Help 19 weeks pregnant & have had viral Bronchitis for SIX weeks

[Sallypoo]

Hi all

I've just spent a week off work with viral Bronchitis. Had stuck at it for the first month without a break.... I'm still coughing all through the night and bringing up lots of mucas and my sinuses are full too.

I've had one course of antibiotics which did nothing and so Dr has concluded it's viral not infection.... and basically I've got to just wait for it to go.

I'm hoping that people might have suggestions of what I could do to encourage this retched bug to depart....

I'm making homemade smoothies to increase my vit C intake, but not much else. People have suggested Echinacea but I'm not sure it's safe while pregnant? I'm already taking a pregnancy multi-vitamin every day and have a pretty good diet.

Any suggestions gratefully received.... I want to get back to doing some exercise and not feeling totally exhausted!

throat soothes, honey and lemon, gurgling listerine the blue one worked for me and partner,

Steam inhalations whenever possible to help loosen the phlegm and soothe the inflammmation (or, if you weren't pregnant, I'd say hot baths to relax in...). And as much rest as is possible. And plenty of fluids.

I've got the same hideous cough and feel like a wet rag... I've found Benylin Mucous Cough, Night, has worked a bit, as it makes the mucous more runny for coughing up and clears the nose for a more peaceful night's sleep. I'm not sure if it's advisable to try while pregnant, though??? Perhaps you should ask your GP. Oh, and paracetamol may help relieve the inflammation in your lungs a bit and shouldn't be harmful in pregnancy.

I hope you get better, soon!

Hi Rabbit,

Thanks.... wet rag is a good description. It's nice to hear I'm not alone, but sorry you've got it too. It's a pain isn't it?

I can't take any cough medicines (anythign with Sudo? something or other which is a decongestant and makes preganant women's hearts race), only just persuaded Dr that i can have lozengers (lockets or halls)... No decongenstants either. I'm using obeous? oil on the pillow at night and having very steamy showers which ARE great!

Was hoping for something "natural" that I could too up my immune system with....

would be good if the gp were to do a culture to make sure its not bacterial.

Hi

Ohyoubadbadkitten, he did take a swab, and said if I didn't hear then not to worry...

Might be worth phoning on Monday just to double check that they didn't forget to phone

def second steam inhalations. Also perhaps live yogurt (supposed to be good for immune system). Perhaps some zinc if thats ok in pregnancy.

Proper chicken soup is supposed to be good too.

dd and dh have horrid chesty coughs too but not for so long as you.

Hope something gives you some relief.

Thanks Ladies,

All much appreciated. I still think the best cure would be two weeks somewhere hot and sunny! One can dream!!!

I'll try the steam, and the yoghurt & soup.

Take care,
SP