What can I take for a bad chest when pregnant?
What can I take for a bad chest when pregnant?
Medications
- menthol rub on your chest, temples, and under the nose.
- nasal strips, which are sticky pads that open congested airways.
- cough drops or lozenges.
- acetaminophen (Tylenol) for aches, pains, and fevers.
- cough suppressant at night.
- expectorant during the day.
How do I get rid of phlegm in my chest while pregnant?
What You Can Do at Home
- Drink lots of fluids. Drink plenty of water and other fluids, but not things that can dehydrate you, such as coffee and alcohol.
- Humidify. Try a cool mist humidifier or hop into a steamy shower to keep your airways moisturized.
- Don’t smoke or vape anything.
- Try a teaspoon of honey.
How do you get rid of a chest infection when pregnant?
Most treatments for viral pneumonia are considered safe to use during pregnancy, and catching pneumonia at an early stage means anti-viral medication will usually eliminate the illness. A doctor may also recommend respiratory therapy. If a person has bacterial pneumonia, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Can upper respiratory infection hurt baby?
A viral infection is a contagious illness. Most viruses will not hurt your baby. However, some viruses can cause miscarriage or birth defects in your baby. A virus can affect your respiratory tract (breathing) and can cause other symptoms.
How long does it take to get over a chest infection?
Most chest infection symptoms typically go away within 7 to 10 days, although a cough can last up to three weeks. See your doctor if your symptoms haven’t improved or have gotten worse in this time.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a chest infection?
Things you can do yourself
- get plenty of rest.
- drink lots of water to loosen the mucus and make it easier to cough up.
- raise your head up while sleeping using extra pillows to make breathing easier and clear your chest of mucus.
- use painkillers to bring down a fever and ease headaches and muscle pain.
Can a chest infection clear up on its own?
Many mild chest infections will resolve on their own in about a week’s time. A chest infection that’s caused by bacteria will need to be treated with a course of antibiotics. Severe or complicated chest infections may require treatment in a hospital.
How should I sleep with a chest infection?
Elevate your head and neck. Sleeping flat on your back or on your side can cause mucus to accumulate in your throat, which can trigger a cough. To avoid this, stack a couple of pillows or use a wedge to lift your head and neck slightly. Avoid elevating your head too much, as this could lead to neck pain and discomfort.
What is a chest infection?
A chest infection is an infection of the lungs or airways. The main types of chest infection are bronchitis and pneumonia. Most bronchitis cases are caused by viruses, whereas most pneumonia cases are due to bacteria. These infections are usually spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
What infections should I watch out for when pregnant?
Infections to watch out for when you’re pregnant include: 1 urinary tract infections (UTIs) 2 gum infections 3 chickenpox 4 German measles/rubella 5 colds and flu 6 sexually transmitted infections (STIs) 7 zika virus (depending where you’re travelling to).
How can I reduce my risk of getting a chest infection?
If you’re at an increased risk of chest infections, your GP may recommend being vaccinated against flu and pneumococcal infections (a bacterium that can cause pneumonia). These vaccinations should help to reduce your chances of getting chest infections in the future.
How contagious is a chest infection?
Although chest infections aren’t generally as contagious as other common infections, like flu, you can pass them on to others through coughing and sneezing. Therefore, it’s important to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and to wash your hands regularly.
