Bronchitis and Other Respiratory Issues During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the respiratory system undergoes physiological adaptations such as increased oxygen requirements. Pulmonary resistance also decreases, possibly due to an increase of progesterone levels. And blood volume increases, which at times results in anemia if the woman is not getting enough iron.
The following respiratory issues can also occur in pregnant women:
- Sinusitis – An inflammation of the tissues lining the sinuses
- Bronchitis – An infection of the bronchi, the main airways of the lungs
- Pneumonia – An infection and inflammation of the air sacs of the lungs caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi
- Tuberculosis – A bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs, but may also spread to other parts of the body
How to Treat Bronchitis and Other Respiratory Issues During Pregnancy
Bronchitis is the inflammation that affects the bronchial mucous membranes. Acute bronchitis usually occurs in pregnant women due to rhinovirus, influenza, and adenovirus. Also, cigarette smoking is often a cause of acute bronchitis, aside from being a known cause of birth defects and health problems for developing babies.
When women are diagnosed with acute bronchitis, they will start to experience a cough accompanied by occasional sputum production (spitting out mucus) and a low-grade fever. Chronic bronchitis on the other hand rarely occurs in pregnant women.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe antibiotics for pregnant women with acute bronchitis. But usually, the symptoms of acute bronchitis will subside on their own after a few days. The cough, however, may last longer; it may take months before it completely goes away. Your doctor may prescribe medications to manage your discomfort. As always, follow your doctor’s orders and consult your doctor before taking any medication.
For other respiratory issues, such as sinusitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis, the treatment varies. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications. Before taking any treatment, it is best to consult your doctors on how these treatments will affect your pregnancy. In case of any serious respiratory illness, specialists will best be able to care for your health and your child’s.
Key Takeaway
It is normal for pregnant women to be concerned about any complications that they may encounter during pregnancy because they do not want it to negatively affect the development of the baby in their womb. Your doctor is in the best position to prescribe the best and safest treatments for any respiratory illnesses. It is also imperative for pregnant women to educate themselves on what medications are safe.
Learn more about Respiratory Health here.
Comments
Share your thoughts
Be the first to let Hello Doctor know your thoughts!
Join Us or Log In to join the discussion