Hot throat during pregnancy does not harm the fetus directly. Even so, this condition can make pregnant women lazy to eat and uncomfortable when talking. Know the causes and treatment so that pregnant women's activities and comfort are not disturbed.
Changes in body conditions during pregnancy make the immune system of pregnant women weaken, making them more susceptible to various illnesses, such as flu and sore throat. Sore throat during pregnancy can be one of the symptoms of these conditions.
Various Causes of Hot Throat during Pregnancy
There are various things that can cause pregnant women to feel hot or sore throat complaints, some of which are stomach acid disease, asthma, allergies, to exposure to pollution or certain chemicals and irritants. Even so, infections of the nose and throat, such as colds and flu, are rated as the most common cause of hot throats.
These infections are most often caused by viruses, such as rhinovirus and influenza. But in addition to viruses, sometimes a hot throat due to infection can also be caused by bacteria. Infection can make the throat area of pregnant women irritated and inflamed.
This condition can make the throat feel hot, itchy and painful. In addition to these symptoms, a hot throat due to infection can also be accompanied by other symptoms, namely difficulty swallowing, coughing, fever, runny or stuffy nose, red and swollen tonsils, and headaches.
Treats Sore Throat During Pregnancy Without Adding Risk
If it's not too bothersome, a hot throat during pregnancy can be handled independently at home with the following simple steps:
- Increase rest time and make the room more humid, for example by installing a humidifier, but make sure the room is kept clean.
- Drink lots of water. Pregnant women are advised to drink about 2.5 liters of water per day or about 10 glasses of water.
- Gargle with warm water mixed with salt.
- Drink warm water with a mixture of lemon and honey in it.
If the above methods don't work to relieve a sore throat, pregnant women don't rush to take medicine, especially if the pregnancy is still under three months old. It is feared that drug consumption in the first trimester can affect the formation and development of fetal organs.
However, even though the pregnancy is more than three months old, pregnant women must still be careful when taking medication. It's better to ask your doctor first before taking any medicine, including herbal medicine.
Some kinds of drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, should not be taken to relieve symptoms of hot and sore throat. Likewise with herbal medicines, because there are not many studies that state that herbal medicines are safe for consumption during pregnancy.
While some other drugs, such as paracematol, may be consumed but with certain rules. The use of antibiotics to treat a hot throat due to a viral infection is considered ineffective. This medicine is only used if the condition is caused by a bacterial infection.
Consumption of antibiotics should only be really needed and must be in accordance with the doctor's advice. Indiscriminate consumption of antibiotics can harm pregnant women and fetuses.
However, prevention is still better than cure. Ways to prevent sore throat during pregnancy include avoiding contact with people who are sick, not using eating and drinking utensils with sick people, washing hands regularly, eating healthy foods, drinking enough water, and getting flu vaccinations.
If some of the methods above have been done but the hot throat still interferes with comfort during pregnancy, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.
