Diarrhea during pregnancy: approved medications

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The last semester of pregnancy marks the gradual preparation of a woman’s body for childbirth: a restructuring of the hormonal system occurs, as well as adjustments to some processes. Some of them may be completely natural, while others are undesirable or completely unacceptable.

• Causes
• Consequences
• Treatment methods

  Diet to prevent diarrhea

• Preventing the development of diarrhea

Clinical picture

From a physiological point of view, in the late stages of gestation, diarrhea is the body’s way of clearing the intestines of toxins before an important process. Typically, relief during bowel movements is temporary, lasting no more than two days, and passes even before the onset of contractions. But if the duration of diarrhea is more than 4 days with a sharp change in the color and consistency of stool, with the inclusion of bloody discharge and mucus, sharp and prolonged aching pain, then we can talk about a violation of natural physiological functions.

Doctors classify diarrhea into the following groups according to the severity and severity of accompanying symptoms:

Important! It is unacceptable to self-medicate - a qualified doctor must determine the cause and prescribe treatment, since unreasonable actions can entail a danger to the life and health of the mother and child.

How dangerous is this?

Diarrhea or diarrhea is frequent bowel movements, stool has a liquid consistency and easily passes through the large intestine, and can often be accompanied by pain and discomfort in the abdominal area.

Sometimes diarrhea occurs due to poor quality food, which is normal and does not pose a threat. In pregnant women, it may occur due to toxicosis or hormonal changes, especially in the first trimester. If the phenomenon is isolated, then there is no need to worry. But, if you have constant diarrhea, you should consult a doctor and identify the causes.

Regular bowel movements cause dehydration, lack of minerals and disrupt the water-salt balance. This leads to a deficiency of necessary substances for the full functioning of the body in the woman and fetus. The child does not receive vital elements and against this background, serious pathologies and defects can develop, including miscarriage.

Intense diarrhea is accompanied by intoxication, and harmful elements reach the baby, disrupting normal development.

A long-term reflex state of the intestines can provoke contractions of the uterus, which causes fetal rejection in the early stages, and premature labor in later stages.

At first glance, diarrhea is a minor nuisance, but it entails serious consequences, so it is necessary to start looking for the cause and treatment at the first symptoms.

Symptoms

This period is characterized by weeks from 28 to 40, during which time the child grows rapidly, becomes stronger, and gains strength. Diarrhea during late pregnancy not only causes discomfort, but can also affect the normal development of the baby’s respiratory system.

Statistics show that in 90% of cases, diarrhea in late pregnancy, which provokes premature birth, makes it possible for a healthy toddler to be born and a high probability that the baby will be without physical and neurological abnormalities.

Diarrhea during pregnancy in the third trimester, according to many doctors, is a harbinger of an early birth. In addition, at 41 weeks, nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite may be added to diarrhea. Perhaps, if the problem is stressful, your stomach will hurt in the navel area.

The main reasons for the appearance

During pregnancy, intestinal upset at different stages can be caused due to a number of numerous factors. In addition to physiological reasons, do not forget about psychological ones. Often, it is stress, conflicts, and fears that can provoke diarrhea or, on the contrary, constipation. Often in this way the body tries to get rid of negativity, or these negative emotions do not allow stool to escape, accumulating and causing discomfort on the physical level. A pregnant woman should not ignore a psychologist; a specialist will help prepare for a new role and for the appearance of a little person in her life.

Reasons in the 1st trimester

At the beginning of pregnancy, serious changes occur in the body. The fetus attaches to the uterus and naturally causes some inconveniences and disorders in the body. Sometimes diarrhea may appear against this background. Additionally, toxicosis and hormonal imbalance contribute to this. Vitamin complexes that a woman takes to replenish vitamin reserves can have an effect on stool. This is an individual feature. Therefore, during this period it is important to help the body cope with rare changes.

In case of severe toxicosis, you need to consult a doctor and choose the right diet, otherwise dehydration may occur, which is dangerous for the woman in labor and the fetus. Dangerous symptoms:

• the color of the urine has changed to darker;
• dry mouth;
• constant feeling of thirst, even after drinking water;
• general malaise;
• increased body temperature;
• the urge to urinate is reduced.

Possible diseases in the 2nd trimester

In midterm, intestinal upset often occurs due to uterine pressure. The fetus grows, increases in size and squeezes the internal organs. It is the gastrointestinal tract system, the liver and kidneys, that are subject to pressure, which is why some malfunctions occur. If diarrhea occurs occasionally and is not chronic, then there is no cause for concern.

Constant problems with bowel movements are not the norm. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the accompanying symptoms; if diarrhea is caused by an illness, the color of the stool becomes light or yellow with pieces of undigested food.

Pathogenic bacteria and microbes can cause diarrhea, which is accompanied by severe pain and discomfort in the abdominal area. At the first suspicious symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

If the patient has gastrointestinal diseases, then there is a high probability of their exacerbation during pregnancy. You should regularly see a doctor and carry out preventive measures.

Why is there loose stool before childbirth?

In the last trimester, loose stools are caused by physiological reasons: the baby is fully formed, the uterus has increased significantly and is pressing, displacing internal organs.
The intestines and the entire gastrointestinal tract are under great stress. Close to the process of delivery, diarrhea is a natural process. The body is cleansed, removes feces, so that during pushing it does not interfere with the woman in labor. It is for this reason that pregnant women are given enemas before giving birth.

Treatment

How to treat diarrhea in a pregnant woman? In an interesting situation, not every remedy for diarrhea is allowed. And folk recipes in this case can do more harm than good. Consultation with a doctor is a prerequisite. Only he can decide how to treat diarrhea during pregnancy in this particular case.

Medicines

1. The most effective medications for diarrhea during pregnancy are enterosorbents. They remove toxins, waste and harmful substances from the body, and, in addition, envelop the irritated mucous membrane, calming peristalsis. Almost all sorbents are allowed to be taken while waiting for the baby; they will not harm either him or the mother.
2. We promised to talk about means to prevent dehydration, which can develop in pregnant women from diarrhea. We are talking about rehydration solutions, such as Ringer's solution, Regidron, Gastrolit, etc. The use of such solutions for diarrhea will not only protect the body from loss of moisture, but will also restore salts and trace elements lost with water and feces. Let us remind you here that in case of stool upset, you need to drink at least 300 ml of liquid after each bowel movement (amount for those who do not have problems with edema).

Folk remedies

1. How to stop diarrhea during pregnancy using folk recipes? The safest, mildest remedy is rice water. This drink not only strengthens, but also softens the mucous membrane, and also plays the role of a sorbent.
2. Tablets that inhibit peristalsis are taboo for pregnant women. Only after 35 weeks is it permissible to take Loperamide, but only in cases where the benefit outweighs the risk. Another simple recipe can be an alternative to tablets: you need to dilute a spoonful of starch in half a glass of warm water and drink.
3. A great way to stop diarrhea is a drink made from dry pomegranate peels or an infusion of walnut septa.

Diet

1. In case of stool disorder, it is necessary, in addition to fatty, spicy, generally unhealthy foods, to exclude fresh fruits and vegetables from the diet.
2. Do not consume carbonated drinks, as well as foods that increase gas formation (legumes, mushrooms)
3. Food should be neither cold nor scalding hot
4. It’s great if the dishes are served pureed.

The nature of diarrhea during pregnancy and its causes

In case of stool disorder, it is necessary to pay attention to the nature of the stool; certain signs may indicate the presence of diseases.

Loose stool mixed with blood in the later stages

Bloody feces occur during pregnancy due to normal physiological reasons, which is natural, and due to diseases that require treatment.

Blood clots from the anus may indicate the following problems:

1. Anal fissure, which occurs due to disruption of the intestine by hard feces. Blood can be either in the stool or after a bowel movement. In this case, the woman experiences pain in the anus, burning and itching, especially after going to the toilet.
2. The companion of almost all pregnant women is hemorrhoids. The occurrence of the disease is provoked by hormonal changes, gained kilograms, poor nutrition and reduced immunity. Hemorrhoids usually go away after childbirth. If during pregnancy it causes inconvenience, you should consult a doctor and choose the right treatment.
3. Due to ulceration of the rectal mucosa, a dangerous disease can develop - proctitis. The main symptom is stool with blood and mucus, frequent urge to go to the toilet.
4. Blood clots occur with polyps. The amount of blood directly depends on the size of the formations.
5. Due to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, colitis develops, which causes diarrhea with blood and mucus.
6. Stomach or duodenal ulcer.
7. A life-threatening disease - rectal cancer is accompanied by abundant blood clots in the stool.

The reasons for the appearance of blood in the stool are different, so a woman in labor must undergo diagnostics. More often during pregnancy, such stool is associated with hemorrhoids and anal fissure, but it is better to undergo an examination to rule out the disease.

With mucus in the early stages

Mucus in stool in the early stages may occur due to irritation of the intestinal walls, usually associated with prolonged constipation.
It, in turn, arises due to a woman’s inactive lifestyle, which often happens in the first trimester. Toxicosis, apathy, and malaise cause a desire to lie down and do nothing, and some ladies are forced to remain in bed due to the threat of miscarriage. After normalization of the intestines, mucus disappears from the stool.

But if there is an unpleasant odor, blood and foaming feces, you should urgently consult a doctor, this may indicate an infectious, inflammatory disease (colitis, enteritis, etc.).

Loose stools containing undigested food in the second trimester

The appearance of undigested food in diarrhea can be caused by the following reasons:

• due to overeating, it is difficult to digest large amounts of food, especially fatty foods;
• taking certain medications reduces digestive function;
• dysbacteriosis;
• insufficient production of enzymes necessary for the breakdown of proteins;
• inability of the intestines to digest food - dyspepsia;
• gastrointestinal diseases.

To find out the exact factor that provokes the presence of loose stools with pieces of food, a woman must undergo diagnostics.

Frequent diarrhea

Defecation two to three times a day is considered normal; more than three is diarrhea. There are several types:

1. Acute – occurs due to poisoning or viruses, lasts no more than three days.
2. Not going away - diarrhea continues for ten to fourteen days and there is no improvement.
3. Chronic – observed for more than a month.

During pregnancy it usually occurs due to:

• poor nutrition;
• poor quality food;
• intestinal irritation;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• pressure of the uterus on organs;
• taking certain medications.

Having found out the nature of diarrhea, you can adjust the treatment and eliminate the discomfort. It is important to pay attention to the nature of the stool, color and smell. With normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, the stool is yellow, homogeneous and without a strong aroma. The presence of mucus and blood may indicate problems.

Causes of diarrhea in pregnant women

The development of pathology is influenced by certain factors, depending on the form of stool disorder.

Causes of acute diarrhea:

• bacterial infections: yersiniosis, dysentery, etc.;
• viral infections: herpes, cytomegalovirus, rotavirus infection;
• enterotoxigenic factors in the form of staphylococci;
• fungal and parasitic infections;
• penetration of toxicants into the body, for example, uremia or alcohol intoxication;
• taking certain medications, such as antibiotics, and their side effects.

Causes of chronic diarrhea:

• endocrine diseases: diabetes mellitus, Addison's disease;
• chronic pancreatitis;
• gastrogenic factors in the form of atrophic gastritis, gastric resection, etc.;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• disruptions in the activity of the large and small intestines;
• liver problems;
• some vascular pathologies (vasculitis, small intestinal ischemia);
• hormonally active tumors.

Other causes of diarrhea during pregnancy include:

• For up to 12 weeks, that is, in the first trimester, stool disorder may begin due to toxicosis. At this time, the expectant mother experiences a disturbance in her digestive system, she tries to eliminate harmful foods from her diet, and in some cases, food preferences change. There may be an increased craving for sour and salty foods, and the daily diet may be replenished with an abundance of foods containing plant fiber. Sometimes the body begins to react unusually to eating exotic fruits, such as kiwi. Often all this leads to weakening and upset stool. In cases where diarrhea during pregnancy does not cause severe discomfort and is not accompanied by additional symptoms, it is enough to adjust the diet to get rid of diarrhea.
• Diarrhea in expectant mothers often occurs due to hormonal changes. In the later stages of pregnancy, intensive production of prostaglandins occurs, due to which the body independently prepares for the upcoming birth. This is expressed in the form of complete cleansing of the intestines with diarrhea. This phenomenon is quite normal in the last weeks of pregnancy, but in the early stages, if diarrhea with cramps and pain in the lower abdomen appears, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible, as this can cause spontaneous abortion.
• During pregnancy, the female body experiences a double load, as well as a deficiency of vitamins and nutrients. That is why expectant mothers are prescribed special multivitamins and folic acid to maintain the functioning of the body and the proper formation of the fetus. Often these medications have side effects, which include nausea and diarrhea. If stool upset occurs after taking vitamins, then you need to replace them with others.
• As the abdomen grows, pressure on the gastrointestinal tract increases. The rapidly increasing size of the uterus begins to put pressure on neighboring organs, which leads to pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases to the development of various diseases. If the expectant mother had chronic diseases before conception, they may worsen during pregnancy.
• Sometimes loose stools in pregnant women occur due to infection with pathogenic microbes. In such cases, diarrhea becomes severe and difficult.
• Some expectant mothers complain of the appearance of loose stools from Maltofer, papaverine, Dopegit, Duphalac, Utrozhestan, Kurantil. This condition may be associated with an individual reaction to the effects of drugs.

Pathological reasons for the appearance

During pregnancy, diarrhea can occur due to pathological reasons:

1. Due to infection and poisoning. Eating stale food, poor quality food and dirty foods can cause intestinal upset.
2. Exacerbation of chronic gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis, etc.). It is necessary to treat the diseased organ, and not eliminate diarrhea, because this is only a symptom of the disease.
3. Infestation with parasites. In this case, you need to take measures to eliminate unpleasant guests from the body.
4. Eating foods that cause diarrhea (milk, cucumbers, plums, etc.).

Diarrhea in the last weeks of pregnancy

35-40 weeks is already the threshold of childbirth. At 35-37, diarrhea is especially dangerous - the baby may be born premature and weak. Strictly monitor your diet and spend less time in public places where you can catch the virus. During these weeks, the woman’s body is tired from pregnancy, the grown fetus puts pressure on all internal organs, which leads to deterioration of gastrointestinal motility, hence either constipation or diarrhea. The woman becomes inactive, dehydration occurs quickly. However, the fruit needs a lot of nutrients. The mother’s dehydrated body cannot do this, hence the starvation of the fetus. There is a risk of thrombosis.

If diarrhea appears during these weeks, accompanied by cramping pains, you should rush to the maternity hospital: before childbirth, the body cleanses itself.

Natural causes related to hormones

Diarrhea during pregnancy is often a common occurrence, especially in the early stages and before childbirth. This is due to changes in the endocrine system and hormonal changes.

An imbalance of hormones affects the emotional background of a woman in labor, which can affect the functioning of intestinal motility.

As the fetus develops, the pressure of the uterus on the organs increases, which contributes to dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.

Diarrhea in the period from 38-40 weeks is the body’s way of cleansing itself before childbirth.

How to treat diarrhea during pregnancy

It is important to understand that treatment of any diseases, especially diarrhea, during the period of bearing a child should be carried out as prescribed and under the supervision of a doctor; self-medication is unacceptable.

Taking medications for diarrhea during pregnancy is largely prohibited, since many of them are prohibited for expectant mothers. At the same time, if there is a real threat to the life of a pregnant woman, then drug therapy and antibiotics will be prescribed, regardless of how they affect the child.

How to get rid of diarrhea during pregnancy? Usually, only certain medications are used for this, as well as diet therapy and, in some cases, traditional medicine. But all this should only be recommended by a doctor.

Drug therapy

What medications should I take to stop diarrhea during pregnancy? Firstly, it is impossible to use any drugs that many people use to save themselves, as they can lead to a number of negative consequences. Secondly, if diarrhea occurs, you should definitely visit a doctor or call an ambulance. Only a specialist, based on tests and examination, can prescribe suitable therapy.

When you need emergency help

Diarrhea can cause serious problems if you do not notice dangerous symptoms in time, which require immediate medical attention:

• In the first trimester, diarrhea can lead to dehydration and rejection of the fetus by the uterus. Frequent diarrhea, more than three times a day, requires treatment;
• when the stool becomes dark in color and women experience severe dizziness;
• there is blood, mucus and a putrid odor in the stool;
• high body temperature combined with nausea.

Frequent loose stools are a signal from the body that not everything is okay and help is needed. The phenomenon cannot be ignored, especially during pregnancy.

Diarrhea at 30 weeks of pregnancy

During this time, diarrhea does not necessarily indicate a virus in the body. At this stage, late toxicosis often occurs, which is characterized by nausea, weakness, and diarrhea. You need to be very careful, as this is a turning point in pregnancy, so consult a doctor immediately.

During natural urges, the uterus contracts, which can lead to premature birth. And at such a period of gestation it is impossible for a child to survive. In addition, dehydration is still dangerous, as it can provoke thrombosis at 30 weeks.

Self-treatment at home: what the doctor will prescribe

Treatment of diarrhea during pregnancy is complicated by the fact that many medications are prohibited. You cannot take medications on your own. The doctor prescribes:

1. Mandatory diet: fried, salted, spicy, smoked foods are prohibited. Food should be easily digestible and light. In the first week, it is better to limit yourself to sugar-free cereals, natural yoghurts, biscuits, etc.
2. Drug treatment consists of taking adsorbents (Enterodes, Enterosgel), they have a detoxifying effect.
3. Antiseptic Nifuroxazide – stabilizes the microflora of the stomach.
4. In severe cases of diarrhea, a course of antibiotic therapy is required; in cases of neurogenic disorder, sedatives are used.
5. To prevent dehydration, Regidron, Trisol, Sorbilact are prescribed.

Medicines should be taken on the recommendation of a doctor, who sets the permissible daily dose.

Is diarrhea dangerous before childbirth?

There is no danger for the female body in the release of liquid feces before childbirth. Therapeutic measures are not required if diarrhea is due to uterine contractions.

Diarrhea caused by pathologies of the digestive tract should cause concern. In this case, the woman needs medical help.

Pathological diarrhea can be distinguished from normal diarrhea by symptoms. With pathologies, the following symptoms are observed:

• feces are greenish or yellow in color and have an unpleasant, intense odor (such symptoms are characteristic of an intestinal infection);
• blood or foamy inclusions and mucus are present in the stool;
• Abdominal pain is very severe;
• vomiting often occurs;
• stool is large and watery, which poses a risk of dehydration;
• feeling weak in the body;
• body temperature is increased.

These symptoms indicate a serious danger to the health of the expectant mother and the life of the unborn child. A woman should immediately contact a medical facility for an accurate diagnosis, especially if she is in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Self-medication is strictly forbidden. If there is excessive vomiting, dizziness, fever, or dehydration, you should call an ambulance.

Elimination using traditional methods: recipes

In folk medicine, there are the following recipes for the treatment of diarrhea:

• pour 1 tbsp of pomegranate peel. boiling water and leave for two hours, drink as tea;
• blueberry compote has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract;
• jelly from berries (lingonberries, cranberries). Allowed to add a spoonful of honey;
• 1 tbsp. Add walnut leaves to two glasses of water and cook for 20 minutes. Then leave for half an hour, consume 1 tbsp. three times a day.

You can use traditional medicine methods only after consulting a doctor.

What to do if you have diarrhea during pregnancy

Many drugs are contraindicated for expectant mothers, unless the situation is critical; they try to limit treatment to folk remedies and nutritional correction.

Even before consuming natural herbal decoctions, you should consult a doctor, because some plants are dangerous for pregnant women and the fetus.

If there are signs of infection, antibiotics may be needed. But you can’t choose your medications on your own. The specialist will select the most harmless therapy for the unborn child.

Drinking regime is of great importance. The condition returns to normal faster if you drink a sufficient amount of purified still water or unsweetened tea.

What can pregnant women do to treat diarrhea using medications?

Ideally, treatment should be selected by a doctor, but when for some reason it is not possible to contact him, and the diarrhea is severe, self-administration of absorbents is allowed. These are substances that absorb toxins from the intestines.

Among the drugs approved for pregnant women are:

• Enterosgel;
• Smecta;
• Regidron;
• Polysorb;
• Polyphepan;
• Activated carbon.

Also, while pregnant, you can take Nifuroxazide, an intestinal antiseptic that is effective against most pathogenic microorganisms. Its use is indicated for viral and bacterial intestinal disorders.

To restore intestinal microflora after diarrhea, you can take Linex, Bifiform. Fermented milk drinks are beneficial; regular kefir restores colonies of beneficial bacteria best of all.

You must immediately take care to prevent dehydration, for example, with the help of the drug Regidron - it is approved for pregnant women:

• For prophylaxis, the drug is taken from the moment diarrhea begins and ends when it stops.
• To replenish fluid loss (if you did not start taking Regidron right away), in the first 6–10 hours from the start of taking it, drink a volume of Regidron that is 2 times greater than the loss of body weight caused by diarrhea.

Standard instructions – 1 sachet is diluted in 1 liter of boiled chilled water and taken throughout the day.

Please note that pregnant women should not take some of the popular anti-diarrhea medications. For example, Loperamide is contraindicated in the first trimester and later taken if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the fetus.

Before using any drug, read the instructions.

Diet

If the symptoms are mild and the condition does not cause concern, nausea and diarrhea during pregnancy are noticeably reduced or completely disappear with dietary adjustments.

In case of a serious illness or infection, you cannot do without a gentle menu. A proper diet helps the intestines to restore normal functioning.

On the first day, it is advisable to limit yourself to drinking plenty of fluids. Recommended to use:

• water;
• tea;
• weak broth;
• fruit drink

For diarrhea, rice water is useful, as it gently envelops the walls of the stomach and helps normalize stool. To prepare it, pour half a liter of water into a pan and add 1 tsp. rice Boil the mixture for 40 minutes over low heat, then strain the broth and drink about a quarter glass every 3 hours.

If you want to eat, you can snack on dried white bread and biscuits.

On the second day, unleavened porridge without salt and sugar, preferably rice or oatmeal, is introduced into the diet.

In the future, they return to the usual menu, excluding forbidden foods until the condition normalizes, such as:

• all fatty, spicy and too salty foods;
• carbonated drinks, coffee;
• fresh fruits and vegetables;
• fatty and tough meat.

Folk remedies

Treatment of diarrhea during pregnancy with traditional methods is quite safe if the doctor approves them. For non-infectious intestinal disorders, the following remedies can be used:

• Starch with water. Starch (1 tsp) is dissolved in half a glass of boiled, cooled water. The mixture is drunk at one time.
• Walnut leaves. One tbsp. l. Leaves are placed in a bowl and filled with two glasses of water. The broth is boiled for 30 minutes, then removed from the heat and left for half an hour. After straining, take 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day.
• Blueberry jelly. To prepare the drink, add 200 g of berries and sugar to taste to 2.5 liters of water. Boil blueberries for 15 minutes, then, stirring continuously, add 4 tbsp. l. starch. After three minutes, the jelly is removed from the heat and cooled. It is drunk in small portions throughout the day.
• Pomegranate peel. One tbsp. l. Add 200 ml of boiling water to the fruit skins. After allowing the product to brew for half an hour, it is consumed 1 tbsp. l. three times a day.
• Blackberry leaves. Ten grams of dried leaves are poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water. The broth is cooked for 20 minutes over low heat. After cooling and straining, drink it 3 times a day, 1 tbsp. l.
• Oak bark decoction . Take 20 g of bark for 0.5 liters of boiling water. The raw material is poured and boiled for 10 minutes, then infused for another 30 minutes. Take according to the dosage prescribed by the doctor. It is not recommended for pregnant women to take this anti-diarrhea remedy without medical advice.

If you suspect that diarrhea is the result of emotional tension and stress, it is worth adding natural sedatives. Pregnant women in this situation are allowed a decoction of mint or motherwort.

Tips and tricks

To prevent intestinal upset during pregnancy, you must follow the following recommendations:

• before planning a pregnancy, undergo an examination to identify gastrointestinal diseases and take preventive measures;
• wash your hands after going outside, using the toilet, or public transport;
• take multivitamin preparations;
• the diet should contain high-quality and healthy products;
• wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly;
• avoid eating places.

Pregnancy is a pleasant and anxious time. Diarrhea during this period is possible for natural physiological reasons, but if you have additional symptoms, you should consult a doctor to avoid negative consequences.