Angina in pregnancy

Angina in pregnancy- symptoms

Angina is defined as inflammation of the throat and tonsils, which can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. Most cases of purulent tonsillitis are caused by streptococci.

Most often the symptoms of tonsillitis start with a sore and red throat. Enlargement of the tonsils and lymph nodes appears. They may also be accompanied by problems swallowing, as well as other symptoms such as rhinitis and coughing in the case of a viral infection, or high fever, abdominal pain and vomiting in a streptococcal infection. Women also complain of general symptoms, as well as significant weakness. In the case of purulent tonsillitis, there is also a characteristic white coating on the tonsils.

Angina in pregnancy- treatment

Treatment of tonsillitis in pregnancy depends on the cause and differs for viral and bacterial pharyngitis. To identify the cause of the disease, your doctor can perform a rapid test for streptococcus. Examination in the doctor’s office is also very important, as it is often possible to make a diagnosis based on the symptoms presented by the mother-to-be and the history taken. Treatment of tonsillitis consists of antipyretics and painkillers, while in the case of purulent tonsillitis it is necessary to additionally include an antibiotic. Therefore, if you experience its symptoms, consult a doctor and do not underestimate the situation.

The most common treatment for pregnant women with strep throat is penicillin or amoxicillin. If the mother-to-be is allergic to this group of antibiotics, cephalosporins can be used. In addition, it is advisable to rest and take enough fluids, especially if there is a high fever. Before taking medications on your own, it is a good idea to consult your doctor beforehand, as not all medications are safe for pregnant women and the developing baby.

Angina in pregnancy- complications

Angina in pregnancy requires appropriate treatment. If neglected, it can lead to complications that are dangerous for both the pregnant woman and the developing baby. Among the complications of suppurative angina are:

• periopharyngeal abscess,
• purulent otitis media,
• purulent sinusitis,
• pneumonia,
• developmental defects,

It is also worth remembering the distant complications of untreated strep throat. These are the so-called. late immune complications in the appearance of which immune complexes composed of antibodies and bacterial antigens are involved. Such complexes can be deposited, among other things. in the kidneys thereby leading to post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. In extreme and very rare cases, it can lead to their end-stage failure and the need to implement renal replacement therapy.