Pharyngitis during pregnancy

In case of pharyngitis during pregnancy, a doctor should be consulted in any case. Mostly the inflammation is caused by a viral infection, which can be cured with home remedies such as drinking and bed rest. Pain therapy may be necessary because of the sore throat.

Since many medications are not approved for pregnant women, it is essential to discuss the use of medication with a doctor. Bacterial inflammation is usually treated additionally with antibiotics. Also this therapy should be well discussed with a physician, since many antibiotics are not recommended for pregnant women.

Prognosis

The prognosis of an inflammation in the throat depends largely on the particular form of the disease. In the case of acute inflammation, the prognosis is very good if an appropriate therapy is initiated promptly. The causative viral and/or bacterial pathogens can be treated well in most cases.

Since bacterial infections can be treated with a suitable antibiotic immediately after diagnosis, the healing time of the bacterially caused inflammation in the throat is significantly shorter. Viral infections, which can only be treated symptomatically, usually persist for much longer. In patients suffering from chronic inflammation of the throat, healing can only be achieved after removal of the underlying trigger. Smokers in particular should stop smoking immediately in the presence of inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx.

Duration of an inflammation in the throat

How long an inflammation of the throat lasts depends on what causes the inflammation. An acute pharyngitis, which is viral, lasts a few days. Even without special treatment, this type of pharyngitis is quickly cured.

If, on the other hand, there is a bacterial pharyngitis, the disease can last for several weeks. Even with antibiotic treatment, therapy over one to three weeks is necessary. Both forms are classified as acute pharyngitis, as they are triggered abruptly by a pathogen and subside after a comparatively short time.

In contrast, the healing of a chronic pharyngitis takes longer. No germs are responsible for the disease. Instead, it is usually chemical influences such as nicotine and tobacco, alcohol, reflux (reflux of stomach acid through the esophagus into the throat) or radiation therapy that trigger the inflammation.Such chemical toxins, to which the pharyngeal mucosa is exposed regularly or over a longer period of time, cause chronic damage to the mucosa.