures above 38° do not have the best effect on the mental abilities and nervous system of the unborn child. In addition, high temperature negatively affects the placenta, sometimes causing it, which can lead to miscarriage or the onset of premature labor.
Diagnosis and treatment
Before making a diagnosis, the doctor examines the patient, interviews her, and identifies symptoms and signs of the disease. Laboratory testing of material taken from inflamed tonsil tissue is required. This is necessary to determine the causative agent of the infection, which is important for selecting subsequent drug therapy.
How to treat sore throat during pregnancy? In most cases, the doctor prescribes antibiotics. There is currently no need to be afraid of these drugs, since modern antibacterial agents have a more gentle effect and will not harm the fetus, especially if the third trimester of pregnancy has already begun. Most often, Amoxicillin acts as an antibiotic.
In addition to antibiotics, for sore throat during pregnancy, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic drugs are usually prescribed: Neo Angin, Angin Hel, Anti Angin, which have a local effect and help quickly eliminate unpleasant symptoms associated with the infectious process.
But how to cure a sore throat during pregnancy without resorting to medications? If the doctor considers this possible, you can use traditional methods.
Gargles that have an antimicrobial effect are very effective and absolutely harmless: based on a decoction of sage, calendula, chamomile, Furacilin, etc. It is recommended to gargle a sore throat with these solutions every hour.
It is impossible not to mention inhalations, but expectant mothers need to be careful with them. Inhalations can negatively affect a woman’s well-being, therefore, if weakness and dizziness appear, it is better to abandon these procedures and prefer other methods of local treatment to this treatment. If inhalation is well tolerated, it is recommended to do it with aromatic oils of rose hips, eucalyptus, fir and herbal decoctions - chamomile, mint, etc.
A healthy, nutritious diet will also help you recover faster. Vitamins and microelements help the body cope more effectively with the infectious process. The main thing is to avoid foods with sour and salty tastes, which irritate the mucous membrane of the sore throat.
Drinking plenty of fluids during a sore throat helps reduce symptoms of intoxication, remove toxins, and restore fluid loss after a fever. It is better to drink warm water or tea with lemon juice. It is better to refuse fruit drinks.
Treatment of sore throat during pregnancy is very important, regardless of how far along the woman is. During this disease, the body is seriously weakened in any person, and this condition is dangerous with serious consequences. Therefore, it is important to treat a sore throat, especially when pregnant, under the strict supervision of a doctor.
Complications and consequences
What are the consequences of sore throat during pregnancy?
Incorrectly treated or incompletely treated infection causes the following list of complications:
- meningitis;
- sepsis;
- the formation of purulent cavities in the tonsils and other tissues;
- rheumatism;
- pneumonia;
- myocardial inflammation;
- pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis.
The consequences of sore throat during pregnancy are also dangerous for the fetus, which may well get an infection from the mother or suffer from hypoxia due to a severe course of the disease. All this can lead to the death of the unborn child.
Here's why sore throat during pregnancy is dangerous for the fetus:
- general intoxication of the body;
- pathological changes in uterine circulation;
- premature placental abruption;
- developmental delay of the fetus;
- oxygen starvation.
Prevention
To prevent sore throat in the early and late stages of pregnancy, a woman should adhere to the following recommendations:
- if possible, avoid visiting crowded places, especially during times of increased incidence of influenza and ARVI;
- avoid contact with people who are known to be sick (not necessarily with a sore throat, but with any colds);
- frequently ventilate the home and carry out wet cleaning at least 3 times a week;
- use essential oils such as fir, pine, eucalyptus, tea tree, orange to disinfect the air at home;
- humidify the air using special devices;
- take multivitamins intended for expectant mothers.
What to do if a sore throat occurs during pregnancy, and how to cure it? Only a doctor can answer these questions, since self-diagnosis and self-medication for expectant mothers is prohibited. When the first symptoms of the disease appear, you should consult a doctor and under no circumstances carry the disease on your feet.
