Does your throat hurt during pregnancy? Find out about the causes, treatments and when to go to the doctor in this informative article.

Does throat pain suffer during pregnancy? Find out about the causes, treatments and when to go to the doctor in this informative article.

During pregnancy, women often experience various changes in their organism, including greater susceptibility to common diseases. A common ailment that pregnant women can suffer is throat pain. Although it is not usually a reason for great concern, it is important to know the possible causes, symptoms and throat pain treatment options during pregnancy.

Causes:

  1. High respiratory path infection: throat pain during pregnancy can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, such as common cold or flu. These infections can cause inflammation and irritation of the throat.
  2. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (EGE): Pregnancy hormones can relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, causing stomach acid to return to the throat, which causes pain.
  3. Allergies: pregnant women can develop allergies or experience a worsening of symptoms during pregnancy due to changes in their immune system. Allergic reactions, such as hay fever, can cause throat pain.
  4. Dryness: Pregnancy can cause a decrease in saliva production, which translates into a dry and irritated throat.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: It is recommendedStreptococcal throat infection. Streptococcal pharyngitis, if not, can have complications for both the mother and the baby.

Symptoms:

  • Pain or throat discomfort
  • Difficulty to swallow
  • Rumor or voice changes
  • Tonsils or inflamed lymph nodes
  • Sneezing, nasal secretion or congestion (if caused by a cold or allergies)

It is important to keep in mind that these symptoms may also be associated with other conditions, so it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to obtain a precise diagnosis and proper treatment.

Sore Throat During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Causes:

  • Changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy can weaken the immune system, making pregnant women more susceptible to infections that can cause throat pain.
  • Viral infections, such as common cold or flu, can cause throat pain. These infections can be easily transmitted, especially in narrow or lo w-hygiene contact environments.
  • Bacterial infections, such as streptococcal pharyngitis, can also cause throat pain. This type of infection requires immediate medical attention to avoid complications.
  • Postnasal drip, a frequent symptom during pregnancy, can irritate the throat and cause discomfort.

Symptoms:

  1. Throat pain or irritation that worsens when swallowing or speaking.
  2. Dryness or itching in the throat.
  3. Ronquera or voice loss.
  4. Tonsils or inflamed lymph nodes.
  5. Head or body pain.
  6. Nasal drip or congestion.
  7. Fever or chills (more frequent in bacterial infections).

Treatment:

If you have a throat pain during pregnancy, it is important that you consult your doctor to make an evaluation and guide you properly. They may recommend the following

  1. Rest and drink a lot of liquid to stay hydrated.
  2. Gargarine with warm salt water several times a day to relieve the throat.
  3. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and relieve dry throat.
  4. Analgesics without adequate recipe for pregnant women, such as paracetamol, can be taken according to the indications.
  5. Avoid irritating such as tobacco smoke, strong odors and contaminated areas.
  6. If a bacterial infection is detected, safe antibiotics can be prescribed during pregnancy.

Knowing the causes, recognizing the symptoms and following the appropriate treatments, pregnant women can effectively control and relieve throat pain discomfort, promoting a healthier pregnancy experience.

Understanding the Causes of Sore Throat During Pregnancy

1. Hormonal changes: Pregnancy is characterized by important hormonal fluctuations to maintain a healthy environment for the development fetus. These hormonal changes can affect the mucous membranes of the throat, causing irritation and inflammation that translate into throat pain.

  1. Infections: The immune system weakens naturally during pregnancy to prevent the body from rejecting the growing baby. This greater vulnerability makes pregnant women more likely to contract viral and bacterial infections that can cause throat pain. Among the most common are the common cold, flu, streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillitis.
  2. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (EGE): Many pregnant women suffer from EGE, a disease in which stomach acid refluxes towards the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. This reflux can cause throat pain, along with other symptoms such as stomach burning and acid regurgitation.
  3. Allergies: Pregnancy can trigger or worsen allergies in some women. Allergens such as pollen, dust mites and domestic dandngats can irritate the throat and cause throat pain. It is important to identify and avoid possible allergens during pregnancy.

Although throat pain during pregnancy can be annoying, it is not usually a reason for great concern. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to obtain adequate diagnosis and treatment. In this way, appropriate measures can be taken to relieve symptoms and guarantee the wel l-being of both the mother and the developing baby.

Common Symptoms of Sore Throat in Pregnant Women

1. Pain and discomfort: One of the main symptoms of throat pain in pregnant women is pain and throat discomfort. This can vary from mild to severe and can get worse when swallowing or speaking.

2. Inflamed tonsils: Another common symptom is the inflammation and swelling of the tonsils, which are found in the back of the throat. Inflamed tonsils can make it difficult to speak or swallow correctly.

Tip: pregnant women with inflamed tonsils should consult their healthcare professional to obtain an adequate diagnosis and treatment plan.

3. Redness and irritation: throat pain can cause redness and irritation in the throat, making it feel in living and sore flesh. This can be accompanied by a feeling of scratch or itching.

4. Ronquera and voice changes: Some pregnant women may experience rumor or voice changes due to inflammation and irritation of vocal strings.

The Impact of Hormonal Changes on Sore Throat During Pregnancy

1. 1. Greater susceptibility: hormonal changes during pregnancy can weaken the immune system, which makes pregnant women more susceptible to infections, including those that cause throat pain. The increase in hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, can suppress immune responses, facilitating that bacteria or viruses invade the throat and cause inflammation and pain.

Research has shown that during pregnancy there is a decrease in the activity of immune cells, specifically the function of T cells. T cells play a vital role in the fight against infections, including those that affect the throat. As a result, pregnant women can experience a lower capacity to combat infections, which entails a greater probability of developing throat pain.

2. Increased blood flow: hormonal changes also affect blood circulation during pregnancy. The increase in blood flow to the mucous membranes, including those of the throat, can cause congestion and irritation, with the consequent throat pain.

  1. The increase in blood flow can cause the blood vessels of the throat to dilate and become more sensitive, which causes discomfort and pain.
  2. The increase in blood flow can also cause excessive mucus production, which contributes even more to the irritation and sore throat.

Understanding the impact of hormonal changes on throat pain during pregnancy is essential for pregnant women to seek adequate attention and relief. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause of throat pain and receive adequate treatment that guarantees the wel l-being of both the mother and the baby.

Is Sore Throat a Sign of a Serious Medical Condition During Pregnancy?

Possible causes of throat pain during pregnancy:

  1. Common cold: The common cold is one of the main responsible for the sore throat during pregnancy. This viral infection can cause inflammation and throat discomfort, accompanied by other symptoms such as nasal secretion and cough.
  2. Streptococcal pharyngitis: streptococcal pharyngitis, caused by Streptococcus bacteria, can cause throat pain during pregnancy. This bacterial infection requires rapid medical treatment to avoid complications.
  3. Acid reflux: acid reflux, a condition characterized by the reflux of stomach acid towards the esophagus, can cause a burning sensation in the throat and cause pain. Pregnancy hormones can contribute to the development or exacerbation of acid reflux.

It is important that pregnant women consult with their doctor if they experience throat pain, since it can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition that requires treatment.

When to look for medical attention:

Although throat pain during pregnancy is usually benign and is resolved by itself, certain signs and symptoms should make pregnant women seek medical attention:

  • Intense throat pain that hinders or almost impossible swallowing.
  • Fever equal to or greater than 38. 3 degrees Celsius (101 degrees Fahrenheit).
  • Persistent throat pain that lasts more than a week.
  • Presence of pus on the back of the throat or in the tonsils
  • Inflammation of the lymph nodes of the neck
SIGHTS OF SERIOUS DISEASE No n-urgent causes
Intense throat pain Common cold
38. 3 ° C fever (101 ° F) or higher Strep throat
Persistent throat pain for more than a week Acid reflux
Pus on the back of the throat or in the tonsils
Inflammation of the lymph nodes of the neck

Effective Home Remedies for Soothing Sore Throat in Pregnant Women

When it comes to treating sore throats in pregnant women, it is important to turn to natural remedies that are safe and gentle. One of them is to gargle with warm salt water. This simple practice can help relieve pain and reduce throat inflammation. To prepare the gargling solution, add half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Gently stir the mixture until the salt dissolves, then gargle with it for a few seconds before spitting it out. Repeat this several times a day to get relief.

  • Gargle with warm salt water: Mix half a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water and gargle several times a day.
  • Drink hot infusions: Drink soothing infusions such as chamomile, ginger or lemon to relieve throat discomfort.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, hot soups or infusions, to keep your throat moist and relieve irritation.
  • Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help relieve a sore throat. Use a humidifier in the bedroom or spend time in a steamy bathroom to benefit from moist air.

Note: If your sore throat persists or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

Safe Over-the-Counter Medications for Treating Sore Throat During Pregnancy

In general, it is advisable for pregnant women to consult their doctor before taking any medications, including over-the-counter medications. However, there are certain medications that are considered safe to treat a sore throat during pregnancy. These medications generally have no harmful effects on either the mother or the baby. Incorporating these medications can provide relief from the discomfort associated with a sore throat while minimizing potential risks.

Safe Over-the-Counter Medications for Treating Sore Throat in Pregnancy:

  1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Acetaminophen is commonly used as a pain reliever and fever reducer. It can help relieve pain and fever associated with a sore throat. It is important to follow the recommended dosage, since excessive consumption can damage the liver. Consult your doctor before use.
  2. Throat lozenges: Some throat lozenges that contain ingredients such as menthol or benzocaine are considered safe during pregnancy. These lozenges can help relieve a sore throat and provide a calming effect. However, it is essential to read product labels carefully and consult with a healthcare professional before using any specific brand or type.
  3. Gargarine with warm salt water: a simple and natural remedy for sore throat during pregnancy is to gagged with warm salt water. This can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain and provide temporal relief. Half mixture teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and make gargles several times a day. This method is safe and is not at any risk to the mother or the baby.

Note: Although these sales medications without recipe are usually considered safe to treat throat pain during pregnancy, it is essential to consult with a health professional before starting to take any medication or new remedy. In addition, it is advisable to continue following good hygiene practices and maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent more infections and discomfort.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Sore Throat During Pregnancy

1. Persistent or worsen symptoms: If the throat pain persists for more than a few days, or if it worsens progressively, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Although throat pain can be a symptom of a common cold or seasonal allergies, it can also be indicative of a more serious condition, such as streptococcal pharyngitis or tonsilitis.

  • If throat pain is accompanied by high fever, difficulty swallowing or inflammation of lymph nodes, it can be a sign of a bacterial infection.
  • A persistent throat pain can also be mononucleosis symptom, a viral infection that can cause prolonged fatigue and weakness.
  • In some cases, a persistent throat pain that worsens during pregnancy can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. These conditions require immediate medical attention to guarantee the safety of both the mother and the baby.

2. Pr e-existing diseases: If you suffer from a pr e-existing disease, such as asthma or a weakened immune system, it is important that you are attentive to any change in its symptoms. Pregnant women with these conditions may be more likely to suffer complications derived from infections, so it is essential to consult a healthcare professional if you experience throat pain.

Preventive Measures to Reduce the Risk of Sore Throat During Pregnancy

1. Maintaining good hygiene practicing good hygiene is essential to prevent the transmission of viral or bacterial infections that can cause throat pain. This includes washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before meals, after going to the bathroom and after being in public spaces. In addition, the use of hand disinfectants when water and soap are also not helped to reduce the risk of infection.

  1. Avoid narrow contact with sick people: viral and bacterial infections that cause throat pain can easily spread through intimate contact. During pregnancy, it is important to minimize contact with people who have symptoms of throat pain or any other contagious disease. This includes avoiding busy places and refraining from sharing utensils, drinks or personal objects with sick people.
  2. Keep hydrated: adequate hydration is vital for health in general, and can also help prevent throat pain. Drinking a lot of water throughout the day helps keep the wet throat and can eliminate any irritating, reducing the risk of developing a throat pain. It is recommended to consume at least eight to ten glasses of water a day during pregnancy.
  3. Use a humidifier: dry air can irritate the throat and cause throat pain. Using a humidifier in the bedroom or in the areas where the future mother spends a lot of time can help add moisture in the air, avoiding dryness and reducing the risk of throat irritation.

Remember that prevention is the key to avoiding throat pain during pregnancy. Practicing good hygiene, avoiding contact with sick people, keeping hydrated and using a humidifier, future mothers can significantly reduce the risk of sore throat and favor a healthy and comfortable pregnancy.

Author of the article
Dr.Greenblatt M.
Dr.Greenblatt M.
Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont

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