Bronchitis During Pregnancy

By: Ambili S Kartha

Expecting a kid is such a joy and as well as a package of health issues for mom. While the belly grows to full size, it is difficult to breathe. Pregnant women are vulnerable to different types of infections. One such painful and persistent condition that a pregnant woman contracts is Bronchitis. In addition to the mood swings and difficulty, the problems associated with this medical condition include chest pain, fever, sore throat, and shortness of breath will take a toll on the expecting mother. And, unfortunately, being diagnosed with this illness at any point during pregnancy is pretty alarming. However, the good news is that prevention and treatment of this illness are possible. Continue reading for further information.

What Is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is the inflammation present in the large airways that extend from the mouth to the lungs (bronchi). It starts with the viral infection of the mucous membrane, resulting in more mucus. This prevents bronchi’s self-purification. The two forms of bronchitis include acute and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is brought about by microbes (bacteria and viruses) and is easily treatable. Whereas, chronic bronchitis is a more serious type, which takes several months to years to get clear. Lung damage and several more complications may happen.

Causes Of Bronchitis During Pregnancy

Pregnancy will temporarily weaken the immune system of the mother. This is the basic reason why expecting mothers are vulnerable to various infections. Other reasons for contracting bronchitis during pregnancy are:

1. Exposure To Harmful Inhalants: If there is any prolonged exposure to the acids, ammonia, chlorine, and particularly grain dust, then there are chances for bronchitis.
2. Effects Of Breathing Irritants: With the increase in pollution, there are a lot of breathing irritants, which include tobacco smoke, smog, chemical fumes, and dust particles, cigar smoke, and many more. Smoking during pregnancy will aggravate the inflammation and causes serious illness for the babies. Few of the congenital diseases include lower respiratory or tract illness as well.
3. Because Of Virus/ Bacteria: The virus, which causes the cold and flu are the same that causes Bronchitis. The mucus, which is buildup due to cold, asthma, or flu, will be triggering Bronchitis. Bronchitis is contagious and can be passed to others around the person who coughs or sneezes. Bacteria like Streptococcus pneumonia can also bring about bronchitis

Signs And Symptoms

The symptoms of the Bronchitis include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• A dry cough
• Loss of appetite
• Drowsiness
• Irritability
• Fatigue and weakness.
• There are also chances for the gradual rise in the temperature
• A sore throat is the other painful aspect of this condition.
• The overproduction of mucus with color varies from yellow, grey, or even it can be clear-colored.

The primary symptoms of bronchitis include symptoms of the severe acute respiratory syndrome. This lasts for 12 days and can be treated at home. If this is not subsiding, then it might result in a chronic form.

Diagnosing Bronchitis While Pregnant

Primarily the doctor does a physical exam to check the swelling and with ribs examination. Sputum tests are also conducted to test the allergies and to determine if the condition can be treated using antibiotics. The accurate diagnosis for the Bronchitis while pregnant is through the blood tests. These detect signs of inflammation and measures the hemoglobin and hematocrit count. Some tests are conducted to rule out the possibilities of tuberculosis and pneumonia. The symptoms of pneumonia and tuberculosis have a significant resemblance.

What Are The Risks Of Bronchitis During Pregnancy?

There are a few risks that one must be aware of, and it is not that every pregnant woman will be getting these implications.

• Pneumonia:

If the temperature is increased considerably, more chances are there the mother contracting pneumonia.  This can put the pregnancy at risk.

• Medicines Meddling With Baby’s Growth: 

The medications that are given to the mother will be interfering with the baby’s growth. For this reason, the doctor prescribes the antibiotics or any other medicine only when all other options are failed.

• Immense Difficulty In Breathing:

With bronchitis, there will be inflammation, and this hinders in taking enough amount of oxygen by the mother. As the optimal level of oxygen in the mother’s blood will be impeded, there won’t be enough supply of oxygen for the fetus as well.

Treatment:

As soon as you find a cough, cold symptoms that are getting worse, it is advised to go to the doctor as they can help prevent Bronchitis. It is based on the trimester and type of infection, and the treatments are usually preferred. Bronchitis stemmed from the virus will get better on its own. In such cases, home remedies will help to alleviate the bothering symptoms. In the case of bronchitis stemmed from bacteria, the doctor will prescribe the antibiotic course.

For the first trimester, A bioparox drug is prescribed, and an antibiotic is also given to reduce the inflammation. While the mother is in the third trimester, she is given antibiotics that are safe for the baby. Expectorants are even prescribed to clear the mucus. While the mother is in the third trimester, intravenous immunoglobin therapy is provided. Remember, all these treatments are subjected to changes from person to person and also, based on the severity.

Home Remedies For Bronchitis During Pregnancy:

The home remedies help reduce the seriousness in the condition of acute bronchitis.

• Gargling with Salt Water
• Grate ginger and boil in the water. Take this water once a day when the water is warm by adding honey based on your taste.
• Lemon and honey mixture helps to fights infection and acts as antiviral. Take this mixture with warm water better benefits.
• The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric help to reduce the mucous. It also aids in reducing the sore throat. Drink warm milk with turmeric to get relief.
• Steam inhalation also works the best to clear the congestion in the throat and nose.
• The probiotics in yogurt help in reducing respiratory infections

How To Prevent Bronchitis During Pregnancy?

As a pregnant woman, it is always better to prepare and prevent any sort of aspect or medical problems. You can prevent bronchitis by

• Using the mask while going out just to stay away from the people suffering from bronchitis.
• Wash your hands to reduce any sort of viral infections
• Stay away from all sorts of smoke and chemical fumes.
• Ensure to build immunity with proper sleep, diet, lifestyle, and exercise.

So, make sure that you are preventing yourself from harmful chemicals while you are pregnant. Also, ensure to get medical attention when a cough or cold starts for a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Source: https://www.beingtheparent.com/bronchitis-during-pregnancy/

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