Table of contents:
- Symptoms of sinusitis that pregnant women should watch out for
- Various ways to treat sinusitis in pregnant women
- 1. Using drugs
- 2. Using natural means
- Consume lots of fluids
- Using a humidifier
- Adjust the position while lying down
- Use a cold or hot compress
- Gargle
- Apply a healthy lifestyle
- When to go to the doctor
In fact, there are many body changes that occur when you enter pregnancy. Yes, from symptoms morning sickness , back pain, to feel tired. In fact, it is not uncommon for pregnant women to experience sinusitis. Although not too severe, the symptoms of sinusitis in pregnant women can be very disturbing. Don't worry, here's how to treat sinusitis in pregnant women that can be done at home.
Symptoms of sinusitis that pregnant women should watch out for
Sinusitis in pregnant women can occur in any trimester, first, second or third. In fact, sinusitis is an infection that occurs in the lining of the air-filled sacs located around the face and nose (sinuses). This inflammation of the sinuses will cause several symptoms in pregnant women, namely:
- Nasal congestion
- There is pressure and pain around the face
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fever
- Cough
Acute sinus infections can last for four weeks, while chronic infections can last more than 12 weeks. Sinusitis during pregnancy can be triggered by a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. In some cases, sinus infections are a complication of the common cold. Pregnant women are also at higher risk of developing sinus infections if they have allergies.
Various ways to treat sinusitis in pregnant women
1. Using drugs
The drugs used to treat sinus infections in pregnant women are antibiotics. But be careful, not all antibiotics are safe for pregnant women. Therefore, the use of antibiotics in pregnant women must be with a doctor's instructions. Usually the doctor will prescribe cefprozil (Cefzil) and amoxicillin-clavulanate.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or often known as paracetamol is also considered safe to use during pregnancy to relieve pain or headaches. In addition, short-term use of decongestants, antihistamines, expectorants, and cough suppressants is generally considered safe during pregnancy, of course, at the appropriate dosage.
However, you should avoid aspirin and ibuprofen while pregnant. Both of these drugs are thought to cause pregnancy complications, such as reducing amniotic fluid and miscarriage.
Before choosing which drugs to drink, you should consult your condition with your doctor first.
2. Using natural means
This natural way that can be done is not as a substitute for medicine, but as a support to help relieve sinusitis symptoms.
To relieve symptoms of sinusitis in pregnant women can be done in simple ways:
Consume lots of fluids
Drinking lots of water can relieve the sore throat experienced when sinusitis recurs. The fluid also clears mucus and clears nasal congestion. In order for sinusitis symptoms to subside, you can drink warm water, warm lemon water, or drink soup broth.
Using a humidifier
To prevent the symptoms from getting worse, you can rely on a humidifier. This tool can prevent your nose from becoming blocked and not full of mucus.
Adjust the position while lying down
Raising your head with several pillows while lying down to make breathing easier. Also use an inhaler to help open the nasal passages.
Use a cold or hot compress
If you experience facial pain or pain from sinusitis, reduce the pain by applying a hot or cold compress to your forehead. Or you can also do a gentle massage on the forehead and take a warm bath.
Gargle
Gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat or soothe a throat. Honey and lemon can also soothe sore throats
Apply a healthy lifestyle
Adequate rest and eating healthy foods can help the body stay in shape and boost the immune system to fight disease.
When to go to the doctor
Sinus infections can actually go away on their own with home treatments. But there are times, sinusitis cases in pregnant women should be brought to the doctor immediately. Reported on the American Pregnancy page, if some of these things happen, you should immediately return to the doctor to get the right treatment.
- If your cough is accompanied by green or yellow phlegm
- If your body temperature is more than 38.3 degrees Celsius
- If you can't eat or sleep
If your infection doesn't get better, your doctor will prescribe a special medication. The doctor will provide the best medicine that is safe for you and your baby. Untreated sinus infection conditions can increase the risk of complications such as meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain).
Infections that are not treated completely can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, eyes and skin. It can also affect your decreased sense of smell.
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