What should pregnant women do if they have phlegm in their throat

Pregnant women with phlegm in their throat can alleviate it by drinking plenty of water, honey water, steam inhalation, rinsing with salt water, and eating pears. Phlegm in the throat may be related to factors such as upper respiratory tract infections, pregnancy rhinitis, acid reflux, dry air, allergic reactions, etc.

1. Drink plenty of water

Maintaining sufficient water intake can help dilute phlegm and promote excretion. Warm water is the best, it is recommended to drink small amounts multiple times a day to avoid excessive drinking at once. Insufficient hydration may worsen the viscosity of sputum, especially during pregnancy when metabolism accelerates, and attention should be paid to hydration. The color of urine can be observed to determine whether there is sufficient moisture, and a light yellow color is the ideal state.

2. Honey Water

Natural honey has a moisturizing effect on the throat, and drinking it with warm water can relieve discomfort in the throat. Pay attention to selecting qualified products that have undergone sterilization treatment to avoid the microbial risks that raw honey may contain. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes need to control the dosage, which should not exceed 10 ml each time. Drinking at night can alleviate symptoms of excessive phlegm in the morning.

3. Steam inhalation

Using hot water vapor to fumigate the face can moisten the respiratory tract and help loosen phlegm. You can pour hot water into the washbasin and lower your head to maintain a safe distance to inhale steam for 5-8 minutes. Adding a small amount of peppermint essential oil can enhance the effect, but it needs to be confirmed that there is no history of allergies. To avoid burns caused by high water temperature, wipe your face dry promptly after finishing.

4. Rinsing with salt water

Rinsing with warm salt water can reduce bacterial growth in the throat and alleviate inflammatory reactions. It is recommended to use edible salt for preparation, with a concentration of about 0.9%, which is close to the standard of physiological saline. Rinse your mouth 3-4 times a day, especially after meals for better results. Pay attention to tilting your head back when rinsing your mouth to allow the liquid to fully contact your throat, but avoid swallowing.

5. Eating pears

Pears contain pectin and water that can moisten the lungs and reduce phlegm. It is recommended to choose fresh and mature varieties. It can be eaten directly by peeling and cutting into pieces, or stewed with rock sugar to make soup. People with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold should control their intake appropriately to avoid causing diarrhea. In winter, pears can be heated and consumed to reduce irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. When pregnant women have phlegm in their throat, they should pay attention to maintaining indoor humidity at 50% -60%, using a humidifier or placing a water basin to increase air humidity. Avoid contact with second-hand smoke and other irritants, and raise the pillow appropriately during sleep to reduce acid reflux. If the sputum color turns yellow green, accompanied by fever, or lasts for more than a week, timely medical examination should be conducted to investigate the possibility of bacterial infection. Daily practice of abdominal breathing can help expel phlegm, with gentle movements to avoid abdominal pressure. Choose warm and easily digestible foods for diet, and avoid spicy and fried foods that irritate the throat.