Is coughing harmful during pregnancy?
A dry cough is a cough that does not produce any mucus or phlegm. It can be annoying and uncomfortable, especially during and after pregnancy.
Various factors, such as allergies, infections, asthma, heartburn or hormonal changes, can cause a dry cough. It can also affect your sleep quality, breathing and your baby's health.
This blog post will explain the possible causes of a dry cough during and after pregnancy, the signs and symptoms to look out for, the home remedies and treatments you can try, and when to see a doctor.
What causes a dry cough during and after pregnancy?
There are several possible causes of a dry cough during and after pregnancy. Some of the common ones are:
Allergies: You may be allergic to certain substances, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mold or smoke. These can irritate your throat and lungs and trigger a dry cough.
Infections: You may catch a viral or bacterial infection that affects your respiratory system, such as the common cold, the flu or bronchitis. These can cause inflammation and irritation in your airways and make you cough.
Asthma: If you have asthma, you may experience wheezing, shortness of breath and a dry cough during and after pregnancy.
Heartburn: When stomach acid runs back into your oesophagus, you may get heartburn, which causes a burning sensation in your chest or neck. Heartburn is common during pregnancy due to the pressure of the growing uterus on your stomach.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during and after pregnancy can affect your mucus production and make your throat dry and itchy.
What are the signs and symptoms of a dry cough during and after pregnancy?
Depending on the reason and severity of your disease, a dry cough during or after pregnancy might present with a variety of signs and symptoms. Among the typical ones are:
- A persistent or frequent cough that does not produce any mucus or phlegm
- A tickling or scratchy sensation in your throat
- A hoarse or raspy voice
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
How can you prevent a dry cough during and after pregnancy?
You can take a few precautions to avoid or lower your chance of getting a dry cough during and after pregnancy. These include:
- Avoiding triggers: Try to avoid exposure to substances that may irritate your throat or lungs, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mold or smoke. You can also use an air purifier or humidifier in your home to improve the air quality.
- Drinking plenty of fluids: Drink enough water and other fluids to keep yourself hydrated and prevent dehydration.
- Eating healthy foods: Eat a balanced diet that provides you with adequate nutrients and boosts your immune system. Include foods that are high in vitamin C, zinc, and antioxidants that can help fight infections and inflammation. Examples of these foods include citrus fruits, almonds, and berries.
- Taking prenatal vitamins: Take prenatal vitamins that contain biotin (vitamin B7), folic acid (vitamin B9) and other essential nutrients for you and your baby. These vitamins can help prevent biotin deficiency, which can cause a dry cough, and support your fetal development.
- Getting enough rest: Get enough sleep and rest to help your body recover and heal. Your immune system can be weakened by sleep deprivation, which increases your susceptibility to allergies and infections.
Home remedies for cough during pregnancy
There are some home remedies that you can try to soothe your dry cough during and after pregnancy. These include:
Honey: Honey has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help relieve your cough. You can take a teaspoon of honey by itself or mix it with warm water, lemon juice or ginger.
However, avoid giving honey to children under one year of age as it may cause botulism (a serious form of food poisoning).
Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and expectorant properties that can help clear your airways and ease your cough.
Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antioxidant properties that can help fight infections and inflammation.
Garlic: Garlic has antibacterial, antiviral and immune-boosting properties that can help combat infections and allergies. A raw garlic clove can be consumed, or you can boil some garlic cloves in water and add honey or lemon juice to make tea.
Salt water gargle: Gargling with salt water might help remove mucus in your airways and lessen throat irritation and inflammation.
Steam inhalation: Inhaling steam can help moisten your throat and lungs and ease your breathing. You can add some drops of essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint or lavender, to the water for added benefits.
How is a dry cough during and after pregnancy treated?
If home remedies do not work or if you have severe or persistent symptoms, you may need medical treatment for your dry cough during and after pregnancy. Your doctor may prescribe you some medications, such as:
- Cough suppressants: These are drugs that block the cough reflex and reduce the urge to cough. They are usually used for dry coughs that are not caused by infections or allergies.
- Expectorants: Expectorants are usually used for wet coughs that are caused by infections or allergies. They may have some side effects, such as stomach upset or diarrhea.
- Antihistamines: These drugs are usually used for dry coughs that are caused by allergies. They may have some side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth or blurred vision. They may also interact with other medications you are taking. Therefore, you should consult your doctor before taking any antihistamines during pregnancy.
When should you see a doctor for a dry cough during and after pregnancy?
You should see a doctor for a dry cough during and after pregnancy if:
- Your cough lasts for more than two weeks.
- Your cough is severe or interferes with your daily activities.
Conclusion
Dry cough is a common problem that affects many pregnant women. It is important to remember that dry cough can interfere with the quality of life of the expecting mother, as it can cause insomnia, nausea and breathing difficulties.
Therefore, it is important to seek medical advice and treatment if the cough persists or worsens. However, these remedies should be used with caution and only after consulting a doctor. Dry cough during pregnancy is not usually harmful to the baby, but it can affect the mother’s well-being and comfort. Thus, taking preventive measures and following proper hygiene can help to avoid or minimize this condition.
