Inhalations in pregnancy: can you do and what kind?

To the question of whether inhalations can be done during pregnancy, both therapists and obstetricians-gynecologists answer affirmatively. During pregnancy, inhalation therapy is used at any stage.

But answering the second, more important question, which concerns the medications administered by this method, is more difficult, since many medications (and even medicinal plants) are contraindicated for use during pregnancy.

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Indications for the procedure

First of all, indications for inhalation therapy, including during pregnancy, include acute respiratory diseases accompanied by a runny nose, cough and sore throat, called colds.

Inhalations are effective for inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx (pharyngitis) and larynx (laryngitis), windpipe (tracheitis), laryngotracheitis; for inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis).

In cases of acute and chronic inflammatory processes in the paranasal sinuses, otolaryngologists prescribe inhalations for sinusitis during pregnancy.

To treat cough, inhalations are performed for bronchitis during pregnancy, tracheobronchitis, obstructive and asthmatic bronchitis.

However, inhalation therapy is used not only for diseases of the respiratory tract and nasopharynx. Thus, Heparin inhalations during pregnancy are prescribed for thyroid hormone deficiency in expectant mothers and the development of such a complication as fetoplacental insufficiency, leading to insufficient oxygen supply to the fetus.

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Preparation

Preparation for this procedure depends on the presence or absence of a special inhaler (steam or compressor) and consists mainly of preparing an inhalation solution.

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Technique inhalations in pregnancy

The technique of inhalation is described in detail in the material - Inhalation for bronchitis

Inhalations with a nebulizer are also carried out during pregnancy; about the principle of operation of this spraying device, which creates an aerosol from a solution, read the publication - Nebulizer for bronchitis.

Inhalations for cough during pregnancy

By performing steam inhalations during pregnancy, you can alleviate both unproductive (dry) cough, turning it into productive, and wet cough - with the formation of thick sputum, which the inhaled substances help to make more liquid, that is, easier to cough up.

Inhalations for dry cough are recommended to be done with steam from boiled potatoes in their skins, the tubers of which contain many alkaline salts (hydroxides) of potassium. That is why inhalation with potatoes gives a positive therapeutic effect, helping to improve the functions of the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi.

If the dry cough is of allergic origin, and in addition the nose is stuffy, then in addition to the antihistamines prescribed by the doctor, inhalations with saline solution should be carried out twice a day to relieve swelling of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. No more than 10 ml of 0.9% isotonic sodium chloride solution is used for one procedure, and it is better to do it with a compression inhaler or nebulizer. You can dissolve ordinary table salt in boiled water: this is sodium chloride for inhalation.

Inhalations with soda during pregnancy are no less effective (dissolve one teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate in 200 ml of water heated to 38-40°C).

For inhalation in case of wet cough, you can also use saline solution or breathe in potato steam.

But alkaline inhalations are still better at liquefying viscous sputum - with soda or mineral water inhalations during pregnancy, but only hydrocarbonate mineral waters are suitable (from which the carbon dioxide dissolved in them should first be released). During the day, you can do two inhalations of Borjomi (5 ml per procedure), Essentuki mineral water is also used for inhalations (No. 4 and No. 17), Svalyava, Luzhanskaya (No. 3 and 4), Shayanskaya and Polyana Kupel waters.

Inhalations with eucalyptus are recommended during pregnancy: with a decoction of leaves (a tablespoon per glass of water). Due to the presence of terpenes (cineole and cadinol) and phenol derivative ellagic acid in eucalyptus leaves, such inhalations for tracheitis and inhalations for bronchitis facilitate expectoration of phlegm.

During the first 12-14 weeks of gestation, it is prohibited to do inhalations with Ambrobene or use the synonymous drug (also containing ambroxol hydrochloride) Lazolvan for inhalations during pregnancy.

The corticosteroid Budesonide or Pulmicort for inhalation, intended to relieve attacks of bronchial asthma or asthmatic bronchitis, is prescribed only in cases of extreme necessity (as stated in the instructions, “for medical reasons”) and only taking into account the risk of possible developmental disorders in the fetus.

The β2-adrenergic agonist Salbutamol and its generics, in particular Ventolin for inhalation, are also used with great caution during pregnancy, as all medications in this pharmacological group cause an increase in heart rate and can lead to hypokalemia and hyperglycemia.

Berodual (fenoterol hydrobromide + ipratropium bromide) relieves spasms and expands the bronchial lumen in asthmatic bronchitis. However, it is contraindicated to use Berodual for inhalation during pregnancy during the first and last trimesters; caution is also required in cases of using such inhalation in the 2nd trimester. More details - Berodual for obstructive bronchitis

Inhalations with Mucaltin are only allowed at later stages.

This expectorant contains marshmallow root (in the form of a dry extract), which, due to the content of phytosterols, is prohibited for use for inhalation in the 1st trimester.

Useful information in the publication - How to treat a cough during pregnancy

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Inhalations during pregnancy for sore throat

In case of tonsillitis, in addition to gargling, inhalations for sore throat help well. What remedies are safe for pregnant women to use?

In case of sore throat, inhalations with eucalyptus decoction or oil, calendula or propolis tincture are recommended. Inhalation with propolis is carried out with a nebulizer once a day: 5 ml (teaspoon) of tincture per 100 ml of saline solution.

Inhalations with Furacilin during pregnancy are considered safe (one tablet per half a glass of boiled water). This antibacterial drug, like all nitrofuran antiseptics, is contraindicated in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Although, according to the instructions, the safety of Chlorophyllipt has not been studied in clinical conditions, given that this antimicrobial agent is a 1% alcohol extract of eucalyptus leaves, inhalation of Chlorophyllipt is possible if the benefit to the mother from such treatment outweighs the possible harm to the fetus. Chlorophyllipt (1 ml) should be diluted with saline (10 ml), approximately 4 ml of the resulting solution is required for one inhalation, two procedures can be carried out per day.

A question arises regarding inhalation with Dekasan during pregnancy, recommended in some sources in cases of acute tonsillitis. This antimicrobial and antifungal agent, as indicated in the instructions, has no contraindications for use during pregnancy - in the form of gargling. In composition, this is a 0.02% solution of the disinfectant decamethoxin in saline, and decamethoxin is used externally, and there is no research-confirmed information on its use in the treatment of pregnant women.

Inhalations during pregnancy for a runny nose

For rhinitis and nasopharyngitis, the same soda and sodium chloride solution (table salt) are used for inhalation during pregnancy to treat a runny nose.

Inhaling garlic (if you can call inhaling the smell of cut cloves an inhalation) will help with profuse runny nose discharge during the flu.

And for inhalation in case of sinusitis, it is recommended to use Miramistin - a surface-active antiseptic, related to quaternary ammonium compounds. Since its safety for pregnant women has not been established, inhalation with Miramistin can only be justified by laboratory-detected presence of streptococci or staphylococci in sinusitis, pharyngitis or tonsillitis.

Doctor MOM nasal inhaler for nasal congestion - inhalation pencil is not used during pregnancy. Firstly, the manufacturer states that there is no clinical experience of using this product by pregnant and lactating women. Secondly, it contains camphor (containing a large amount of ketones that can act as neurotoxins and cause muscle spasms when ingested), menthol and methyl salicylate (methyl salicylate), which is prohibited during pregnancy. For similar reasons, pregnant women should not use the Zolotaya Zvezda nasal pencil-balm, or inhale with Zvezdochka: in addition to menthol and camphor, Zolotaya Zvezda products contain clove oil, which contains furfural and benzaldehyde, which are toxic when in contact with mucous membranes.

Herbal inhalations during pregnancy

Steam inhalation with chamomile during pregnancy - when the nose is stuffy, the throat is sore and a dry cough has appeared - is considered a safe and quite effective remedy in the initial stages of acute respiratory infections. For the decoction, you need to take two tablespoons of flowers per glass of water, boil for 3-5 minutes and, when the decoction cools to 55 °, breathe in the steam for 5-7 minutes (covering your head with a towel).

Similarly, inhalation with calendula (if your throat hurts) and inhalation with linden during pregnancy (at the first signs of a cold) are carried out.

Inhalations with sage are not performed during pregnancy: the essential oil of this plant, in addition to beta-sitosterol, contains a lot of thujone and can cause contraction of the uterine muscles and deterioration of the blood supply to the placenta.

See also - Expectorant Herbs for Cough

Inhalation of essential oils during pregnancy

Inhalations of fir during pregnancy - with the addition of a few drops of fir oil to the inhalation solution - are prohibited during the first two trimesters due to its embryotoxic effect.

It is contraindicated to use thyme, peppermint (menthol), sage, clove, and oregano oils during gestation. Also, you cannot do tea tree oil inhalations during pregnancy, this essential oil has immunostimulating properties.

Contraindications to the procedure

Steam inhalations during pregnancy are never done if the body temperature is elevated, there is bleeding from the nasal passages, there is dizziness and headache, there is a rapid heartbeat and the tone of the uterus is increased.

It is better not to use the mucolytic (phlegm-thinning) drug Acetylcysteine or its synonym Fluimucil for inhalation during pregnancy, since the data on its effect on the fetus are insufficient. But it is known that 2R-2-acetamido-3-sulfanylproic acid (i.e. acetylcysteine) can not only cause nausea and bronchial spasm, but also provoke the release of histamine with an allergic reaction and the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain (as a result of which the drug has found application in psychiatry).

As for inhalation of aminocaproic acid, since this acid is a hemostatic agent with antifibrinolytic action, and during pregnancy the level of fibrinogen glycoprotein (blood coagulation factor I) increases, it is better not to do such inhalations either with a runny nose or with a sore throat. Moreover, aminocaproic acid has category C (FDA).

Contraindicated:

• inhalations with Dioxidine: this antimicrobial drug has a teratogenic effect.
• Carmolis inhalations: the preparation contains oils of cloves, anise, thyme and sage.
• Validol inhalations: this is a sedative, for more details see – Validol

Since interferons inhibit the division and growth of new cells, inhalation of interferon is contraindicated, just as no other immunomodulatory agents are used during this period.

Can Tonsilgon be used for inhalation? Such inhalations are contraindicated during pregnancy in the first trimester, since this drug is classified as an immune stimulant. Tonsilgon N drops contain yarrow extract, a medicinal plant prohibited for pregnant women due to its beta-sitosterol content. So this drug is also contraindicated for inhalation during pregnancy in the third trimester.

Experienced doctors do not prescribe Rotokan inhalations during pregnancy, since it also contains yarrow extract.

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Consequences after the procedure

The main consequences after a procedure of warm-moist or steam inhalation at home can be caused by burns of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract.

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Complications after the procedure

Possible complications after the procedure may include allergies with signs of bronchial obstruction, irritation of the mucous membranes with increased coughing, headache, increased heart rate, etc.

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Care after the procedure

There is no special care required after the procedure – you just need to refrain from eating or drinking liquids for approximately 1-1.5 hours after the inhalation.

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