How to Treat Flu and Colds During Pregnancy

Influenza and respiratory viruses are not avoided even by pregnant women. However, they must proceed with caution in the treatment. 

COUGH AND ITS TREATMENT

The cough does not affect the fetus, but if it persists for a long time, the woman’s body can become exhausted. It is a  defense mechanism that keeps the airways open and is caused by irritation of sensitive areas in the larynx, bronchi, and trachea. During a sharp exhalation, the pressure in the lungs increases, and the unwanted foreign body is pushed out.

Cough can be dry, irritating, or wet with expectoration of mucus. According to the type of cough, medicines are divided into antitussives, which suppress the cough, and expectorants, which dissolve phlegm and make it easier to cough it out of the airways. However, excessive cough suppression is undesirable, as infected mucus could accumulate in the airways.

What is yes and what is not?

From the group of antitussives, it is possible to use, for example, Stoptussin, Sinecod, or Humex syrup in the second and third trimesters. Ambrobene, belonging to the expectorant group, can be used by a woman in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

The manufacturer does not recommend using Bromhexine and Mucosolvan during the entire period of pregnancy, but in some instances, it is possible to make an exception.

With a more severe cough and severe congestion symptoms, it is relatively safe for a woman to use ACC long or ACC 200. Guajacuran and Codeine should not be used during pregnancy.

Herbal mixtures and cough teas made from plantain, motherwort, or linden can only be used after consulting a doctor or pharmacist, as not all varieties are suitable during pregnancy.

COLD AND ITS TREATMENT

A runny nose is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa. If the inflammation is caused by viruses, there is no effective medicine against it. Drops and sprays can help, reducing blood flow to the mucous membrane and allowing easier breathing.

A complication of a runny nose is usually inflammation of the sinuses or middle ear. In these cases, treatment with antibiotics is appropriate. During pregnancy, sprays are preferred over drops and tablets to treat colds. Medicines should not be taken for more than a week so as not to damage the nasal mucosa and cause nosebleeds. Their dosage should be carefully followed.

Frequently used drugs include Nasivin, Olynth, and Sanorin. Another safe alternative for treating colds is sprays made from seawater (Sterimar), Vincentka, or ointments containing essential oils.

TEMPERATURE, WHEN TO START PRECIPITATING IT?

Temperature is the body’s immune response to infection. A temperature higher than 38 ºC can be dangerous for the fetus, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. Any increase in temperature during pregnancy should definitely be treated. The commonly used drug Paraben is safe during pregnancy.

What medicines to watch out for?

Medicines from non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs, such as ibuprofen and antipyrine, should not be used in the last trimester of pregnancy, as they can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetal heart.

Combined cold, cough, and fever medicines such as Modafen, Nurofen Stopgrip, or Coldrex are not recommended during pregnancy.

SORE THROAT

A sore throat is a common symptom of a cold, angina, or inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. If the sore throat lasts more than 5 days or there is difficulty and effortful breathing or swallowing, the woman should see a doctor. If a bacterial infection is found, it is necessary to start treatment with antibiotics.

Which drugs are suitable and which are not?

For example, Amoclen or Zinnat is safe during pregnancy.

1. Commonly available medicines include, for example, Septisan or Septofort and Bioparox spray for more muscular pain.
2. Pregnant women should avoid medicines containing local anesthetics such as Strepsils, Orofar, and Septolete.
3. Kutvirt’s gargle or preparations containing iodine (Jox), which can affect both the mother’s and fetus’s thyroid gland, are unsuitable.
4. Chamomile tincture or saline gargles can be used as gargles.
5. Sage gargle should not be used during pregnancy, as it may hurt the fetus.
6. It is suitable to drink lukewarm tea with honey.

VITAMINS

In general, bed rest and sufficient intake of fluids and vitamins are essential during an infection. It is inappropriate to combine multivitamins used for colds with pregnancy vitamins to avoid overdosing and damaging the fetus.

It is better to consume vitamins in the form of fruits and vegetables.

In case of any worsening of the condition, a pregnant woman should consult a doctor to avoid possible complications. Influenza vaccination is not recommended during pregnancy.