Frequent sneezing, runny nose and cough in pregnancy

Sneezing during pregnancy does not have any special distinguishing features from sneezing in an ordinary person. The causes and symptoms are very similar, whether it is a pregnant woman or a child. But when it comes to approaches to treatment, pregnancy is a special condition that you should take into account even with the most common illness. Here is why you need to know about it.

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Causes sneezing during pregnancy

It is important to note that sneezing is the most common protective symptom created by nature. This reflex is expressed in every person, and it helps to provide the highest level of protection of our respiratory tract from various mechanical and biological irritants. When an irritant gets into the upper respiratory tract, meaning the nasopharynx or nasal cavity, the nerve fibers immediately react to it. These fibers are in the mucous membrane, and their main function is to perceive such irritations. Under normal conditions, there are small cilia on the epithelium in the nasal cavity, which do not allow all bad bacteria or dust particles to pass through. But when there are many pathogens, the cilia do not fully cope with this function. Or the function of the cilia can be reduced after an illness, for example, after rhinitis. Therefore, it is immediately necessary to identify a risk factor - this is a previous illness of the upper respiratory tract. So, when pathogens do get on the mucous membrane, the neurons immediately perceive this and send a signal about this to the structures of the brain. In fact, the brain does not even have time to "think" about sneezing, because it would take a lot of time. Therefore, the information is processed not at the level of the brain itself, but at the level of reflex connections with which each person is born. Therefore, the pathogenesis lies precisely in the sneezing reflex, which is developed in each person.

The main purpose of the sneeze reflex is to eliminate a foreign body from the respiratory tract in order to protect the lower respiratory tract.

Therefore, the main reason for sneezing in all people is the entry of a foreign agent into the mucous membranes. But sneezing can also be caused by a disease, and in pregnant women this reason is more common, simply because they are more susceptible to various diseases.

Among the pathologies that cause sneezing, infectious and allergic causes can be distinguished.

Infections can be caused by viruses (flu virus, adenoviruses, rhinoviruses ), which is more common, but can also be caused by bacteria. When a virus gets on the mucous membrane, it also causes irritation and sneezing. This can be the first manifestation even before other symptoms develop. The virus multiplies at the site of entry, in this case, in the upper respiratory tract, which subsequently causes detachment of epithelial cells and rhinorrhea. Constant irritation of the nasal cavity during rhinitis during the course of the disease is the cause of sneezing.

Seasonal or year-round allergies can be the cause or even a symptom of sneezing. When an allergy occurs to flowering plants, then the symptoms bother exactly during the period when these plants bloom. But also, an allergy can be not only to flowering, but to pollen, to the petals of the plant itself, or to household irritants, then the allergy bothers all year round.

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Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of allergic diseases is associated with the release of excess histamine. This is a substance that is released from cells under the influence of an allergen. Histamine is able to dilate blood vessels at the site of action, it promotes the secretion of cells, thus, the symptoms of allergic rhinitis develop. Such constant irritation against the background of histamine is the main cause of sneezing, and at the same time a symptom of allergy.

Sneezing as a sign of pregnancy is not quite the same thing. After all, it is not a symptom at all, since it is not related to the pregnancy process. Pregnant women, especially in the first trimester, are simply more sensitive to various irritants, and they may sneeze more often. But if a woman begins to sneeze more often, this does not mean that you are expecting a child.

There is a nuance that needs to be taken into account. In the third trimester of pregnancy, when the fetus is quite large, it often happens that the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity swells and there is a feeling of nasal congestion without symptoms of infection. In this case, there may be sneezing. But this symptom is very dangerous, especially if the woman has high blood pressure. This can be one of the symptoms of a threatening condition - preeclampsia. Therefore, the duration of pregnancy and your well-being play a huge role, even with the appearance of such an insignificant symptom as sneezing.

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Symptoms sneezing during pregnancy

Sneezing during pregnancy is a symptom of illness when there are other manifestations. When it comes to a simple viral disease, sneezing can be one of the symptoms that appear first.

The first signs of a viral infection may begin with sneezing. When a huge amount of the virus gets on the mucous membrane, and they begin to increase in number, this happens in the epithelial cells. At the same time, the neural endings are irritated, which causes mechanical irritation and sneezing, as a protective reflex. This can eliminate a certain number of viruses, but they have already begun to multiply. Therefore, other symptoms of the disease develop further - nasal congestion, discharge, runny nose and sneezing during pregnancy, which is dangerous in the early stages. Sneezing during pregnancy in the early stages is dangerous if it is a symptom of a viral infection, since it is during this period that the child is very vulnerable. All organs and systems are being laid down, and therefore any virus at this time can be very dangerous. And when sneezing appears in the early stages, you need to be wary of the manifestation of infection. Therefore, it is already necessary to take preventive measures.

Coughing and sneezing during pregnancy are more serious symptoms that indicate possible damage to the lower respiratory tract. A simple viral infection, which could start with sneezing, can lead to the inflammatory process not being limited to the upper respiratory tract. In this case, pathogens will penetrate the lower respiratory tract, causing inflammation of the bronchi - bronchitis. Cough is precisely a symptom of the development of bronchitis. This is a more serious condition, because in such cases bacteria can often join the viruses, which requires other, more aggressive treatment.

Allergic sneezing during pregnancy is easy to identify, because it occurs after contact with an allergen. Then, in addition to sneezing, other symptoms appear. There is swelling under the eyes, lacrimation, nasal discharge is mucous in nature, or there may simply be nasal congestion. But the main distinguishing feature is still the appearance of symptoms after contact with an allergen.

What are the consequences and complications of sneezing in pregnant women? Is sneezing dangerous and harmful during pregnancy? An infectious disease can be dangerous if it is complicated by a bacterial infection, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

If we are talking about allergic sneezing, then during pregnancy, women become more sensitive to the action of allergens. Therefore, simple allergic rhinitis can even be complicated by the development of an asthma attack.

A sharp sneeze during pregnancy causes active contraction of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles. At the same time, pain may occur when sneezing in the lower abdomen, in the area of the ovaries during pregnancy, which may seem like a threatening factor for the child. But if the pregnancy is stable, then you should not worry.

Frequent and strong sneezing during pregnancy in the third trimester can lead to such unpleasant things as involuntary urination. In fact, urinary incontinence when sneezing during pregnancy can be easily explained. When the uterus is significantly enlarged in size, it presses on the bladder. At the same time, the sphincter cannot work so actively, and with such a strong effort during sneezing, it can relax. This leads to such an unpleasant phenomenon. How to sneeze correctly during pregnancy to avoid such phenomena? First, you should not do it so abruptly. You need to relax, then sneeze, but without holding back the effort in yourself.

Can sneezing harm pregnancy if the cause is not infectious? Theoretically speaking, if the pregnancy is healthy, then sneezing will not affect it in any way. But if there is a pathology of pregnancy, for example, placenta previa, then any excessive force can cause premature birth. Only in this case, theoretically, sneezing can harm.

Diagnostics sneezing during pregnancy

Diagnostics is not particularly difficult. If there are other symptoms besides sneezing, then this may be due to a viral infection or an allergy. Differential diagnostics of a viral infection is not difficult. And if there is an increase in body temperature, then this is clearly not an allergic cause of sneezing. Considering that there is pregnancy, then diagnostics should always be complete. Therefore, you cannot self-medicate and you should always consult a doctor.

General tests should be performed for women, which include a general blood test and a general urine test. This will help to exclude bacterial inflammation. Additional tests are performed if necessary. As a rule, if we are talking about a simple viral disease, then monitoring of the fetus is not performed if there are no complaints. Just routine examinations are performed. Instrumental diagnostics can be used to monitor the fetus if the woman has complications or a problematic pregnancy. Then an additional ultrasound examination or cardiotocography of the fetus may be performed.

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Treatment sneezing during pregnancy

There is no treatment for sneezing as a symptom of a disease. It is important to first establish the cause and, based on this, use medications that are approved for pregnant women.

If sneezing is a symptom of a viral infection, then you can use non-specific antiviral medications that will not cause harm during pregnancy.

1. Viferon is an antiviral drug, the main active ingredient of which is recombinant interferon, which is similar in action to human interferon. Interferon activates the body's defenses, has direct antiviral activity. The drug is approved for pregnant women after the second week of pregnancy. Method of administration in the form of rectal suppositories. Dosage for an adult woman is one suppository of 500 thousand international units twice a day. The drug of this group is not recommended for use for more than five days in treatment. Side effects may be in the form of allergic reactions.
2. Arbidol is an antiviral drug of homeopathic origin, which can be used in the treatment of viral infections in pregnant women. The drug, due to its composition, has pronounced immunomodulatory and antiviral properties. The method of using the drug in the form of tablets is most convenient in dosing for adults. The dosage for treatment is 200 milligram tablets three times a day. Side effects are very rare, there may be an allergic rash.
3. L-cet is a new generation antiallergic drug, the active substance of which is levocetirizine. All antihistamines should be used with great caution during pregnancy. The instructions indicate that the drug can only be used in cases where the expected effect exceeds the risk of taking the drug. But if a woman's sneezing is caused by allergic rhinitis, which she previously treated and controlled with nasal corticosteroids, then their use during pregnancy should be discontinued. Therefore, antihistamines in some cases can be the drugs of choice for the treatment of sneezing of an allergic nature. Method of administration of the drug in the form of tablets. Dosage - 5 milligrams once a day. Long-term use of these drugs during pregnancy is also limited. Side effects can be drowsiness, impaired coordination, double vision.

Vitamins can be used by a woman throughout her pregnancy, but only special vitamin products for pregnant women. Vitamins do not affect viral infections or allergic diseases, or sneezing itself.

Physiotherapy treatment is not used during pregnancy.

Surgical treatment of pathologies that cause sneezing is not used.

Folk remedies

Traditional methods of treatment may have priority, since many specific medications cannot be used in pregnant women. During the period when sneezing appears as the first sign of a cold and viral infection, traditional methods are very effective. After all, many traditional remedies can prevent the development of a viral infection in the future.

1. Cranberry tea is an excellent antiviral and immunomodulatory agent that is effective at the first symptoms of a cold. Cranberries have antitoxic and anti-inflammatory properties, so if there is a slight increase in body temperature, typical of a mild viral infection, cranberries are excellent at treating these symptoms. To prepare tea, it is better to use dried cranberries, they contain more vitamins. To do this, you need three hundred grams of cranberries and a liter of hot boiled water, pour the berries and leave for three hours. Then the tea should be warmed up and drunk in small sips throughout the day.
2. Raspberry tea is a folk medicine remedy that has long been known to treat colds. Considering that raspberries can cause allergies in pregnant women, it is not recommended to use whole berries. Therefore, to prepare tea, you need to take several branches from a raspberry bush and steam them in hot boiled water, leaving them to brew for several minutes. You need to drink this tea often in small portions. Since this tea does not have any special taste qualities, you can sweeten it.
3. Medicine from viburnum is also a long-known immunomodulatory agent. Viburnum has natural phytoncides and antiviral substances that can kill bacteria. For the medicine, you can take fresh viburnum berries, grind them in a blender, add thirty grams of lemon zest and two tablespoons of honey. Mix everything and eat a teaspoon three times a day. You can add this medicine to tea.
4. Ginger medicine also has natural antiviral properties. To get the recipe, you need one hundred and twenty grams of ginger root, peel it and cut it into small pieces. Add two teaspoons of honey and half a lemon pulp, you can even add the zest. Everything needs to be chopped with a blender and left to brew. You need to take the medicine one teaspoon twice a day before meals.
5. Sea buckthorn tea is also known for its preventive antiviral properties. To prepare it, take sea buckthorn berries, grind them with honey in a ratio of 3 to 1. Then add warm boiled water to the pulp and drink it like compote three to four times a day.

Herbs can also be used to treat sneezing in pregnant women, but only if the allergic nature is excluded. Most often, herbs are used in the form of infusions and teas to treat colds.

1. Linden tea is a highly effective antiviral remedy. To prepare the tea, take dry petals and flowers of linden, pour hot water and let it brew. Take instead of tea every two to three hours during the acute period.
2. Coltsfoot is a herb that has antiviral activity and also treats cough. For a medicinal infusion, take the dry herb and pour a glass of hot water over it. Let it brew for a few minutes and drink a tablespoon every three hours while it is warm.
3. Plantain is a well-known medicinal herb that can be used not only as a wound-healing agent, but also as an antiviral. To prepare a medicinal infusion, you need to take dry plantain leaves, wash them and pour boiled hot water over them. Let it brew for twenty minutes and drink a glass of this tea warm three times a day.

Homeopathy is also widely used in the treatment of viral infections. These remedies are made from natural substances, so most homeopathic remedies are approved for pregnant women.

1. Esberitox is a homeopathic antiviral and immunomodulatory agent that can be effective in the treatment and prevention of viral infections and their complications. The method of administration of the drug is in the form of tablets. For adults, the dosage is two tablets three times a day. Side effects may be in the form of allergic reactions on the skin.
2. Influcid is a homeopathic remedy for the treatment of viral infections. In addition to antiviral activity, the drug also stimulates the production of its own interferon, thereby enhancing the immune response. The method of administration of the drug is oral. Dosage - one tablet three times a day. Side effects may be in the form of mild dizziness, allergic rash, and abdominal pain, which goes away after a couple of days of treatment.
3. Umckalor is a homeopathic remedy made from pelargonium extract. The drug has not only antiviral activity, but also weak antibacterial activity. The method of using the drug in the form of drops. Dosage for adults is 30 drops three times a day. Side effects may be infrequent, sometimes there is an allergic rash or other respiratory allergic manifestations.

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Prevention

Prevention of sneezing in pregnant women should be especially thorough, since women in this position are especially vulnerable. Pregnant women are more prone to allergic reactions, so sneezing may be associated with this. Therefore, preventive measures are recommended for pregnant women. It is necessary to use frequent wet cleaning with hypoallergenic products. It is also necessary to use hypoallergenic hygiene products. It is very important to eat healthy food with a high content of vegetables and fruits, which provides the body with vitamins. It is also necessary to prevent colds by avoiding contact with infectious patients.

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Forecast

The prognosis is favorable for the child's development. If sneezing is caused by an allergic disease, then most often it can worsen during pregnancy, which should be remembered. Therefore, it is best to avoid known allergens if possible.

Sneezing during pregnancy is not always a harmless symptom, sometimes it is the first manifestation of an infectious disease. The second reason for frequent sneezing can be an allergic disease. Therefore, before starting treatment, you need to find out the cause, and then decide on treatment methods that will not harm the baby.

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