Laryngitis in Pregnancy

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx appears always inappropriately, especially during the period of gestation. Is laryngitis dangerous during pregnancy and how to treat it properly, so as not to harm yourself and the future baby?

The disease-causing process in the larynx can be caused by a viral infection, hypothermia, mechanical or negative environmental factors. A woman during pregnancy should not engage in self-treatment. It is more appropriate to contact a specialist who will determine the cause of the disease, carry out the necessary diagnostics and prescribe sparing therapy.

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Causes of laryngitis in pregnancy

Laryngitis in pregnancy often occurs due to colds, hypothermia, inhalation of cold air with the mouth. An increased burden on the vocal chords or inhaling excessive amounts of dust also contributes to the development of inflammation of the larynx.

The greatest danger is the possible complications from viral forms of the disease. The infection can reach the nearby organs, penetrate the placenta, having a negative effect on the fetus. The consequences of the action of viruses are difficult to predict - congenital malformations at the beginning of pregnancy, premature birth and even the death of a baby in the mother's womb.

Whatever the causes of laryngitis in pregnancy, if you find the first symptoms of the disease you need to seek medical help. Laryngitis, as well as tracheitis, are common problems in pregnancy, which, without proper treatment, lead to severe consequences in the form of pneumonia, a complex form of influenza.

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Symptoms of laryngitis in pregnancy

Laryngitis in pregnancy can be acute and chronic. The latter form is the result of an acute and neglected process, when the laryngeal mucosa was not provided with a timely therapeutic effect.

The main symptoms of laryngitis in pregnancy: 

• dryness and perspiration in the throat; 
• cough of dry, "barking" character; 
• hoarseness or complete loss of voice; 
• discomfort when swallowing.

A painful condition is supported by general weakness, runny nose, fever. Dry cough gradually grows into a moist one and a small amount of detachable appears.

Acute laryngitis in pregnancy

Clinical manifestations of acute laryngitis: 

• dryness, burning, scratching, choking in the throat; 
• dry cough, transforming into wet (with a weak separation of sputum); 
• a rough, hoarse voice or his loss; 
• shortness of breath due to narrowing of the glottis due to spasm or edema; 
• soreness when swallowing.

Spilled acute laryngitis in pregnancy is characterized by a sharp reddening of the mucous membrane of the larynx, swelling of the folds of the vestibule. Inflamed, dilated vessels can bleed, leading to the formation of crimson points on the mucosa.

The isolated form of the acute inflammatory process is described by a sharp reddening and infiltration of the mucosa in the epiglottis zone.

Acute laryngitis can cover the mucosa of the trachea, which causes a severe cough with copious sputum discharge (laryngotracheitis).

The acute process is characterized by attacks of headache, an insignificant increase in body temperature.

Chronic laryngitis in pregnancy

Chronic inflammatory disease of the larynx develops on the background: 

• frequent and untreated acute processes; 
• presence of chronic foci in the upper and lower respiratory tract; 
• transferred inflammatory diseases of the larynx; 
• professional irritants (dust, voice, dry air, etc.); 
• temperature drops; 
• inhalation of tobacco smoke.

The emergence of a chronic process is greatly influenced by the microflora of the larynx mucosa. Chronic laryngitis in pregnancy can manifest itself for the first time under the influence of metabolic, endocrine changes in the female body.

The chronic course of the disease is divided into catarrhal, hypertrophic, atrophic forms. The symptomatology of the disease is the same as with acute laryngitis.

The catarrhal process is characterized by local circulatory disorders, thickening of the vocal cords, changes in the laryngeal tissues. The hypertrophic form of laryngitis is characterized by the appearance of nodules, viscous mucus and dysfunction of the glands of the mucous larynx. Disease of the atrophic type leads to a significant thinning of the mucous membrane, and viscous mucus forms dry crusts, delivering severe discomfort.

Laryngitis with lactation

Breastfeeding is the best food that strengthens the body and the protective powers of the baby. If there is such trouble as laryngitis in lactation, stop feeding is not worth it.

Complexity of treatment consists in impossibility of reception of the majority of medical products which get to an organism of the baby at feeding. Therefore, one should resort to prescriptions of alternative medicine. Nursing mother is shown a frequent non-drinking drink. To cope with the symptoms of laryngitis and increase lactation will help warm milk with honey (1 tbsp.) And butter (1ch.l.). Remove the discomfort from the mucous membrane, as well as normalize the work of the intestines in the baby may infusion of fennel. A glass of boiling water take 1 tbsp. Herbs fennel, insist enough 15 minutes. Take twice a day for half a glass.

Cure laryngitis in lactation without compromising the taste of mother's milk can be herbal tea from the leaves of raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, chamomile flowers, turns, licorice, lemon. Antimicrobial broths drink one or two times a day.

Laryngitis in a nursing mother

Together with breast milk, the baby receives medicines taken by the mother. Adverse effects of drugs on the child is determined by the degree of toxicity, dosage, effects on the developing organs of the baby, the individual sensitivity of the child, the possibility of developing allergic reactions.

The list of medicines allowed during breastfeeding is rather narrow. Reception of medicines by nursing mothers is carried out only with the permission of the doctor. The therapy scheme allows alternation of feedings and the use of medicines. And it is necessary to exclude for feeding the time of the maximum concentration of the drug in the blood, which will correspond to its greatest content in breast milk. The side effects of the drug may also appear in the baby.

Of course, laryngitis in a nursing mother is best overcome by more gentle methods. A good effect is given by a rinse with sage broth, abundant warm drinking of herbal teas with honey and lemon. An excellent result in the treatment of a sore throat shows a sage broth on milk. A glass of milk and 1 tbsp. Dry raw material is brought to a boil, kneaded for ten minutes on low heat, filtered and again brought to a boil.

Consequences of laryngitis in pregnancy

Infections along with the beneficial substances freely through the placenta to the developing baby. Therefore, the viral form of laryngitis is the most dangerous, capable of leading to infection of the fetus and even miscarriage.

The cause of the disease is more often the influenza virus, transmitted by airborne droplets in places of congestion. The future mother can also get infected from carriers of whooping cough, scarlet fever and measles.

The effects of laryngitis in pregnancy depend on the severity of the disease, the immunity of the pregnant woman, and the timeliness and effectiveness of the prescribed treatment. Laryngitis in early pregnancy can cause congenital malformations, and in the late term - premature labor and increased bleeding.

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Diagnosis of laryngitis in pregnancy

The clinical picture of laryngitis during pregnancy makes it possible to differentiate the disease according to the symptoms. If necessary, the doctor uses an instrumental method of research - laryngoscopy, which allows using special mirrors to assess the condition of the mucosa and vocal cords.

Diagnosis of laryngitis during pregnancy can be aimed at detecting infection. This is made possible by serological, bacteriological studies. In addition to analyzing sputum or mucus from the larynx, the bactericidal form of laryngitis is determined from a laboratory study of blood in which the content of ESR is increased.

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Treatment of laryngitis in pregnant women

Laryngitis during pregnancy is often treated at home, but doctors should still visit to avoid complications, preserve their own health and the health of the baby. Some cases of the disease require therapy in a hospital, which is due to monitoring the course of pregnancy and normal fetal development.

Treatment of laryngitis in pregnant women is gentle treatment with an increase in the volume of warm drinking (decoction of rose hips, lime tea, raspberries, lemon, honey, juices). The daily cleaning and airing of the room helps to alleviate the condition. A pregnant woman with laryngitis is important to maintain a voice mode - to talk less, do not raise voices or completely remain silent. Compliance with bed rest and proper nutrition are important.

The increase in temperature is regarded as a protective function of the body, and the antipyretic is recommended only at very high values on the thermometer.

Get rid of a painful cough will help inhalation with chamomile, pine buds, calendula, eucalyptus. Decoction from the root of the althaea possesses a decongestant, anti-inflammatory and immunocorrecting property.

Preparations for sputum discharge (licorice root, sinupret, etc.), as well as popular sprays, are selected individually by the attending physician. When choosing a remedy for cough, it should be borne in mind that codeine, ethylmorphine - is prohibited during pregnancy.

It is undesirable to use Kalina and raspberries on late pregnancy due to the possibility of stimulating the contractile activity of the uterus and changing the coagulability of the blood.

Preventing laryngitis in pregnancy

Strong immunity is the best prevention of laryngitis in pregnancy. Enhance the defenses of the body contributes to a balanced diet with enough vitamins, exercise and a good rest.

The future mum should closely monitor their health, dress in accordance with weather conditions, avoid places with a lot of people. You should take daily walks and breathe clean air. Potential hazards are: dusty rooms, inhalation of cold air through the mouth, as well as overexertion of ligaments.

If you can not protect yourself from laryngitis during pregnancy, you should immediately go to the hospital and follow all medical prescriptions.