Many pregnant women monitor their health and carefully protect themselves from colds. But immunity is weakened, as a result of which they “catch” various viruses. Very often, the disease is accompanied by cough and sore throat. Such manifestations are very well handled by Lugol. Is it possible during pregnancy or not, try to find out below.
What is Lugol
This drug is known to many, because it has long appeared on the drug market. With its help, tonsillitis and various viral diseases have always been treated. "Lugol" consists of iodine, potassium iodide, purified water. Recently, glycerol has been added to it, the proportion of which is more than 95%.
After the drug enters the body, iodine comes in contact with the proteins of pathogenic bacteria (viruses), as a result of which a special reaction begins. The protein structure changes and the destruction of bacteria. Microbes are very sensitive to iodine, not for nothing that it is used for disinfection. After applying the medicine, a sore throat disappears and the temperature decreases.
Arguments for
Before figuring out whether Lugol can be used during pregnancy, it is worth considering its positive qualities. It gently affects the mucous membrane, dries it and kills bacteria well. After a while (usually several hours) the woman will feel relief and the pain will decrease. Local treatment will stop the process of reproduction of microbes, improve well-being and protect against complications.
The drug is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, but is absolutely safe for the baby. A small amount simply does not reach him. In pregnant women, iodine deficiency is much more common than its overabundance. Therefore, a small "feed" the body does not hurt. A small amount of the substance will not affect the functioning of the thyroid gland and the production of hormones.
Arguments against
Some doctors may immediately say that you should not use Lugol during pregnancy.
Let's try to figure out why they think so. There are several reasons for this:
- The likelihood of mucosal damage. In the body of a pregnant woman, blood circulation increases, as a result of which the mucous membranes are easily damaged. The consequence of this can be a severe burn (especially with uncontrolled use of the drug);
- Danger of oversaturation with iodine. Lugol contains iodine, which is produced by the thyroid gland and maintains normal levels of hormones. Pregnant women very often take vitamin complexes. Some doctors believe that the combined use of drugs can lead to oversaturation with iodine. It is safe for the mother, but not for the unborn baby (especially at the initial stage).
Application
A doctor can prescribe Lugol during pregnancy if a woman suddenly gets a sore throat. In this case, it is important to use it, because the disease is much more dangerous than the prescribed treatment.
To reduce the amount of iodine absorbed, you can not swallow the product during processing, but spit it out. Also, a cotton swab is moistened with a medicine and a throat and tonsils are rubbed with it. You can use it three times a day for 10 days. If the throat is constantly tickling, then you can try "Lugol" with glycerol.
The following diseases are very dangerous for the expectant mother (especially in the 1st trimester). "Lugol" during pregnancy is prescribed for the treatment of:
- Chronic or acute tonsillitis. We moisten the cotton with the product and wipe the lacunae with it. We use the product every day for 2 weeks.
- Atrophic rhinitis. We take cotton buds and lubricate the nasal passages with the drug 3 times a week. The duration of treatment is 2-3 months.
- Purulent otitis media. We drip in the ears daily one drop of "Lugol". We are treated for no more than 2 weeks.
- Wounds and burns. We apply a solution-soaked napkin to the affected areas.
Sometimes doctors prescribe Lugol's solution during pregnancy to cleanse the body. To prepare the product, take a glass of water and add a drop of the drug to it. Such a solution can be used only at the end of the third trimester. This is because he can start the birth process.
Contraindications and side effects
Although there is nothing wrong with Lugol, pregnant women with hypersensitivity to glycerol or iodine should not use it. It is also contraindicated in diseases with increased dry mucous membranes. Hypersensitivity is manifested by redness, swelling and burning. Taking the drug enhances all these symptoms and leads to a worsening of the condition. It is best to treat the throat with “wet” inflammation.
Very rarely, taking Lugol during pregnancy can lead to nausea, vomiting, bronchial spasm, hives, dry mucous membranes, profuse salivation and runny nose. If the above symptoms appear, the drug should be discontinued and ask your doctor to prescribe another.
Among the contraindications, the instructions indicate pregnancy. But here everything is not so simple: the opinions of doctors differ. Let's get acquainted with them in more detail.
The opinion of doctors
Any drug should be prescribed only by a doctor, because self-medication can harm. When prescribing therapy, he will take into account the duration of pregnancy, because 1 trimester is considered the most dangerous. "Lugol" during pregnancy will greatly alleviate the condition. Serious complications can occur without its use.
Most colds begin with a sore throat, so you need to quickly stop the further spread of bacteria. During pregnancy, doctors forbid the use of potent drugs and prefer natural remedies. The latter do not always cope with the disease, so specialists have to prescribe Lugol during pregnancy.
Quite often, they prescribe a drug in the form of an aqueous solution near the end of the term. Just do not self-medicate!
Spray "Lugol"
Since 2009, the drug began to be released in the form of a spray. It has become much easier to use, because you do not need to look for cotton buds or resort to outside help. During pregnancy, the spray "Lugol" is as safe as the usual drug. When using it, it is difficult to get an overdose.
The dark bottle with the medicine is equipped with a dropper or a special spray. A product manufactured in this form is excellent for both indoor and outdoor use. Most patients most like the spray for the ability to evenly apply the product (even in hard to reach places). Another advantage is the low cost (about 100 rubles per 50 ml bottle). Compared to the solution, the spray has one drawback - they will not be able to thoroughly process the tonsils and adjacent tissues.
Spray "Lugol" during pregnancy is used in the following way:
- open the package and activate the dispenser by pressure;
- we direct the sprayer to the damaged area;
- click on the bottle head (hold the breath during the procedure).
The drug can be used until all the unpleasant symptoms disappear. It is well tolerated, but with unsystematic use can be observed: sweating, lacrimation, tachycardia, diarrhea, allergies, burns and bronchospastic syndrome.
So, can “Lugol” during pregnancy or not? Of course you can, but with caution. It is also necessary to consult a doctor who will prescribe the desired dosage.