Inhalation during pregnancy: can I do and what?

When asked whether it is possible to inhalate during pregnancy, both general practitioners and obstetricians and gynecologists answer in the affirmative. During pregnancy, inhalation therapy is applied at any time.

But to answer the second - the more important question, which concerns the drugs administered by this method, is more difficult, as many drugs (and even medicinal plants) are contraindicated in the period of carrying a child.

[1], [2], [3], [4]

Indications for the procedure

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

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

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

Inhalations for bronchitis during pregnancy, for tracheobronchitis, obstructive and asthmatic bronchitis are performed to treat cough.

However, inhalation therapy is not only used for diseases of the respiratory tract and nasopharynx. Thus, inhalations of Heparin during pregnancy are prescribed with a deficiency of thyroid hormones in future mothers and the development on this basis of such complications as fetoplacental insufficiency, leading to an insufficient supply of oxygen 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 in the preparation of inhalation solution.

[6], [7], [8], [9]

Technique of the inhalation during pregnancy

The technique of inhalation is detailed in the material -  Inhalation with bronchitis.

Nebulizer inhalation during pregnancy is also carried out; On the principle of action of this spray device, creating an aerosol from solution, read the publication -  Nebulizer for bronchitis.

Cough Pregnancy Inhalation

Conducting steam inhalation during pregnancy, you can relieve both unproductive (dry) cough, transferring it to a productive, and wet - with the formation of thick sputum, which inhalation substances help to make it more liquid, that is, easier to cough.

Inhalation with a dry cough is recommended to be carried out with steam of potatoes boiled in the skin, the tubers of which contain many alkaline salts (hydroxides) of potassium. That is why inhalation of potatoes give a positive therapeutic effect, contributing to the improvement of the functions of the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi.

If a dry cough has an allergic origin, and in addition a stuffy nose, then in addition to antihistamines prescribed by a doctor, to remove the edema of the respiratory mucosa should be twice daily inhalation with saline. One procedure consumes no more than 10 ml of 0.9% isotonic sodium chloride solution, and it is better to do it with a compression inhaler or nebulizer. You can dissolve regular salt in boiled water: this is sodium chloride for inhalation.

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

For inhalation with a wet cough, you can also use saline or breathe steam from potatoes.

But liquefaction of viscous sputum is nevertheless better done by alkaline inhalations — with soda or mineral water inhalation during pregnancy, but only hydrocarbonate mineral waters are suitable (from which carbon dioxide should be released in them). During the day, two inhalations of Borjomi (5 ml per procedure) can be carried out; Yessentuki mineral water is also used for inhalations (No. 4 and No. 17), Svalyava, Luzhanskaya (No. 3 and 4), Shayanskaya and Polyana Kupel waters.

Recommended inhalations with eucalyptus during pregnancy: with a decoction of leaves (a tablespoon in a glass of water). Due to the presence of terpenes (cineol and cadinol) and phenol derivative ellagic acid in eucalyptus leaves, such inhalations for tracheitis and inhalations for bronchitis facilitate expectoration of sputum.

During the first 12-14 weeks of gestation, it is forbidden to inhale with Ambrobene or use the drug synonym (also containing ambroxol hydrochloride) Lasolvan for inhalation during pregnancy.

Intended for relief of bronchial asthma or asthmatic bronchitis corticosteroid Budesonide or Pulmicort for inhalation is prescribed only in cases of emergency (as stated in the instructions, "for medical reasons") and only taking into account the risk of possible violations in the development of the fetus.

Related to β2-adrenomimetics, bronchial dilating agent, Salbutamol and its generics, in particular, Ventolin ,   are also used with great precautions for inhalation during pregnancy, since all drugs of this pharmacological group cause an increase in heart rate and can lead to hypokalemia and hyperglycemia.

Relieves spasms and expands the bronchial lumen in asthmatic bronchitis remedy Berodual (fenoterola hydrobromide + ipratropium bromide). However, the use of Berodual for inhalation during pregnancy during the first and last trimesters is contraindicated; caution is also needed in cases of the use of such inhalation in the 2nd trimester. Read more -  Berodual with obstructive bronchitis

Inhalations with Mukaltin are permissible only at a later date.

This expectorant contains Althea root (in the form of dry extract), which, due to the content of phytosterols, should not be used for inhalation in 1 trimester.

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

[10], [11], [12], [13]

Inhalation during pregnancy from sore throat

With tonsillitis, in addition to gargling, inhalation from sore throat is good. What means to use pregnant safely?

When sore throats are recommended inhalation with a decoction or oil of eucalyptus, calendula tincture or propolis. Inhalation with propolis is carried out with a nebulizer once a day: for 100 ml of saline, 5 ml (a teaspoon) of tincture.

Inhalations with Furacilin are considered safe during pregnancy (there is one tablet for half a cup 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 1% alcohol extract of eucalyptus leaves, inhalation Chlorophyllipt is possible if the benefits to the mother from such treatment outweigh the possible harm to the fetus. Chlorophyllipt (1 ml) should be diluted with saline (10 ml), approximately 4 ml of the obtained solution is required per inhalation, two procedures can be performed per day.

There is a question 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 gargles. In terms of composition, it is a 0.02% disinfectant solution, decametoxin, in saline solution, and decametoxin is used externally, and there is no information confirmed by research on its use in the treatment of pregnant women.

Inhalation during pregnancy from a cold

When rhinitis and nasopharyngitis for inhalation during pregnancy from a cold, use the same soda and sodium chloride solution (table salt).

Inhalation of garlic (if you can call the inhalation inhalation of the smell coming from the cut teeth) will help with heavy liquid nasal discharge from the flu.

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

Dr. IOM inhaler from nasal congestion - a pencil for inhalation during pregnancy is not used. First, the manufacturer indicates that there is no clinical experience in the use of this tool in pregnant and lactating women. Secondly, it contains camphor prohibited by pregnant women (containing a large amount of ketones, which can act as neurotoxins, and causing muscle spasms when ingested), menthol, and methyl salicylate (methyl salicylate) prohibited during pregnancy. For similar reasons, pregnant women should not use the Gold Star nasal balsam pencil, as well as conduct inhalations with an Asterisk: as part of the Gold Star, except menthol and camphor, there is clove oil containing furfural and benzaldehyde, which are toxic when in contact with mucous membranes.

Herbal inhalation during pregnancy

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

Calendula inhalation (if a sore throat) and linden inhalation during pregnancy (at the first signs of a cold) are conducted in the same way.

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

See also -  Cough expectorant herbs

Inhalation with essential oils during pregnancy

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

Use in the period of gestation of thyme oil (thyme), peppermint (menthol), sage, cloves, oregano is contraindicated. Also, you can not inhale tea tree oil 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, blood is flowing from the nasal passages, dizziness and headache, palpitations are felt and the tone of the uterus is increased.

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

As for inhalation with aminocaproic acid, then - since this acid is a hemostatic agent with antifibrinolytic effect, and in the period of childbirth, the level of fibrinogen glycoprotein (coagulation factor I) rises - it is better not to do such inhalations with rhinitis or sore throat. Moreover, aminocaproic acid has a category C (FDA).

Contraindicated:

• inhalation with Dioxidin: this antimicrobial drug has a teratogenic effect.
• inhalation Karmolis: the drug contains clove, anise, thyme and sage oils.
• inhalation with Validol: this is a sedative, see details -  Validol

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

Is it possible to inhale Tonsilgon? Such inhalation during pregnancy in the first trimester is contraindicated, as this tool refers to stimulants of immune processes. In drops Tonsilgon N there is an extract of yarrow - a medicinal plant that is prohibited for pregnant women because of the content of beta-sitosterol. So this tool is also contraindicated for inhalation during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester.

Experienced doctors do not prescribe inhalation with Rotokan during pregnancy, as it also contains yarrow extract.

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Consequences after the procedure

The main consequences after the procedure of warm-wet 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 can be manifested by allergies with signs of bronchial obstruction, irritation of mucous membranes with increased cough, headache, increased heart rate, etc.

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Care after the procedure

Some special care after the procedure is not provided - just need about 1-1.5 hours after inhalation, do not eat or drink liquid.

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