Cough During Pregnancy
There is mild impairment of immunity during pregnancy. Thus there are increased chances of viral infections such common cold responsible for congested nose, cough, and sore throat. This is more so during the cold and flu season. An episode of common- cold generally starts with a sore or scratchy throat. After a day or so, it is followed by the gradual onset of other symptoms such as sneezing, fatigue, runny/ stuffy nose and dry cough and mild fever. Cold, cough and flu during pregnancy cause a lot of anxiety and misgivings especially when it gets prolonged beyond a few days.
Is persistent coughing harmful during pregnancy?
Pregnant women especially the primi gravida or those who conceive after IVF treatment are often concerned with possible adverse effects on pregnancy. Prima facie, coughing due to common cold, flu or allergic rhinitis does not harm pregnancy or the baby. It does not cause miscarriage or other pregnancy-related complications. Similarly, sneezing doesn’t pose any risks to the baby at any stage of pregnancy. Persistent cough however can cause general fatigue, aches and pains, headaches and chest pain, palpitation, anxiety, loss of appetite, sleep disturbance and other general symptoms. Severe cough can result in more severe symptoms including urinary incontinence, rib-fracture and fainting attacks.
Sometimes, cough may indicate the presence of a more serious problem such as asthma, bronchitis or pneumonia which should be given appropriate medical attention. Sneezing can also be a symptom of an illness such as the flu or asthma. One should consult the doctor if these symptoms get significantly prolonged for 10–12 days or if the cough is severe and accompanied by a green nasal discharge. Similarly the presence of phlegm or sputum may point to the presence of possible lung infection.
Routine home-remedies for mild cough
Occasional and mild cough can be handled by simple home-remedies such as drinking a lot of fluids and warm beverages like tea with honey, hot soup with broth and even water and juices. Rest and light to moderate exercise also help to stay active. Eat fresh foods and vegetables especially rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits, tomatoes and bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, melon, kiwi, and red cabbage etc).
Avoid hot and chilly foods. Small amounts of ginger, onion and turmeric are also useful during pregnancy. Banana is healthy and energising but may sometimes cause irritation of throat and promote cough.
Inhalation of dry air further aggravates the symptoms. Try to use a cold or warm air humidifier especially at night. It is also helpful to moisten the nasal passages with use of saline nose drops, rinses, and sprays. Warm saline gargle can help to soothe a scratchy throat.
Medical treatment of cough
One should always try to seek a doctor consultation for cough management. Use of antihistaminic drugs such as chlorphenirmine or cetrizine and dextromethorphan is safe for mild cough during pregnancy. It is however advisable to consult the specialist doctor in case of persistent or severe cough. Some of the drugs during pregnancy can cause pregnancy complications. It is also advisable to check with your obstetrician and/or infertility specialists before taking any over-the-counter or other drugs particularly the following:
· Drugs for pains and fever — aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
· Preparations containing pseudoephedrine
· Non-steroidal nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline.
Management of underlying etiology of cough (asthma, infections, allergies or other causes) is important. This is done as per specific medical recommendation of your doctor.
