Angina during pregnancy

Angina during pregnancy – symptoms

Angina is an inflammation of the throat and tonsils that can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. Most cases of purulent tonsillitis are caused by streptococci.

Usually, the symptoms of tonsillitis start with pain and redness in the throat. There is enlargement of the tonsils and lymph nodes. They may also be accompanied by difficulty swallowing and other symptoms such as rhinitis and cough in the case of a viral infection or high fever, abdominal pain and vomiting in the case of strep throat. Women also complain of general symptoms as well as significant weakness. In the case of purulent tonsillitis, a characteristic white coating on the tonsils can also be seen.

Angina during pregnancy – treatment

Treatment of tonsillitis in pregnancy depends on the cause and differs for viral and bacterial pharyngitis. To determine the cause of the disease, the doctor can perform a rapid test for streptococcus. An 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 expectant mother and the medical history taken. Treatment for tonsillitis consists of antipyretics and analgesics, while for purulent tonsillitis, an antibiotic must also be used. Therefore, if you notice the symptoms, you should consult your doctor and do not underestimate the situation.

The most common treatment for pregnant women with strep tonsillitis is penicillin or amoxicillin. If the expectant mother is allergic to this group of antibiotics, cephalosporins may be used. In addition, rest and adequate hydration are recommended, especially if the fever is high. It is advisable to consult your doctor before taking any medication yourself, as not all medications are safe for pregnant women and the developing baby.

Angina pectoris in pregnancy – complications

Angina in pregnancy requires appropriate treatment. If neglected, complications can occur that are dangerous for both the pregnant woman and the developing baby. Complications of purulent angina include:

• Abscess in the periopharyngeal area
• purulent otitis media
• purulent sinusitis
• pneumonia
• malformations

One should also think about the far-reaching complications of untreated streptococcal tonsillitis. These are so-called immunological late complications, in the occurrence of which immune complexes of antibodies and bacterial antigens are involved. Such complexes can be deposited in the kidneys, for example, and thus lead to post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. In extreme and very rare cases, this can lead to end-stage renal failure and the need for renal replacement therapy.