Rhinitis in Pregnancy
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Marie Cavuoto Petrizzo MD, FAAAI Board Certified Pediatric & Adult Allergist and Immunologist About the author: Dr. Marie Cavuoto Petrizzo is an allergist-immunologist in Rockville Centre, New York. She is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Long Island Jewish Medical Center and North Shore University Hospital. She received her medical degree from Albany Medical College and has been in practice for 15 years. Dr. Cavuoto currently sits on the executive board of the Long Island Allergy and Asthma Society, is a fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and a member of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. |
Aside from the usual complaints of pregnancy (swollen feet, heartburn, fatigue and nausea) do you also notice that you are more stuffy than usual? Are you experiencing a runny nose, congestion and/or sneezing? Do you have a cold that never seems to go away? If so, you may actually be experiencing another “side-effect” of pregnancy, called Pregnancy Rhinitis.
Many women experience Pregnancy Rhinitis, which often appears during the first trimester, but can pop-up at any point during pregnancy. Often women complain of trouble breathing out of their nose, sneezing, coughing, runny nose and postnasal drip. It is thought that as blood volume of the pregnant woman increases to support the fetus, the small blood vessels in the nose become swollen and fill with extra blood, causing congestion. In addition, rising pregnancy hormones such as estrogen cause increased mucous production. Progesterone thickens that mucous, worsening the symptoms.
So what can be done? Most pregnant women are reluctant to take medication, especially during the first trimester. Medications such as decongestants, nasal steroids and antihistamines all can have side effects and may not be very successful in eliminating Pregnancy Rhinitis symptoms. You should always consult your personal doctor before taking any medications during pregnancy.
Thankfully several simple and natural alternatives are available, and are surprisingly successful in treating these annoying symptoms.
First, drink plenty of water. While you have heard this recommendation thousands of times already, doing so will help to thin the nasal secretions.
Second, try breathing in steam or humidified air.
Third, perform nasal saline irrigation. Nasal saline is completely safe. The saline will thin the nasal secretions, reduce swelling of the nasal tissue, lessening congestion, and alleviate postnasal drip. The saline can be purchased either as a mist, gel spray, large volume saline irrigation squeeze bottle by NeilMed or alternatively can be used in a Neti Pot. The saline also has the added benefit of flushing away bacteria and viruses from the nose, helping to prevent infections from occurring.
After all is said and done, what is the best solution? Delivering the baby (hopefully once full term) will completely cure Pregnancy Rhinitis within 2 weeks!
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