I've come down with a nasty cold, and am looking for any help in easing congestion. I'm 10 weeks pregnant, so I don't want to take any medications. But my major complaints are a sore, dry throat, tightness in chest, and this hacking cough that is not productive. Any safe, natural ideas for loosing the congestion? I've been standing in a steamy shower, and that helps... but only when I'm in the shower! I do have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow. THANK YOU!
2007-10-25 04:11:51 · 11 answers · asked by Tara 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
When I was pregnant my ob/gyn said it was safe to use Guaifenesin, also known as PLAIN Mucinex (that is the "brand" name). The syrup itself if like $2.50 a bottle at Target or Walmart, cheap. Ask your doctor first. It is also safe for children to thin out mucus. Don't use sudafed it will just dry you out. Also drink only hot beverages, no cold drinks at all. I swear by instant or from the chinese restaurants- hot and sour soup-I think it will kill anything! You can also gargle with very warm weak salty water to keep from getting an infection, like 4 times a day.
2007-10-25 04:18:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I had the same exact thing! Not trying to scare you, but it lasted for a month! I was miserable. I didn't want to take medication either, but they ended up putting me on antibiotics. When you go to the doc tomorrow, try to find out if it is an infection, if it is, get some meds!
As far as natural ways to help with congestion: drink LOTS of water, stand over a pot of steaming water, is your nose congested too? If so, try saline solution (it is only water and salt, so it will not harm you). Also, the nose and throat are interconnected when it comes to this, it might help to get the congestion out of your nose as well. Grab a jug of O.J. and drink up!
Some medications recommended by my mid wife:
Benadryl, Sudafed, Claritin, Tylenol, and Tylenol Cold. I have also heard that you can take Robitussin.
Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!
2007-10-25 04:18:26 · answer #2 · answered by Brooke S 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Get some home made chicken soup,its the best medicine!!Hot apples will really help your chest, just chop up an apple and put it in the microwave. A spoon of honey is great for sore throat and cough,and SLEEP! When you are asleep the body heals itself.When you are not sleeping,drink! Flush that stuff right out of you!
2007-10-25 04:25:07 · answer #3 · answered by Hope 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I was pregnant, I got more colds than ever before! I had like FOUR in the nine months. I had one when I went into the hospital. Anyway, you can take any cold meds without aspirin or ibuprofen. My doctor recommended the Tylenol or Sudafed lines of products. I also had a friend who took Benadryl without any side effects on the baby. Hope you feel better!
2007-10-25 04:23:46 · answer #4 · answered by Joy L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vaporizers work well. However, the tightness in the chest concerns me. As an RN, I think you do need to go to the doctor to get checked out. I would hate for you to be ignoring any symptoms of walking pneumonia or any other lower/upper respiratory infections that would require antibiotics. The risks to you and your unborn child would be less if you were prescribed the correct meds as opposed to the risks of walking around with an infection of any kind.
Good luck and take care!!
2007-10-25 04:22:23 · answer #5 · answered by gigi 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get some normal saline spray, and squirt it in your nose, each nostril, until it reaches your throat. Then blow your nose.
I know it sounds horrific and insane, but I promise you, it'll be over in a couple days. It will also end any post nasal drip thats contributing to your chest congestion.
Drinking warm lemon water, or decaf tea can also help with the congestion.
2007-10-25 04:15:33 · answer #6 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
hot tea & honey & lemon helps sore throats
try getting a humidifier as well (basically like the shower, only you son't have to hang out in there!)
call your doctor & see what you can take. there are some medicines that are fine (usually robitussin is okay--but check first since you're in the 1st trimester)
2007-10-25 04:19:08 · answer #7 · answered by Ember Halo 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
when your pregnant you can't take normal cold medicine. i had a really wicked cold and i lived off of halls breezers they were alot easier on the throat and didn't make my sinuses run any worse, a numbing throat spray like chloraseptic, Tylenol and the little shower soothers tablets really helped make breathing easier. hope you feel better soon!!!!
2007-10-25 04:21:11 · answer #8 · answered by Amy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Peppermints will help alot. They'll clear your sinuses, make your throat feel better and often help with a cough as well. Good luck!
2007-10-25 04:19:09 · answer #9 · answered by Cassie B. 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the best thing to take is tea and honey ..that will help your congestion and break up the flum in your lungs
2007-10-25 04:14:35 · answer #10 · answered by ? 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋