Sore throat during pregnancy in the second trimester: how to treat

The first signs of tonsillitis in the second trimester

In the clinical practice of otolaryngologists, various ENT diseases are present. Most of them are similar in their main manifestations and have rather vague specific symptoms. But the same cannot be said about tonsillitis. They are accompanied by such pronounced symptoms that it is not difficult for experienced otolaryngologists to make an accurate diagnosis based only on clinical signs.

Sore throat during pregnancy

Symptoms of sore throat in mid-pregnancy are as follows:

• the appearance of acute pain in the larynx, which intensifies when swallowing movements are performed;
• hyperemia and an increase in the size of the tonsils, the presence of a dense coating and small pustules on them;
• high temperature, fever;
• severe dry cough and headaches;
• obvious swelling of the neck, enlargement of the submandibular lymph nodes.

Worth knowing! The severity of specific symptoms accompanying tonsillitis depends on the stage, nature of the course and form of the disease. At the initial stages of development of the pathological condition, negative symptoms are insignificant and do not cause special problems for patients in this situation, but as the disease progresses, they intensify.

Symptoms of different types of sore throat

The first signs of tonsillitis in a pregnant woman begin to appear 48 hours after infection. They are similar to the symptoms of ARVI, which is why diagnosis is often delayed - the temperature rises, chills occur, pain in the throat, joints and muscles, and enlarged lymph nodes.

Specific symptoms depend on the type of sore throat:

• catarrhal - characterized by a sudden onset, manifested by dryness and soreness in the larynx, swelling of the tonsils and pain during swallowing. The discomfort is constantly increasing, after a few hours the temperature reaches 39 ° C, the woman suffers from chills, muscle aches and migraines;
• follicular – characterized by a long and severe course, with dangerous consequences. Symptoms also include acute pain in the throat and muscles, and high fever. This type of sore throat gets its name from the inflammation of the tonsil follicles, which look like enlarged grains inside the tissue;
• lacunar – affects the lacunae of the tonsils, purulent-necrotic contents accumulate in them. The thermometer reaches 40°C. Severe discomfort in the throat radiates to the ears, the lymph nodes are inflamed and painful.

Observation: A sore throat lasts on average 7-14 days, and the pregnant woman must be isolated in a separate room and treatment must begin immediately. A terrible complication of any type of tonsillitis is the transition to a necrotic form with the death of the mucous tissue of the throat and tonsils - the risk of suppuration and spontaneous opening of an abscess increases.

Causes of sore throat in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy

The main factor contributing to the development of the inflammatory process in the larynx in the 1st trimester and in the middle of pregnancy is the weakening of the female body. It is also important that women carrying a child have reduced immunity. This phenomenon is natural, and occurs in order to prevent rejection of the fetus, which is half foreign to the mother. Due to these factors, sore throat develops during pregnancy, which has passed into the 2nd trimester.

Many reasons lead to an infectious lesion of the throat against the background of physiological immunodeficiency, among which the main influence is:

• the presence of untreated foci of infection in the nasopharynx and oral cavity - chronic sinusitis, sinusitis, carious teeth;
• airborne infection by pathogenic microorganisms through direct contact with the patient;
• allergic form of rhinitis;
• general and local hypothermia.

Due to the fact that the second trimester of pregnancy is characterized by a decrease in immunity, the female body becomes very sensitive to all negative factors that provoke the development of the disease. This is why pregnant women need to be especially careful. Only timely treatment of diseases affecting the ENT organs and compliance with preventive measures will reduce the risk of developing acute tonsillitis.

Prevention of tonsillitis

Sore throat is an extremely contagious disease. Therefore, the first rule that a pregnant woman must follow is no contact with sick people. This will help avoid infection not only with sore throat, but also with other respiratory infections. If one of the family members is sick, it is advisable to isolate him and put on a gauze bandage. Other preventative measures are no less important:

• Cleanliness, moderate temperature and humidity in the premises, absence of allergens and external irritants: household chemicals, tobacco, perfumes.
• Regular walks in the fresh air, and if this is not possible due to bad weather conditions, ventilate the room several times a day.
• Moderate physical activity. Pregnancy is not a disease, but movement activates the work of the whole body, including the immune system.
• Complete nutrition, rich in vitamins, minerals and microelements, of which you need much more during pregnancy.
• A positive attitude, confidence that the pregnancy will go well and the baby will be born healthy.
• Normal sleep – lack of sleep greatly weakens the immune system, so if you are not sleeping well, ask your doctor to prescribe mild sedatives.
• Lack of stress - during stress, the hormonal levels, which are already unstable in a pregnant woman, change sharply.

But the main thing is a timely response to the manifestations of any disease and no self-medication. It is better to play it safe and mistake a cold for tonsillitis than to develop a disease, the treatment of which will then require a course of potent drugs.

A woman's immune system is weakened during pregnancy. Therefore, tonsillitis during pregnancy, like other ENT diseases, can overshadow the happy expectation of a child

It is important to recognize the manifestations of pathology in time and take measures to cure it.

This inflammatory disease of the tonsils is caused by streptococcus. Pathology can be either acute or chronic. Tonsillitis during pregnancy is manifested by the following symptoms:

• sore throat that increases with swallowing;
• redness and enlargement of the tonsils, sometimes accompanied by the appearance of purulent plugs and plaque;
• soreness;
• sensation of a foreign body, a lump in the tonsil area;
• enlargement and tenderness of the submandibular lymph nodes, determined by palpation (normally they have a diameter of up to 1 cm and are painless);
• increase in body temperature to subfebrile values ​​(37.0-37.5 °C);
• asthenic syndrome - lethargy, weakness, weakness, malaise.

If a sore throat is not treated in time, it becomes chronic. In this case, the clinical picture may be erased, the symptoms are not so pronounced, the course of the disease is long with alternating periods of exacerbations and remissions. Chronic tonsillitis and pregnancy are a dangerous combination. The pathology is dangerous due to serious complications, including the loss of the child. Exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis during pregnancy can occur with hypothermia (both general and local), prolonged and frequent exposure to stress factors, and overwork.

The occurrence of pathology can occur for several reasons:

• frequent colds;
• hypothermia;
• untreated acute form of the disease;
• chronic sources of infection in the body - carious teeth, chronic diseases of other ENT organs;
• weak immune system.

How to treat sore throat in pregnant women in the second trimester?

If in the middle of pregnancy specific symptoms characteristic of tonsillitis appear, you should urgently visit a doctor. Self-control of the manifestations of the disease can provoke the development of serious consequences for mother and child. Complete recovery can be achieved only with the correct selection of medications and strict adherence to all recommendations of the attending physician.

Otolaryngologists usually use the following methods for treating sore throat in the second trimester of pregnancy:

1. Mandatory bed rest. A pregnant woman should spend the acute phase of the pathological condition in bed, in this way she will be able to support the weakened strength of her body and make therapeutic measures more effective.
2. Antibacterial therapy. Only a specialist can select potent medications during pregnancy. Although new generation antibiotics do not penetrate the placenta, expectant mothers are strictly prohibited from taking them without the knowledge of the attending physician.
3. Antiviral therapy. It is prescribed in case of diagnosing a viral or herpes type of disease in patients.
4. Antipyretics. These drugs are taken only when the temperature of the patient carrying a child rises above 38°C. It is best to bring it down to this point using folk remedies.

These are the main methods of drug therapy for tonsillitis, permissible in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. In addition to these, treatment of the larynx with antiseptic sprays, vitamin therapy, and rinsing the larynx are prescribed.

Causes and symptoms

Damage to the body occurs due to the penetration of pathogenic viruses and bacteria. Tonsils are a collection of lymphoepithelial tissue that protects the body from harmful bacteria and plays an important role in the formation of immunity.

With chronic tonsillitis, the normal process of cleansing the contents of the tonsils is disrupted, which leads to the tissue of the tonsils being irreversibly rebuilt. So the tonsils, instead of being a protective organ, become a constant source of infection.

The cause of the development of chronic tonsillitis can be:

• incompletely or incorrectly cured sore throat;
• other diseases of the ENT organs, for example sinusitis;
• the result of an allergic reaction.

• slight increase in body temperature;
• discomfort in the throat;
• problems with swallowing;
• the appearance of a foreign body sensation in the throat;
• dry cough;
• enlarged tonsils;
• the appearance of white plaque on the tonsils;
• swollen lymph nodes;
• loss of appetite;
• increased fatigue.

Chronic tonsillitis and pregnancy are a bad combination that requires constant self-control from a woman. The expectant mother should not expose herself to the risk of activation of this pathology.

Due to the fact that exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis during pregnancy is not always accompanied by an increase in temperature, women are often dismissive of this pathology, and in vain.

Danger during pregnancy

Chronic tonsillitis during pregnancy does not directly affect the child. But this does not mean that sore throat is completely harmless. Due to the fact that immunity decreases, a woman becomes susceptible to other diseases, including those that can penetrate the placental barrier to the baby.

Aggravated chronic tonsillitis can affect the outcome of pregnancy during the first trimester. During this period, the female body is especially vulnerable, and therefore, without timely help, everything can end in spontaneous termination of pregnancy (miscarriage). In the later stages of pregnancy, the consequences of tonsillitis can manifest themselves in the form of histosis, which can lead to premature birth.

If the expectant mother was unable to avoid exacerbation of the disease, she is advised not to self-medicate, but to immediately seek medical help.

Treatment during pregnancy

If a woman has previously been diagnosed with chronic tonsillitis, then before conceiving a child she should undergo preventive treatment, which will avoid exacerbation of the disease while already pregnant. After such a therapeutic course, it is recommended to plan a child no earlier than 3 months later. Throughout the preparatory period, as during pregnancy, the expectant mother needs to maintain and strengthen her immunity.

During pregnancy, the most gentle treatment method is selected for the woman, but any use of medications during pregnancy poses a danger to the child, so it is easier to prevent an exacerbation than to treat it later.

Treatment of the pathological process is carried out using local antiseptic drugs. The patient may be prescribed to gargle with chamomile decoction, Furacilin or Miramistin solution. If the disease is accompanied by fever and sore throat, the woman is prescribed antipyretics. This could be Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.

If outside of pregnancy a relapse of chronic tonsillitis is recommended to be treated with antibiotics, then during pregnancy their use can be dangerous. Therefore, treatment of the disease with the help of such drugs is prescribed only when the risk of the consequences of the disease significantly exceeds the threat posed by antibiotic treatment. In such a situation, the woman is recommended to be hospitalized. The expectant mother will be constantly under medical supervision, which significantly increases the chances of a favorable outcome.

A patient diagnosed with chronic tonsillitis may be recommended to undergo surgical removal of the tonsils. Such a radical method of treatment is undesirable when carrying a child. Anesthesia used during surgery does not have the best effect on pregnancy, but sometimes this method of solving the problem is the only correct one.

Symptomatic therapy, reducing temperature and eliminating sore throat

If a sore throat appears during pregnancy in the second trimester, the woman is given symptomatic treatment. It is aimed at reducing temperature and relieving pain.

A pregnant woman can reduce pain localized in the throat using the following means:

1. Anti-inflammatory sprays Tantum Verde and Grammidin with antiseptic components. Designed to reduce signs of inflammation and eliminate sore throat.
2. Lizobact lozenges. They eliminate soreness and soreness in the laryngeal area, and also accelerate the regeneration process in damaged mucous membranes.

The above drugs are completely safe, so they can be used to treat sore throat in all trimesters of pregnancy. Expectant mothers should approach lowering their temperature very seriously. They are strictly contraindicated from taking the familiar Aspirin, Askofen, and Ibuprofen, since these medications carry a high risk of developing various complications and negatively affect fetal growth. If pregnant patients have a sore throat with a temperature exceeding 38℃, they can use folk recipes or take a Paracetamol tablet, the safest antipyretic allowed during pregnancy.

Symptoms

During the period of exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis, the following symptoms occur:

• moderate increase in body temperature (up to 38°C);
• sore throat that gets worse when swallowing and opening the mouth;
• discomfort and sore throat;
• sensation of a foreign body in the projection of the tonsils;
• signs of general intoxication: weakness, loss of strength, headaches;
• enlargement of the cervical and submandibular lymph nodes.

Exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis can occur at any stage of pregnancy. Quite often, symptoms of the disease occur in the first weeks of gestation, even before the expected delay of menstruation. During this period, active restructuring of the immune system occurs. Hormonal levels change, physiological immunosuppression develops. All this provokes the activation of infection in the early stages of pregnancy.

Severe intoxication is not typical for exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis. Most women tolerate the disease quite easily. High body temperature is extremely rare and usually indicates the development of complications of the disease.

When examining the pharynx and oral cavity, the following signs are revealed:

• an increase in the size of the palatine and pharyngeal tonsils;
• swelling and looseness of the mucous membrane of the tonsils;
• hyperemia (redness) of the mucous membrane;
• the formation of whitish or yellow plaque on the tonsils.

All these symptoms can be detected by a general practitioner when examining a patient.

Outside of exacerbation, chronic tonsillitis does not make itself felt. The disease can only be recognized through a targeted examination.

Noteworthy is the looseness of the mucous membrane of the tonsils and their moderate increase in size. The palatine arches and the mucous membrane around the tonsils are slightly hyperemic

The formation of purulent plugs is possible, which from time to time come out of the throat on their own.

Antibacterial therapy

Tonsillitis in pregnant women almost always develops under the influence of bacterial microflora, so treatment of sore throat in pregnant women in the 2nd trimester should be carried out with the mandatory prescription of antibiotics. The course of such therapy lasts from 5 to 10 days. In no case should you interrupt it yourself when the condition is alleviated, since incompletely cured tonsillitis poses a serious threat to the health of the mother and the baby developing in her womb. But not all antibiotics can be taken for sore throat during pregnancy.

Only a small number of antibacterial drugs are considered safe:

• drugs from the penicillin group (Ampicillin, Amoxicillin);
• macrolides Azithromycin, Vilprafen and Erythromycin;
• cephalosporins Cefepime, Cefazolin, Cefuroxime.

The last series of drugs is considered the safest. These medications cross the placenta in minimal quantities, so they do not have a negative effect on the development of the baby. It is cephalosporins that are most often prescribed for tonsillitis that affects pregnant women.

Important! The prescription of antibacterial tablets to pregnant women in the second trimester of pregnancy should only be carried out by a specialist, since this group of drugs contains agents that can penetrate the placenta and influence the formation of the reproductive system and the fetal brain.

Temperature with sore throat and pregnancy

Heat in the body during pregnancy with sore throat due to a rise in temperature can cause physical and mental abnormalities in the development of the child.

At elevated temperatures, the blood begins to thicken and circulates more slowly in the body. The amount of oxygen and nutritional components reaching the fetus through the placenta is significantly reduced. Hypoxia develops. Therefore, lowering the temperature is not only possible, but necessary.

An antipyretic should be taken if the temperature rises high for a long time.

To reduce the temperature, it is useful to drink a lot of liquid (compote, raspberry, ginger, lemon tea with honey are suitable).

You can apply a towel soaked in cool water to your forehead. Herbal tea made from oregano, plantain and coltsfoot helps to quickly and safely reduce the temperature. Each herb is taken in an amount of 30 g. The mixture is poured with boiling water and left to infuse for 40 minutes. It is recommended to drink the prepared decoction three times a day, 90 ml.

If your body temperature rises to 39 degrees, you must take an antipyretic drug (Nurofen, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Panadol). Their use in the last months of pregnancy is highly undesirable. You can't bring down your temperature with Aspirin.

How to cure a sore throat during pregnancy should be decided by specialists. The therapist, taking into account the recommendations of the gynecologist about the peculiarities of the course of pregnancy, should prescribe the appropriate medications. If treatment was started on time, then the disease can be eliminated in 7-9 days. Compresses should not be applied to the neck area; hot foot baths, heating and other thermal procedures are contraindicated.

Traditional medicine in the fight against sore throat in pregnant women

Sore throat in the second trimester of pregnancy can be cured much more effectively if traditional medical measures are accompanied by the use of medicines prepared according to folk recipes. But expectant mothers can use them only in the form of decoctions for rinsing the larynx and tinctures for lubricating the tonsils. Internal use is permissible only on the recommendation of the attending physician.

The best folk recipes for the treatment of sore throat in the second trimester of pregnancy are:

• A decoction of chamomile flowers, eucalyptus leaves and flax seeds. The listed components are taken in equal proportions and mixed thoroughly. A tablespoon of this mixture is poured into a glass of boiling water and left for half an hour in a warm place to infuse. You need to gargle with this tincture at least three times a day.
• Ointment for tonsils made from aloe and honey. Both components are taken in equal quantities and mixed well, after which they are applied to the inflamed tonsils.
• Inhalations with a compressor nebulizer with eucalyptus, thyme, and rosehip oils.

Worth knowing! The use of folk remedies for tonsillitis in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy cannot completely replace traditional treatment. In this case, herbal decoctions and infusions play only a supporting role and are used in addition to the main drug therapy.

Treatment

Treatment of angina includes several aspects:

1. This is taking antibiotics.
2. To clear your throat of germs and bacteria, gargling is a must.
3. Antihistamines are prescribed to relieve swelling.
4. It is recommended to follow a gentle diet with sufficient water and bed rest.
5. For more comprehensive treatment, you can use folk remedies.

By medication

In most cases, pregnant women are prescribed the drug Bioparox in the form of a spray to treat sore throat in the first trimester. This medicine has a local effect, so it does not have a negative effect on the development of the child. If the temperature has risen to thirty-eight degrees or more, other antibiotics are prescribed, for example, ampicillin.

Doctors may recommend the following drugs as lozenges:

• Neo sore throat. It has a local effect. Take one tablet every two to three hours.
• Faringosept. This drug kills pathogenic bacteria well. The tablets are dissolved until completely dissolved fifteen to twenty minutes after eating. Take one tablet up to five times a day.
• Lysobacter. The drug has antiseptic properties. The tablets should never be swallowed. Two tablets should be dissolved up to four times a day for eight days.
• Travisil. These tablets contain natural ingredients. Their action is aimed at eliminating irritation of the mucous membranes of the pharynx. It is recommended to take two tablets three times a day.

Gargles:

• Furacilin. Dissolve one tablet in a glass of water and gargle every half hour.
• Miramistin during pregnancy. Gargle with one tablespoon of Miramistin up to five times a day.
• Stopangin. The drug is not diluted, but taken in a volume of fifteen milliliters and gargled for thirty seconds up to five times a day.

Miramistin during pregnancy

In addition to rinsing preparations and lozenges, you can use sprays with similar names (Faringosept, Stopangin).

Taking antipyretic drugs can affect the development of the fetus, so they are prescribed in very rare cases. It is forbidden to take Aspirin. It is recommended to replace it with Paracetamol.

Cases when you can take antipyretic medications:

1. The high temperature lasts a long time or increases.
2. The temperature rose above thirty-eight degrees.

Folk remedies

Infusions and decoctions of herbs:

• Sage tea. One tablespoon of dried sage is infused for one hour in one glass of hot water. After which the mixture is filtered and drunk half a glass before meals three times a day.
• A decoction of milk, turmeric and pepper. Add a pinch of turmeric and ground black pepper to a glass of boiled hot milk. Drink before bed for three or more days.
• Chamomile infusion. Infuse one teaspoon of chamomile in one glass of boiling water for half an hour. Add a tablespoon of honey and a couple of drops of lemon juice to the infusion. You can drink it several times a day instead of tea.

Compresses:

• Mix water and alcohol in a ratio of three to one and moisten a bandage or cloth with the resulting mixture. Apply a bandage to the neck and wrap a warm scarf on top. This compress can be done up to two times a day for two hours.
• Cabbage leaves are placed on a bandage, which is applied to the neck. Wrap a scarf on top. The compress is changed after two hours.

To relieve fever, you can drink a decoction of linden blossom, tea with ginger and honey.

And in order to reduce sore throat and remove plaque, gargling with soda is recommended.

Nutrition and drinking regimen for tonsillitis in pregnant women

The diet of patients with tonsillitis should be light, balanced and nutritious, since it is very important that the developing child receives all the necessary microelements and nutrients. Pregnancy in the second trimester requires that the expectant mother's daily menu contains sufficient amounts of vitamins and protein foods. When preparing a diet for pregnant patients suffering from an inflammatory process in the larynx, it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the dishes they eat do not have chemical, mechanical and thermal effects on the inflamed mucosa, causing additional damage.

Expectant mothers with tonsillitis should avoid:

• sour and spicy foods;
• hot and cold dishes;
• rough food.

In addition, pregnant women should increase their drinking regime, which is an integral part of therapeutic measures. When drinking a large amount of liquid, toxins are eliminated from the body faster, and an increased drinking regimen also helps lower the temperature. For drinking, expectant mothers are recommended to use rosehip decoction, dried fruit compote, raspberry tea, and warm milk.

Symptoms

First of all, you need to know that two different forms of sore throat have their own symptomatic characteristics:

• the catarrhal form is characterized by redness of the tonsils and palatine arches, the appearance of mucous discharge;
• the follicular variety is characterized by the formation of yellow or white ulcers on the surface of the tonsils;
• The lacunar form is characterized by the formation of a film of yellowish plaque.

Pregnant women experience the following symptoms of acute tonsillitis:

• general weakness and chills;
• headaches and very rapid fatigue;
• temperature rises to 40 degrees;
• increased sweating;
• pain when palpating the lymph nodes;
• redness on the tonsils and throat;
• pain when eating;
• swelling of the tonsils.

If you have a sore throat, it is necessary to undergo treatment to avoid serious complications. You should also know that other infections often occur against the background of this disease.

Treatment methods that are contraindicated for pregnant women in the 2nd trimester

Pregnant women are not allowed to use all therapeutic measures to help cope with tonsillitis for therapeutic purposes. In order not to harm the unborn child, pregnant women in the second trimester need to abandon certain therapeutic measures.

The list of prohibited “techniques” includes:

• mustard plasters;
• steam inhalations;
• warming compresses;
• hot foot baths;
• independent removal of plaque from tonsils.

Any of these methods of therapy can cause a miscarriage. There are other prohibitions, but they are individual for each specific woman in the situation and are determined by the attending physician.

Complications and consequences of infection for mother and fetus

The infectious process occurring in the body of the expectant mother negatively affects the developing fetus, especially if it occurs in the middle of pregnancy. A serious threat is the ability of toxins to cross the placenta. This can lead to termination of pregnancy or the development of various abnormalities in the fetus. Pathogenic microorganisms impair the process of delivering beneficial components to the child, which causes a slowdown in his growth. A sore throat is also dangerous for a woman at this time.

An infectious disease, with improper treatment and nutrition, can cause serious complications during pregnancy for the expectant mother:

• development of throat abscess;
• risk of meningitis;
• acute heart or kidney failure.

Only with proper and timely treatment of tonsillitis can these serious complications be avoided. Due to the fact that ignoring the local and general symptoms accompanying this disease has a negative impact on the mental and physical development of the child, it is necessary to visit a doctor when the first alarming symptoms appear and begin treatment for the disease.

Be healthy!

Possible consequences of the disease

Untreated sore throat can lead to dangerous complications. In some situations it can even lead to death. In the advanced stage, in the presence of an acute variant of the disease, complications such as sepsis and myocarditis may occur. They are difficult not only for the woman, but also for the unborn baby.

In some cases, the fetus may even catch the disease from the mother, which can have unpredictable consequences. To cope with this enemy, it is strongly recommended to contact a specialist . Only in this way will it be possible to save not only your own health, but also that of your unborn child.

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