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Bronchitis in Pregnancy
Pregnancy can make you more susceptible to common illness as your immunity is changing. Not only will you find that you catch a cold or flu faster than usual, but these illnesses may even last longer than they would before. So, in case you feel like you have come down with a bad case of a cough or a sore throat, you may want to consult your doctor as it may be a case of bronchitis.
What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is characterised by an inflammation of the airways or the lower respiratory tract, which can make it difficult for you to breathe. Also, a viral infection in the mucous membrane can cause you to develop extra mucous which makes it harder for the bronchi to purify themselves.
Bronchitis may be of two main kinds – acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is common among pregnant women and is caused by viruses. Thi kind of infection can be treated easily. Chronic bronchitis lasts from several months to several years and causes damage to the lungs as the infection keeps coming back.
Causes of Bronchitis during Pregnancy
Some of the common causes of bronchitis are:
1. Virus and Bacteria
Almost 90% of the cases of bronchitis are due to viruses. It is caused by the same viruses that spread flu and cold: rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, etc. It can also be caused by bacteria. Mucous that builds up due to flu or cold can also cause bronchitis.
2. Irritants
Common breathing irritants like smoke from cigarettes, dust particles, chemical fumes, etc can trigger bronchitis. They can also make the inflammation worse which can cause chronic bronchitis which is harmful to the baby and cause respiratory tract conditions and congenital effects in the baby.
3. Prolonged Exposure to Certain Substances
Long exposure to dust, grain, ammonia, strong acids, chlorine, and others can also be the cause of bronchitis.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of bronchitis in pregnant women may be slightly more than in others. Some of the commonplace signs are:
Cough
Difficulty in breathing or a feeling of choking in the throat
A low fever or a steady rise in temperature
Sore throat
Weakness in the body, fatigue, and body ache.
Chest pains
Lack of appetite
Shortness of breath
You may also produce mucous which can be yellow, grey or even clear-coloured.
Diagnosing Bronchitis While Pregnant
The first diagnosis is usually carried out in the form of a physical exam where after noting the symptoms, the larynx is examined for redness and the ribs are examined to detect any swelling. The doctor will also use a stethoscope to listen to the heartbeat.
Although chest X-rays are done to determine the extent of the infection, it may be avoided in pregnant women due to prevent the risk of radiation to the foetus. Sputum (the mucous that is coughed up from the lungs) tests are done to determine if the condition can be relieved using antibiotics. It can also be tested for any allergies.
A different test is conducted to rule out other diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis that show similar symptoms. Pulmonary function tests in which you have to blow into a device called spirometer can be conducted to check the amount of air that the lungs can hold.
An accurate diagnosis is generally obtained from blood tests which detect signs of inflammation and measures the haemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Ht) levels.
Risks
While it is unlikely that you will develop any serious complications due to bronchitis, there are a few risks that you need to be mindful of.
1. Difficulty in Breathing
Due to the inflammation of the bronchial walls, your lungs may take in a lower amount of oxygen, which in turn may hamper the level of optimal oxygen that is required by the foetus.
2. Medications That Interfere With Baby’s Growth
Certain antibiotics and drugs may interfere with the development of the baby. Hence, doctors usually recommend alternative remedies and rest and only administer medications when all other methods have failed.
3. Pneumonia
Fever is a symptom of bronchitis. Sometimes, this temperature may increase and you may develop pneumonia putting your baby at risk.
Treatment
Bronchitis caused due to bacterial infection are treated with an antibiotic prescription. However, it is important to exercise caution over the choice of the antibiotic as many of them are considered to be harmful to the foetus.
Some of the antibiotics that are safe during pregnancy are amoxicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, penicillin, ampicillin, and nitrofurantoin.
Antibiotics like sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, and trimethoprim can cause harm to the baby. Also, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are known to be responsible for birth defects in the baby.
However, if your bronchitis has stemmed from a virus, you will not need antibiotics as they are ineffective against viruses. This kind of infection will get better on its own. However, if the symptoms persist, you may be diagnosed with a bacterial infection and administered with antibiotics.
Trimester-Wise Treatment
Timely treatment when the symptoms are first noticed can help prevent bronchitis from further affecting the mother and the baby. Treatments for pregnant women can also be dependent on the trimester they are in.
During the first trimester, a Bioparox drug will be prescribed to reduce inflammation by targeting the infection. In the first trimester, you will usually be given an antibiotic that belongs to the penicillin group.
During the second-trimester cephalosporin antibiotics which are safe for the baby are prescribed. Expectorants like bromhexine, halixol, ambroxol and mukaltin, which help clear the mucous are prescribed for a cough.
During the third trimester, if there is an intrauterine infection, an intravenous immunoglobin therapy is done. Based on the severity and the nature of the condition, treatment for preterm labour or possible miscarriage may also be done.
Home Remedies
As soon as you feel the onset of bronchitis, you may want to begin a few home remedies to relieve the condition without having the need to take medications. Some of the best home remedies for acute bronchitis while pregnant are:
1. Gargling With Salt Water
Stir one teaspoon of salt in about 250 ml of water and gargle with the same. This can relieve you of a sore throat and help you get rid of mucous.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties and can help you clear out mucous and ease a sore throat. Just add one teaspoon of turmeric powder to milk and boil it. Drink it when it’s warm.
3. Ginger
Ginger is another kitchen essential that has anti-inflammatory properties. Grate some ginger into boiling water and drink this liquid once warm. You may also want to add some honey to sweeten it. Ginger can also treat common cold effectively.
4. Lemon-Honey Mixture
Take a glass of warm water and squeeze some lemon in it and add a spoon of honey. Lemon is rich in Vitamin C and flavonoids that fight infection, and honey has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
5. Inhale Steam
Bring a pot of water to boil and take it off the heat and inhale the steam once the water stops bubbling. You may want to throw a towel over your head to take in all the steam, which can help clear out any congestion in your throat and nose.
6. Irrigate Your Nasal Passage
Mix 250 ml of water with half a teaspoon of baking soda and salt. Lean over a sink at a 45-degree angle so that your nostrils are pointing in the direction of the sink. You can use a syringe or a squeeze bottle to pour the mixture into one of the nostrils as you breathe through your mouth. The solution will come out of the other nostril. This, when repeated several times a day, can help relieve difficulty in breathing.
7. Yogurt
Yogurt has healthy bacteria also known as probiotics which can help alleviate respiratory tract infections.
Prevention
Proper precautions during pregnancy can minimize the possibility of contracting bronchitis if not prevent them altogether. Here are a few preventive measures that you can keep in mind.
Stay away from people suffering from bronchitis. Use a mask around anyone who is suffering from a cold or flu to avoid germs.
Wash your hands frequently to reduce the risk of viral infections.
Keep away from allergens and irritants like smoke, chemical fumes, etc.
Build your immunity with proper sleep, exercise, diet, and lifestyle.
FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions about bronchitis.
1. Can You Use Albuterol Inhalers if You Have Bronchitis?
Albuterol inhalers are known to interact with the medications prescribed for bronchitis and may pose a risk to women with underlying heart conditions caused due to high blood pressure and heart rate. They are also known to have teratogenic effects on the baby; in order words, they may hamper the development of the foetus.
2. Can You Use Steroids for Bronchitis?
Steroids are commonly prescribed by many doctors during pregnancy to treat pre-existing medical conditions or allergies and asthma.
3. Can Extreme Coughing Affect Your Unborn Baby?
Coughing can cause physiological stress in the pregnant woman, leading to the release of a hormone called as cortisol. This hormone, when it reaches the placenta may cause adverse reactions on the baby and lead to birth and brain defects or even low birth weight in the baby.
Bronchitis is condition common in many women during pregnancy. While viral bronchitis can resolve itself with proper home remedies and care, it is important to take proper precautions to prevent contracting bronchitis. In case the symptoms of bronchitis do not subside within a few days, you may have a bacterial infection and will need to consult your doctor immediately. Ensure that you stay informed about the drugs and antibiotics that you can and cannot take during pregnancy to prevent causing any harm to the baby.
Also Read: Torch Infection during Pregnancy Read more
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Study Proves Moms Are The Bravest in Coping With Illness - WITHOUT Troubling The Family!
Did you know that on an average moms fall ill around 324 times during their kid’s childhood? Three hundred and twenty four times! The moment your child comes back home with the sound of ‘achoo!’, you know you’re in store for some cough syrups and paracetamol. Children are exposed to infections multiple times in a day and that means that mums too stand a risk of falling ill! But call it a superpower or a motherly instinct, a new study proves that as moms, we are able to cope with illness much better and recover much faster than everyone in the family!
According to a latest survey conducted among moms, 68% women confirmed that they became more susceptible to diseases post having kids! Not just that, many moms say that there are just 13 days per month where they "feel completely fit and healthy".
On an average, a mother suffers from a mandatory annual bout of cough, cold and flu. Not to forget stomach bugs that come twice in a year along with a season of head lice that little ones very lovingly borrow from their friends at school and bring home! Infection is all around and children are easy carriers owing to their developing yet weak immunity. There's a LOT you have to tackle in terms of health every month, and considering the family depends on you for everything from food to care, this is no child's play!
Who Handles Illness Better? Mom v/s Dad
When they say moms are the backbone of the house, it should be taken literally! So, while moms are likelier to fall ill due to bugs transmitted by the children, on the positive side, they are also far better at handling illnesses. Not only are they less likely to be bedridden, but also experience less severe symptoms. Psychologists suggest the innate drive to ensure their child’s protection keeps a mother going. Historically speaking, roles of men and women have always differed. Where a man had to be physically strong to fend for the family, women were primarily caregivers with an an instinct to protect the family members. Mothers are like soldiers of the family. A day without their involvement in the house means a day of chaos! This is what the researchers think explains this behaviour:
"We haven't changed that much and so even now with differing gender roles, women's protective instincts kick in. They care for others (over themselves), whereas men maintain their own physical fitness in order to protect and provide for their families."
In today’s scenario, about 72% women feel they are able to cope with illness better than their partners. For instance, it is usually observed that men appear to experience more severe symptoms of viral flu than women. According to a study conducted at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, researchers found the hormone estrogen provided additional resistance towards the flu virus. Therefore it was also concluded that men indeed face worse flu symptoms like stuffiness, soreness and runniness than women when faced with a viral infection.
Moms Need a Sick Leave Too!
Although moms are able to handle stress better, it is important to not forget the body does demand rest when it faces some unusual changes. To maintain the continuity of the daily chores and routine, mums don’t pay attention to health and treat a flu as a minor infection and carry on. They refuse to take any external help as they fear this could disturb other family members, however a day of proper help is what they usually require!
Prevention is Always Better Than Cure
We can’t stop kids from being kids but as mothers some preliminary precautions should always be taken to keep health in check!
1. Maintain an Active Lifestyle
Although a mother is on the job 24*7, physical exercise is usually missed out from their daily routine. Ensure including atleast a 45 minutes of daily exercise in your routine. Here are some quick tips to help you get that daily exercise - and yes, walking certainly counts!
2. Rest it Out
It is observed that individuals who who do not get adequate sleep of about 7-8 hours daily are more prone to falling ill. Therefore make sure you get that good night's sleep!
3. Hand Wash Should be a House Rule
Most infections are contagious. Tell your kids to wash their hands properly by rubbing a soap before they eat and after they come back home.
4. Maintain Cleanliness
It always a good idea to use anti viral and bacterial disinfectants to wipe floors and clean door and window handles.
5. Supplement Your Diet
Research shows that people who supplement their diet with adequate vitamins and minerals, tend to have a better immune system. Include multi vitamins and minerals and maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Check out these immunity boosting tips shared by our mommy blogger that help both you and the kids to stay healthier!
Mothers surely are the multi taskers and the bravehearts of the family. And now science validates it too - time to feel proud of yourself and the fabulous job you are doing, moms!
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4128958/Women-cope-symptoms-colds-better-men.html#ixzz4W4Ogyeaj Read more
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Students today are still striving to get the best of the marks or ranks and that's because wherever you go, there is a boundary line of only 60 plus, only rank holders, etc. I may be sounding same like what is shown in our favorite movie 3 IDIOTS "don't run after success, run after excellence and success will be yours” and yet another good one stressing on the same fact was “ FALTU”. After watching such movies we all agree that education is not just mugging up information but its your core intelligence which needs to be given a good direction let it be in any field of your choice!
Once I was having a discussion with an educationist (not by profession but by experience; Courtesy: CEO of an ERP solution providing company) regarding same facts and was impressed by his thoughts. Education is actually evolution of your mind and not just becoming a pile of information. The information may help you to get through exams, qualify the toughest of entrance exams but that can never make you a strategic decision maker because it involves not only the knowledge or information but your intelligence as well as emotional quotient (EQ). Now a good question arises that what is this intelligence that all of us keep stressing on. Though it sounds to be abstract but its researched that it can be measured in terms of IQ(intelligence Quotient) which few people opine that its hereditary. Intelligence is actually the combination of reactions occurring in your neurons. It is actually how you respond to a situation. It is something that will involve the information/knowledge possessed by you and on the basis of your emotional stability, help you to reach a decision. How correct that decision is what intelligence decides.
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POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 mins ago
Q. i am 5 month pregnant can i start doing exercise at home
#asktheexpert
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
11 mins ago
A. You can stay active right up to the birth as long as you feel well and comfortable. Keep doing low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming and dancing. You can do gentle stretches to reduce aches and pains. Avoid lying on your back – try lying on your side or choose a supported upright position instead.
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 mins ago
Q. meri 6months baby fart k sth watery potty kr rhi hai breast milk piti hai plz koi solution btayein
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
10 mins ago
A. Loose motion are most of the time infective where it is associated with fever and vomiting and its known as gastroenteritis where symptomatic treatment along with management for dehydration is required if loose motions are associated with foul smell mucous high grade fever thhiian it could be bacterial infection which needs antibiotics treatment
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert ok fgghthgr rrrgrtr okey g hyr trygei glgftgtgfkrrtrtt thh ggg to the h
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A. dear parent, your question is not clear and is not complete. please post your question once again with all the details so that we can help you with an answer
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A. Cough and Cold along with the symptom like Fever loss of appetite irritability could be a feature of viral infection or seasonal flu where most of the time supportive treatment is given.
along yhwith that cough expectorant and decongestant with antiallergic medicine given.
steam inhalation can be given frequently to relieve the symptoms.
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