New Delhi: Pneumonia is a serious infection of the lungs. Often a common cold or flu complication, pneumonia happens when this infection spreads to the lungs. The disease is considered a serious and potentially fatal illness for anyone. Certain groups, including pregnant women, are at a higher risk of complications if left untreated. The best way to treat and prevent complications from pneumonia is to see your doctor at the first sign of an illness.
While discussing pneumonia during pregnancy, Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynecologist, Obstetrician, and IVF Expert at Nurture IVF Clinic, New Delhi, listed the causes and complications and also shared prevention tips.
Causes of pneumonia in pregnancy
Pregnancy increases your chance of acquiring pneumonia. This is partly due to the natural immunological reduction that occurs during pregnancy. This occurs when your body tries harder to sustain your developing kid. Pregnant women may be more susceptible to the virus. You may also have a lower lung capacity. This increases your susceptibility to problems such as pneumonia.
Furthermore, you may be at a higher risk of acquiring pneumonia during pregnancy if you are anemic, have asthma, or a chronic condition, work with young children, often visit hospitals or nursing homes, have a weaker immune system, and smoke.
Can pneumonia cause complications during pregnancy?
Severe or untreated pneumonia can result in a range of problems. Oxygen levels in the body may fall because the lungs are unable to create enough to circulate the body. Fluids can build around the lungs, causing a disease known as empyema. The infection can spread from the lungs to other regions of the body.
Pneumonia can also cause difficulties in newborns such as early birth, low birth weight, miscarriage, and respiratory failure.
When not addressed, maternal pneumonia can be lethal.
Common medications for viral pneumonia are also considered safe for use during pregnancy. Antiviral medicines can help cure pneumonia in its early stages. Respiratory therapy might also be employed.
If you have bacterial pneumonia, your doctor could prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics cannot cure viral illnesses.
Your doctor may also prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications to alleviate fever and discomfort. This can include acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Getting enough sleep and being hydrated are also important for your recuperation. Never use any new drugs or supplements without first consulting your doctor.
How to prevent pneumonia during pregnancy?
The sooner you get yourself treated for pneumonia during pregnancy, the higher the chances to avoid complications.
Women who receive prompt treatment go on to have healthy pregnancies and safer outcomes.
The best way to stay away from pneumonia is to avoid catching the flu and other diseases that can lead to it. The first step to preventing disease is by practicing good hygiene. This is important for each one of us irrespective of whether we are pregnant or not.
And if you are expecting, it becomes all the more important. Pregnant women should prioritise handwashing, good quality sleep every night, eating a nutritious diet, practicing regular exercise, and avoiding sick people. Lastly, flu vaccinations are also suggested for those who are at risk of catching the sickness. Pregnancy is one such risk factor.
While pneumonia during pregnancy can catch you off guard, with the right steps you can stay ahead of the game and can go on to have a healthy and happy pregnancy.
