Runny nose during early pregnancy
Pregnancy rhinitis | Pregnancy Birth and Baby
Pregnancy rhinitis | Pregnancy Birth and Baby beginning of content5-minute read
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If you have unexplained breathing problems, see your doctor as soon as possible. If your breathing problems are very bad and come on quickly, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
What is pregnancy rhinitis?
Pregnancy rhinitis usually involves a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and post-nasal drip. These symptoms seem to come out of nowhere during pregnancy. While it's not a life-threatening medical condition, pregnancy rhinitis can be bothersome. There are things you can do to find some relief.
What are the symptoms pregnancy rhinitis?
Symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis are like those of allergic rhinitis (hay fever). These include:
- a runny or congested nose
- sneezing
- itchy eyes
- watery eyes
While it might feel like you are getting a cold, pregnancy rhinitis is not associated with bacterial or viral infection. This means it is not contagious.
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What causes pregnancy rhinitis?
Rhinitis is an inflammation of the lining of your nose.
People who are affected by allergies may also experience similar symptoms during pregnancy. In these circumstances, symptoms are triggered by one or more allergens. These allergens may be seasonal, such as:
- pollens
- fungi
- moulds
Or they can be perennial (year-round) such as:
- dust mites
- pets
- cockroaches
Rhinitis in pregnancy may also have a non-allergic origin.
It's not known exactly why rhinitis occurs more frequently in pregnancy. Some research suggests that factors such as hormones increase the likelihood of rhinitis during pregnancy.
Smoking is also associated with pregnancy rhinitis. It's never too late for future parents to quit smoking.
How is pregnancy rhinitis diagnosed?
Pregnancy rhinitis should be distinguished from other conditions such as infections. Your doctor can do this during a routine visit.
You may have a breathing problem if:
- you feel you can't get enough air through both your nose and mouth
- you are breathless
- you feel like you're being suffocated
- your chest feels very tight
- you are needing more of your usual asthma or lung medications
If you have unexplained breathing problems, see your doctor as soon as possible. If your breathing problems are very bad and come on quickly, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
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How long will my symptoms last?
While pregnancy rhinitis can occur at any time during your pregnancy, it is most common during the first trimester.
Symptoms may last for at least 6 weeks. The good news is they usually disappear within 2 weeks of your baby's birth.
How is pregnancy rhinitis treated?
Your pregnancy rhinitis may be triggered by a known allergen. If this is the case, you can try and avoid or limit your exposure to the allergen.
Nasal irrigation is a drug-free technique to clear out air-borne allergens and mucus from blocked nostrils.
Using salt water (saline) nasal sprays can provide relief and is a good solution during pregnancy.
Persistent symptoms are managed individually. If you have itchy-watery eyes, there are certain eye drops that are approved for use during pregnancy.
Similarly, specific medicated nasal sprays and antihistamines can be used.
However, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine while pregnant.
Is there an impact on my unborn baby?
There are insufficient studies to fully understand the impact of pregnancy rhinitis on the growth and development of unborn babies.
However, any condition that reduces your quality of life has the potential to affect your baby. This includes the quality of your sleep during pregnancy.
If you are concerned about your sleep or breathing during pregnancy, speak to your doctor. They can help you find the best way to clear your breathing passages and improve your sleep.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
Sources:
Auris Nasus Larynx (Medical Management of rhinitis in pregnancy), American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy (Redefining Pregnancy-induced Rhinitis), International Journal of Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics (Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Its Impact on Pregnancy), South Eastern Sydney Local health District/The Royal Hospital for Women (Hay Fever in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding), The Royal Women’s Hospital (Medicines in Pregnancy), Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) (Allergic Rhinitis Clinical Update)Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: July 2022
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Related pages
- Medicines during pregnancy
- Cold and flu during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Allergies: controlling your environment
- Airborne allergies
- Allergies and hay fever during pregnancy
Need more information?
Allergic rhinitis - symptoms, causes and treatment - MyDr.com.au
Rhinitis means inflammation of the lining of the nose. Allergic rhinitis means that this inflammation is caused by an allergy.
Read more on myDr website
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)? - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)
Allergic rhinitis (commonly known as hay fever) affects around 18% of people in Australia and New Zealand.
It can affect children and adults.
Read more on ASCIA – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website
Allergic Rhinitis (hayfever) - Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is one of the most common allergic conditions affecting 1 in 5 people in Australia. It is caused by the body’s immune system reacting to common allergens in the environment such as pollen, house dust mite, moulds and animal danders (skin cells and fur).
Read more on Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia website
Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis) - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)
The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) is the peak professional body of clinical immunology and allergy in Australia and New Zealand.
ASCIA promotes and advances the study and knowledge of immune and allergic diseases, including asthma.
Read more on ASCIA – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website
Immunotherapy for Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) - Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia
Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) has been used for over 100 years and is a proven treatment providing long-term relief for hay fever. The aim of AIT is to help people react less to their trigger allergen/s that cause symptoms (such as grass pollen/house dust mite). This means having no/less symptoms and a better quality of life.
Read more on Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia website
Pollen - a trigger for hay fever - National Asthma Council Australia
Plant pollen is well known as a trigger for seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
Read more on National Asthma Council Australia website
Hay Fever & Asthma | Hay Fever-related Asthma Causes & Symptoms - Asthma Australia
Hay fever is a common allergy, also known as allergic rhinitis, that can also trigger asthma flare-ups. Learn more about hay fever-related asthma & symptoms here.
Read more on Asthma Australia website
Other Allergic Conditions - Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia
Other Allergic Conditions included: Urticaria (Hives), Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), Allergic Conjunctivitis, Allergic Rhinitis (hayfever), Sinusitis
Read more on Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia website
Thunderstorm asthma - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)
It seems reasonable to think that rain would relieve allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma triggered by pollen, by washing pollen out of the air.
However, rain from some thunderstorms can make some people's symptoms worse. Epidemics of thunderstorm asthma in Australia have occurred in Melbourne and Wagga Wagga.
Read more on ASCIA – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website
Allergy Treatments - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)
The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) is the peak professional body of clinical immunology and allergy in Australia and New Zealand. ASCIA promotes and advances the study and knowledge of immune and allergic diseases, including asthma.
Read more on ASCIA – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website
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Baby (and tissues!) on board: Tips for managing pregnancy rhinitis | Your Pregnancy Matters
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MedBlog
Your Pregnancy Matters
October 6, 2020
Your Pregnancy Matters
Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, M.
D. Obstetrics and Gynecology
When you think of side effects or symptoms brought on by pregnancy, nasal congestion and runny nose are not typically among the first to come to mind.
But maybe they should. Having a stuffy nose, difficulty breathing or sleeping, and snoring when pregnant can be alarming, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the start of flu season.
Pregnancy rhinitis, also called gestational rhinitis, is a common ailment in the second and third trimesters, affecting approximately 20% of women. Characterized by inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes in the nose, pregnancy rhinitis symptoms include congestion (nasal obstruction), sneezing, postnasal drip, and runny nose.
These symptoms can also lead to poor sleep when your growing belly might already be making it difficult to rest.
All these issues can dramatically affect your mood and quality of life. The good news is that, for most patients, pregnancy rhinitis is temporary and there are safe, effective treatments available.
I've invited my colleague, Ashleigh Halderman, M.D., an ear, nose, and throat specialist at UT Southwestern to explain in more detail the causes of pregnancy rhinitis and how patients can manage their symptoms.
What causes pregnancy rhinitis?
Dr. Ashleigh HaldermanThe root cause of rhinitis can be allergic (affected by environmental irritants) or non-allergic (caused by infection). However, we are still learning how rhinitis is related to pregnancy.
We know that smoking, as well as having chronic rhinitis before pregnancy, predisposes patients to developing pregnancy rhinitis.
Research suggests a few more potential causes:
- Having extra fluid in the body: During pregnancy, the body makes more blood and fluids, which can cause swelling, even in unexpected places such as the nasal passages. Blood vessels in the nose can swell with this additional volume, causing stuffiness.
- Higher levels of estrogen: Estrogen in older formulations of birth control pills has been associated with a side effect of nasal obstruction. However, in studies of the menstrual cycle, we don't see congestion with fluctuating estrogen levels. So, the connection remains unclear for now.
- Creation of human growth hormone: The placenta creates a variant of the human growth hormone (HGH), which has been associated with nasal symptoms in other conditions. For example, tumors that grow on the pituitary glands secrete growth hormones, which can cause severe nasal congestion.
Gestational rhinitis is under-researched. Data to date suggest no known association of rhinitis with pre-existing asthma, maternal age, duration of pregnancy, or the number of times a patient has been pregnant.
However, a recent study found that patients carrying female babies were diagnosed significantly more often than patients carrying male babies.
Related reading: How to manage allergies and asthma during pregnancy
How long do symptoms last?
The annoying, uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis typically last six weeks or longer. For most patients, symptoms typically resolve two weeks after delivery.
Approximately a third of patients who had chronic rhinitis before pregnancy will have the same level of symptoms during, and a third will experience worsening of rhinitis symptoms. However, the remaining third will have less severe or no symptoms during pregnancy. I've had many women tell me they've felt the best, sinus-wise, when they were pregnant. However, there's no specific reason why this occurs.
Related reading: 5 weird pregnancy symptoms you might not know about
What treatments are available?
The first step toward relief is a visit with your doctor to rule out infection, such as COVID-19, influenza, or sinusitis.
We may also recommend testing for concerns such as sinusitis or pregnancy tumor (pyogenic granuloma) – a non-cancerous growth of blood vessels that may appear during pregnancy.
From there, your doctor and Ob/Gyn may suggest:
- Getting regular exercise: Working out has been shown to significantly help relieve nasal congestion and regulate the sleep cycle. All the more reason to bust a move during pregnancy!
- Elevating your mattress: Try positioning the mattress so your whole body is situated at a 45-degree angle. While not widely studied, patients have reported that this helps clear the nasal passages enough to sleep.
- Using a humidifier: Adding a little moisture to the air can help alleviate nasal irritation. Many patients use them at night to wake up feeling less stuffy.
- Trying a sinus wash: Nasal saline sprays or sinus irrigation systems such as a neti pot can help clear the sinuses. Make sure to use distilled or boiled (and cooled) water – using water straight from the tap is not recommended.
Topical decongestants such as Afrin can be incredibly and immediately effective, but there is a risk of dependency. If you use this type of treatment more than once or twice a week, your nose can become "addicted" to it, which can lead to rhinitis medicamentosa – the spray will stop working as well, and your symptoms may get worse. Also, unlike gestational rhinitis, rhinitis medicamentosa won’t resolve after you deliver. It will only resolve when you stop using topical decongestants.
In general, pregnant patients can take decongestants that include pseudoephedrine as directed. However, we always recommend talking with your Ob/Gyn first, especially if you have high blood pressure.
Your Ob/Gyn might also recommend a steroid nasal spray, such as Flonase or Rhinocort, for severe symptoms. If you were using a spray to manage chronic rhinitis prior to pregnancy, your Ob/Gyn might advise you to keep using it during pregnancy. It is generally considered safe to use these products while breastfeeding, under your Ob/Gyn's guidance.
Your body will change in interesting ways during pregnancy. If you have new or unusual symptoms, call your doctor. We'll help you sort out what's normal from what could be a sinus infection or respiratory illness.
To talk with a doctor about nasal symptoms during pregnancy, call 214-645-8300 or request an appointment online.
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More Articles
Is a runny nose dangerous at the beginning of pregnancy?
Runny nose can be of several types: allergic, viral, vasomotor, and if a runny nose occurs during pregnancy, the disease is called rhinitis of pregnant women.
Runny nose at the beginning of pregnancy
This runny nose at the beginning of pregnancy causes nasal congestion due to hormonal changes (increased levels of female hormones: estrogen and progesterone), swelling of the nasal mucosa and its thinning. Do not worry! Rhinitis of pregnant women goes away by itself after childbirth. To make such a runny nose bother you as little as possible during pregnancy, increase the dosage of vitamin C, after consulting with your doctor. Coordinate their actions in case of a runny nose in the first trimester of pregnancy (and throughout all 9months) is required.
For example, an excess of vitamins leads to the appearance of pathologies in the fetus.
Vasoconstrictor drops should also be used with caution. What drops to use, in what volume and how often - ask your doctor! Drops are taken at the peak of the disease, in the event that other means have been useless. They cause vasoconstriction, thereby removing the swelling of the mucosa. But through the nasopharynx, drops can enter the stomach and through the blood - into the placenta. Narrowing of the vessels of the placenta disrupts the blood supply to the fetus, complicates its development. As you can see, not only the runny nose during pregnancy is dangerous, but also its improper treatment.
- Aqualor Soft,
- Aqualor Norm,
- Aqualor Forte,
- Aqualor Extra.
Runny nose in the first trimester of pregnancy? How to quickly and safely restore good health!
If everything is clear with "rhinitis of pregnancy" - it will go away after childbirth without leaving any consequences, then what to do with a common cold, how to cure a runny nose? Yes, even if the temperature is about to rise.
Runny nose in early pregnancy is especially dangerous for the unborn child. In the first 3 months, the formation of organs occurs, the so-called laying of health for the future. Any disease, especially of an infectious nature, can be automatically transmitted to a child, causing deviations in its development. Unfortunately, in the case of a severe runny nose in early pregnancy, even spontaneous abortion can occur. Therefore, the treatment of the common cold in early pregnancy should be given special attention.
Most importantly: do not worry and follow all the doctor's instructions. Runny nose in the first trimester of pregnancy should not be treated with chemicals, vitamins, honey, or hot baths should not be taken without control. Useful dry heat. Put on warm socks, soft cozy pajamas and climb into bed with a cup of herbal tea.
As for the approved remedies for the treatment of the common cold at the beginning of pregnancy, sea water occupies a leading position.
We are pleased to present to your attention a unique remedy for the common cold during pregnancy, created on the basis of natural sea water - Aqualor by the Canadian company PharmaMed.
Aqualor products are made from sea water obtained from the Atlantic Ocean near Brittany (France). The term “produced” is not entirely correct: the composition of water will simply reach a level that, in terms of salt concentration, is identical to the composition of liquids in the human body. Therefore, the use of Aqualor for the treatment of the common cold in early pregnancy is absolutely safe. Aqualor does not contain dyes and preservatives. Therefore, sea water is an excellent remedy for a runny nose in the first trimester of pregnancy to pass without any effect on the health of the baby.
Why is it recommended to treat a runny nose with sea water in early pregnancy?
Patients who develop a runny nose at the beginning of pregnancy very often come to the doctor. The most common medical advice is to treat a runny nose in early pregnancy with ascorbic acid (helps fight infection) and sea water products, and ventilate the room more often.
Why should you choose sea water-based preparations?
First of all, it is a completely natural product. Aqualor can be used without any restrictions on the frequency, frequency and duration of treatment.
Secondly, Aqualor performs at least two functions: it treats not only the mucous membrane of the nose, but also of the throat. There is also a separate line of Aqualor throat sprays for this.
Thirdly, Aqualor is effective. Water contains salts and trace elements, contributes to the thinning of mucus and its normal production. Sea water softens dried crusts, promotes their separation, bacteria are washed out of the mucous membrane and nasopharynx. Salts and trace elements help to quickly restore the protective functions of the mucous membrane.
Runny nose in late pregnancy
The formation of the baby's organs ends after 12 weeks. Therefore, the expectant mother in the treatment of the common cold in late pregnancy has more freedom than at the beginning of this long journey.
The risk of developmental anomalies is minimal. But still, each stage of the course of therapy for a cold in late pregnancy should be agreed with the doctor. Otherwise, there is a high risk of developing placental insufficiency, fetal hypoxia, and premature birth is possible.
Therefore, treatment should not be delayed. Runny nose in late pregnancy , as well as in early pregnancy, can be treated with the Aqualor series. After childbirth, you can arrange a preventive course of irrigation of the nasopharynx. A runny nose during breastfeeding is dangerous for a child, but washing with Aqualor preparations is not.
Pregnancy rhinitis - why it occurs and how to treat it?
Rhinitis of pregnant women is not dangerous, but worsens the quality of life of a woman during pregnancy.Article rating
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Contents
- How long does pregnancy rhinitis occur and how long does it last?
- Symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis
- Causes of pregnancy rhinitis
- How to distinguish the symptoms of rhinitis during pregnancy from other pathologies?
- Treatment of rhinitis of pregnant women
- General recommendations for pregnant women who have symptoms of rhinitis
- Drugs for the treatment of rhinitis
Rhinitis of pregnancy (nasal obstruction) is a common pathology that occurs in about 30% of expectant mothers. Manifested by a typical triad of symptoms: nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, the presence of mucous secretions. By itself, it is not dangerous, but worsens the quality of life of a woman during pregnancy. The difficulty of stopping the pathology and relieving symptoms lies in the fact that during pregnancy there are restrictions on the use of a number of physiotherapeutic methods and drugs.
When does rhinitis of pregnancy occur and how long does it last?
Most often, pathology occurs:
- up to and including the 20th week of pregnancy - in this case, rhinitis usually resolves on its own (after about a month or two) and does not manifest itself in the later stages;
- after the 20th week of pregnancy - this condition can continue until childbirth and after them (after 2-3 weeks).
If the symptoms last longer than two months and are not relieved by any independent action (vasoconstrictor sprays are prohibited!), then the cause may be hiding in a chronic disease.
Symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis
- Difficult nasal breathing, nasal congestion;
- Nasal discomfort, sneezing;
- Presence of clear mucous discharge;
- Feeling of constriction in the region of the nose and sinuses;
- Mild headaches.
Difficulty in nasal breathing in the mother leads to sleep disturbance and hypoxia, which is also felt by the fetus.
Causes of pregnancy rhinitis
The pathogenesis of the disease is still a controversial issue. Most doctors are inclined to believe that it is of a hormonal nature and is associated with an increased level of estrogen and acetylcholine in the blood serum (as a result), which leads to hyperemia of the nasal mucosa and swelling. The concentration of estradiol, estrone, estriol in the bloodstream of pregnant women increases, in some future mothers, for this reason, the shape of the nose may change, it may increase in size.
There is evidence that pregnant women with symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis have elevated serum placental hormone levels. Another reason that can cause long-term nasal obstruction is the tone of smooth muscle cells under the influence of the inhibitory action of the steroid hormone progesterone. It causes fluid retention in the body and has such a side effect on the nasal mucosa.
Histochemical studies have shown that nasal congestion may occur due to plethora due to hyperactivity of the parasympathetic nervous system in pregnant women.
How to distinguish the symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis from other pathologies?
Symptoms of rhinitis during pregnancy are indeed similar to those of other diseases, such as viral infections, sinusitis. It is difficult for a future mother to distinguish a pathology by external signs, therefore a doctor's consultation is necessary. Our clinic employs specialists with extensive experience who will quickly diagnose and prescribe treatment.
If the symptoms are accompanied by a sore throat, fever, then this indicates the presence of a bacterial and/or viral infection or other inflammatory process.
With sinusitis, the mucous discharge may have a yellowish or greenish tint. When pressing in the area of the maxillary and frontal sinuses, there are painful sensations, when the head is tilted, the pain may intensify. Also, sinusitis often causes an increase in temperature, while with nasal obstruction, such symptoms are not observed.
Sometimes rhinitis of pregnancy is confused with allergic rhinitis, which may worsen, there may be sensitization to allergens to which patients have not previously reported sensitivity.
Treatment of rhinitis in pregnancy
In our clinic, a thorough diagnosis is carried out in order to exclude diseases similar to rhinitis in terms of symptoms. After the examination, individual treatment is prescribed depending on the severity, severity and indications.
Treatment is complicated by the fact that many drugs can cause contraction of the myometrium and fetal circulation or vasoconstriction with impaired placental function. Therefore, a doctor should prescribe drug therapy, you can not use drugs on your own - they can cause a violation of the development of the fetus.
General advice for pregnant women with symptoms of rhinitis
- Nasal rinse with weak saline solution (2 teaspoons of sea salt per glass of water). Salt solution improves the discharge of nasal mucus and reduces the feeling of congestion.
- Nasal douches (nose washers) are very helpful. You can use regular saline for them.
- Ventilate the room before going to bed, use humidifiers.
Dry air can exacerbate unpleasant symptoms. - Use a high pillow (or multiple pillows) to sleep with your head well above your torso.
- Walking in the fresh air before going to bed is helpful.
- Do morning exercises and breathing exercises several times a day to reduce the symptoms of hypoxia.
- Do not wear perfume and stay away from smokers.
Do not use vasoconstrictor nasal drops during pregnancy as they may cause vasomotor rhinitis.
Preparations for the treatment of rhinitis
Preparations for use during pregnancy are selected with great care and individually. Pregnant women are not given oral systemic corticosteroids, although their effect on the fetus is not fully understood. In some cases, the doctor prescribes corticosteroids in the form of aerosols. Oral antihistamines are also not prescribed due to the increased risk of embryopathies. The choice of physiotherapy is also limited, because most methods negatively affect the development of the fetus.
