What should a pregnant woman do if she has a cough with excessive phlegm?

Generally, excessive phlegm and cough in pregnant women may be caused by factors such as hormonal changes, improper diet, upper respiratory tract infection, tracheitis, or lung abscess. The appropriate treatment depends on the specific cause to achieve effective results. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow medical advice for treatment. Details are as follows:

1. Hormonal Changes: During pregnancy, hormone levels in the body significantly increase. These hormonal fluctuations may irritate the respiratory system, leading to increased bronchial secretions and resulting in cough with excessive phlegm. Pregnant women can drink more water and consume more fresh fruits and vegetables to help dilute the phlegm and promote its expulsion.

2. Improper Diet: During pregnancy, consuming excessive fatty or sugary foods may irritate the throat, increasing the production and viscosity of secretions, thereby causing cough with excessive phlegm. It is advisable to adjust dietary habits, reduce intake of fatty and sugary foods, and increase consumption of bland, easily digestible foods.

3. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: This condition is primarily caused by viral infection. Due to decreased immunity, pregnant women are more susceptible to viral attacks. When viruses invade the respiratory tract, they cause congestion, edema, and increased secretions in the respiratory mucosa, leading to cough with excessive phlegm, often accompanied by sneezing. Under medical guidance, medications such as aspirin tablets, Shuanghuanglian oral liquid, or Banlangen granules may be used for their antiviral, heat-clearing, and detoxifying effects.

4. Tracheitis: Tracheitis is an inflammation of the trachea caused by pathogenic microbial infections. When pregnant women are infected by pathogens, the tracheal mucosa becomes congested, swollen, and produces excessive secretions, resulting in cough with excessive phlegm, often accompanied by fever. Medications such as cephalexin dry suspension, azithromycin capsules, or ribavirin granules may be taken under medical supervision for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

5. Lung Abscess: A lung abscess refers to inflammation and necrosis of lung tissue caused mainly by anaerobic bacteria and other pathogens, eventually forming a localized pus-filled cavity. Due to decreased immunity or aspiration of oral or upper respiratory secretions, pregnant women are more prone to lung abscesses. Accumulation of purulent secretions in the abscess cavity can cause cough and excessive phlegm, often accompanied by high fever. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications such as penicillin V potassium tablets, levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, or acetaminophen tablets may be used under medical guidance.

Pregnant women should maintain healthy lifestyle and dietary habits to enhance immunity and reduce the risk of illness.