Sinusitis early pregnancy symptom

11 Early Symptoms of Pregnancy — How to Know If You're Pregnant

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Feeling tired, nauseous or sensitive to smells? You might be pregnant.

By Jamie Ballard

Jun 14, 2019

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It's easy to miss some of the common early signs of pregnancy, as many of these symptoms can easily be mistaken for other ailments. To know whether or not you should buy a pregnancy test, Dr. Dana Gossett, an OB-GYN and professor with the University of California San Francisco’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, says it's important to monitor your periods.

"Women keeping track of their periods is important," she tells Woman's Day. "It provides a window into your overall health if you have a lens on what your period is doing. There are tons of free apps out there that you can use to track it. If more people are doing that and are in tune with their gynecological health, they’re more likely to recognize when they could be pregnant."

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, and your period has been MIA, it may be worth taking a pregnancy test or visiting your OB-GYN.

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Fatigue

A very common early symptom of pregnancy is fatigue, according to Dr. Gossett. "Most women in their first trimester feel exhausted, and many can mistake early pregnancy for coming down with something else, like a cold or flu," she tells Woman's Day.

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Nausea

Gossett says that nausea is another early symptom of pregnancy. "About 80% of women experience nausea early in their pregnancy," she says. "But that means that one in five don’t. So some women might think, 'I’m not feeling nauseous so I’m not pregnant,' and that might not be true."

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Sensitivity to Smells

Gossett says that becoming unusually sensitive to smells could be another sign that you might be pregnant. "If suddenly food smells are really turning you off, or if you have an aversion to foods you usually enjoy, that could be another early sign of pregnancy," she says.

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Increased Urination

Increased urination can be symptomatic of a few different things, including pregnancy. Dr. Andrei Rebarber, an OB-GYN, president of the Maternal Fetal Health Associates in New York, and a Clinical Professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine says if you're urinating more often than usual (but there isn't any pain), you might be pregnant.

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Bloating

If you're feeling unusually bloated or have cramps, that might also be a sign that it's time to take a pregnancy test. Gossett and Rebarber both say this can be another early symptom of pregnancy that many women could miss.

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Constipation

If you're having trouble going to the bathroom, that could be another early symptom of pregnancy, according to Gossett and Rebarber who both mention this as a potential sign.

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Breast Tenderness or Enlargement

Breast changes are an early symptom of pregnancy for many women. If you notice that yours are unusually sensitive or feel fuller than usual to the touch, Dr. Rebarber says this could be an early symptom of pregnancy.

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Darkening Areolas

According to WebMD, another change to your breasts that might indicate pregnancy is the darkening of the skin around your nipples, a. k.a the areola.

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Congestion

If you've got a stuffy nose, it could be another sign that you're possibly pregnant. According to the Mayo Clinic, "increasing hormone levels and blood production can cause the mucous membranes in your nose to swell, dry out and bleed easily. This might cause you to have a stuffy or runny nose."

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Pelvic Pain

Unusual pelvic pain is one potential symptom of pregnancy that needs to be addressed immediately. "Pelvic pain is serious, as it can indicate an ectopic pregnancy," explains Dr. Rebarber. An ectopic pregnancy is one where the fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus.

"If someone is experiencing pelvic pain, they need to see a provider as soon as possible," Rebarber says.

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Bleeding or Spotting

Even if you think you've gotten your period, there could actually still be a chance you're pregnant. "If you think you’ve gotten your period, but you have some of these other symptoms, you may actually be pregnant," Gossett says. "Sometimes there is bleeding when a pregnancy is implanting, and it can be confused with a period. So it may be worthwhile to rule it out if you’re experiencing any of these other symptoms."

7 Reasons You Gain Weight During Your Period

Jamie Ballard Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance.

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Sinus Infection While Pregnant: Prevention and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Valencia Higuera on May 17, 2018

Overview

Pregnancy has its own set of symptoms. Some days you may feel physically and emotionally well, and other days you may feel ill. Many women experience morning sickness, tiredness, and back pain throughout their three trimesters.

Getting sick with a sinus infection while having these pregnancy symptoms can take a toll on the body.

Here’s how to prevent and treat a sinus infection.

Symptoms of a sinus infection during pregnancy

Sinusitis can develop at any point during the first, second, or third trimester of pregnancy. This is an infection and inflammation in the lining of your sinuses. The sinuses are air-filled pockets located around the face and nose.

A sinus infection can cause different symptoms, including:

mucus drainage
stuffy nose
pain and pressure around the face
sore throat
headache
fever
coughing

The symptoms can be worrisome, but there are ways to treat and prevent a sinus infection during pregnancy.

What causes a sinus infection?

Symptoms of a sinus infection can mimic other conditions like allergies and the common cold. An acute infection can last up to four weeks. Chronic infections can last more than 12 weeks. Sinusitis during pregnancy can be triggered by a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.

In some cases, a sinus infection is a complication of the common cold. You’re also at higher risk for a sinus infection if you have allergies. In both conditions, mucus can block the sinus cavities and result in swelling and inflammation. This can lead to an infection.

A sinus infection causes unpleasant symptoms. Although it can make you feel worse while pregnant, relief is available.

Treating a sinus infection while pregnant

You may be concerned about taking medication for a sinus infection while pregnant. Your concerns are valid. The good news is that there are over-the-counter (OTC) medications that are safe to take while pregnant.

For example, you can relieve a sinus headache and sore throat with acetaminophen (Tylenol). Make sure you take the pain reliever as directed.

Other medications might be safe to take during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before you take:

decongestants
antihistamines
expectorants
cough suppressants

Aspirin (Bayer) isn’t recommended during pregnancy. Likewise, avoid ibuprofen (Advil) unless you’re under a doctor’s supervision. Ibuprofen has been linked to pregnancy complications, such as reduced amniotic fluid and miscarriage.

Consult your doctor if you have questions about safe medications to take while treating a sinus infection during pregnancy.

Home remedies for a sinus infection during pregnancy

Medications like cough suppressants, pain relievers, and decongestants can relieve symptoms of an infection. But if you want to avoid using medications during pregnancy, you can treat your symptoms with home remedies.

Increasing your fluid intake can ease a sore throat, loosen mucus drainage, and clear a stuffy nose. Ideal fluids include:

water
citrus juices
decaf teas
broth

Here are some other home remedies to relieve your sinus infection symptoms:

Use saline drops from the pharmacy, or make your own drops using 1 cup of warm water, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of baking soda.
Run a humidifier at night to keep your nasal passage clear and thin mucus.
Sleep with more than one pillow to elevate your head. This stops mucus from accumulating in your sinuses at night.
Use steam to help loosen the mucus.
Gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat, or suck on throat lozenges.
Slow down and relax. Rest can strengthen your immune system and help you fight the infection.

If you have facial pain or headaches from sinusitis, relieve pain by placing a hot or cold pack on your forehead, or gently massage your forehead. Taking a warm bath may also provide relief from a sinus headache. Be sure the water isn’t too hot. Hot baths should be avoided in pregnancy.

When to see your doctor

A sinus infection can resolve itself with home treatment. But there are times when you should see a doctor.

Make an appointment with your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve with OTC medications or home remedies, or if your symptoms worsen.

Contact your doctor if you have a fever higher than 101°F (38°C), or if you start coughing up green or yellow mucus. Also see your doctor if you have recurrent sinus infections.

Leaving a severe sinus infection untreated increases the risk of complications, such as meningitis. Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes in the brain or spinal cord.

An untreated infection can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, eyes, and skin. It can also affect your sense of smell.

Tests for a sinus infection during pregnancy

If you seek medical attention, your doctor may conduct a variety of tests. These include:

Nasal endoscopy. Your doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube into your nose to examine your sinuses.
Imaging tests. Your doctor may order a CT scan or an MRI to take pictures of your sinuses to help them confirm a diagnosis.

Depending on your specific case, your doctor may also order a nasal and sinus culture to determine the underlying cause of your sinus infection. You may also undergo allergy testing to see whether allergies are triggering your chronic sinus infections.

Next steps

Getting a sinus infection while pregnant isn’t fun, but there are ways to prevent and lower your risk.

These infections often develop after the common cold, so try to do everything possible to avoid getting sick with a cold. Limit contact with sick people. Consider wearing a facial mask to protect yourself from germs. It’s also important to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your mouth and nose.

If you have allergies, ask your doctor about pregnancy-safe antihistamines to manage your symptoms (prescription or OTC). Also avoid situations that can trigger an allergy flare-up. Avoid establishments with heavy scents or cigarette smoke. Stop using fragrances and cleaning products with strong odors.

Dry air prevents the sinuses from draining, so using a humidifier to increase the moisture level in your home can also reduce your risk of a sinus infection.

Last medically reviewed on May 17, 2018

Parenthood
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Health

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Valencia Higuera on May 17, 2018

causes, symptoms, methods of diagnosis and treatment

During pregnancy, a natural decrease in immunity occurs. Even the common cold is often accompanied by complications. One of the most common side effects is sinusitis. The disease is caused by various pathogenic microorganisms that actively multiply on the mucous membranes of the nose. Pathology negatively affects the well-being of a woman, the development of the fetus. Therefore, when the first signs of the disease appear, in order to cure sinusitis without consequences, it is urgent to consult a doctor.

Causes of disease

Sinusitis (maxillary sinusitis, maxillary rhinosinusitis) is an infectious disease in which the inflammatory process is localized in one or both maxillary, maxillary sinuses.

The main causative agents of sinusitis are viruses. These are influenza virus and parainfluenza, rhinovirus, adenovirus. Less commonly, the disease is caused by bacteria - Haemophilus influenzae, pneumococcus, staphylococcus, streptococcus. Fungal chronic rhinosinusitis develops with a significant decrease in immunity against the background of oncological pathologies, HIV, and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.

Contact with allergens, inhalation of cigarette smoke can provoke the development of maxillary sinusitis during pregnancy.

Sinusitis in pregnant women - predisposing factors:

deviated nasal septum, excessively narrow nasal passages;
infectious pathologies of the upper respiratory tract;
chronic rhinitis, tonsillitis;
polyps in the nasal cavity;
mechanical damage to the nasal mucosa;
frequent hypothermia;
decreased immunity against the background of an unbalanced diet, stress, beriberi, a sedentary lifestyle;
bronchial asthma, cystic fibrosis, AIDS.

Infection in the maxillary sinuses can penetrate not only through the nose. Often, pathogens enter the sinuses from the carious teeth of the upper jaw. Our doctors at a remote consultation will tell you in more detail about the causes of the pathology and methods of treatment.

Symptoms of maxillary sinusitis

The disease occurs in acute and chronic form. Pregnant women often experience exacerbation of chronic maxillary sinusitis.

Symptoms of sinusitis in pregnant women:

severe headache in the forehead, temples, often radiates to the jaw;
nasal congestion, runny nose, thick mucous or purulent discharge;
a feeling of fullness, soreness in the bridge of the nose, under the eyes, in the upper part of the cheeks, intensifies in the evening, when tilting or turning the head;
the temperature rises to 38 or more degrees;
swelling of the eyelids;
deterioration or loss of smell;
weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite.

With an exacerbation of the chronic form of the disease during pregnancy, the temperature rises to 37.2-37.5 degrees, the nose is blocked, a moderate headache worries, and various discharges from the nose appear.

Pay attention! The appearance of green mucus in sinusitis is one of the main signs of purulent inflammation.

Diagnostics

If there are signs of maxillary sinusitis, it is necessary to visit the ENT. The doctor collects an anamnesis, conducts an external examination, palpation of the sinus area and lymph nodes.

Laboratory and instrumental diagnostics:

complete blood count, analysis for C-reactive protein - according to the results, you can assess the severity of the inflammatory process, determine the type of infection;
rhinoscopy - examination of the nasal cavity with the help of special mirrors to assess the condition of the mucous membrane and septum, to identify secretions;
endoscopic examination - is prescribed to examine hard-to-reach areas of the nasal cavity;
sinus scanning - ultrasound of the maxillary sinuses.

Important! Radiation exposure is contraindicated during pregnancy. Therefore, X-ray, CT scan of the sinuses for the diagnosis of sinusitis in pregnant women in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester is not prescribed.

Features of the treatment of maxillary sinusitis during pregnancy

How can sinusitis be treated during pregnancy? During childbearing, many drugs are contraindicated. The classical treatment regimen involves taking antibiotics, but such therapy is not suitable for expectant mothers. In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe local antibacterial drugs in the form of a spray, nasal drops.

Treatment of sinusitis in pregnant women - drugs and auxiliary methods:

vasoconstrictor drops;
saline solutions for washing the nose;
antipyretics based on paracetamol;
washing the maxillary sinuses by moving the liquid ("cuckoo") - a drug is injected into one nostril, the medicine is pulled out through the other along with purulent masses;
puncture of the maxillary sinus - a puncture is made with a special needle, pus is pumped out with a syringe, the cavity is washed with an antiseptic.

The choice of drugs depends on the duration of pregnancy. Many drugs that cannot be used in the early stages can be used to treat sinusitis in pregnant women in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Treatment is usually carried out at home, but hospitalization is indicated in severe cases.

Important! Physiotherapy for the treatment of sinusitis during pregnancy is not prescribed.

What is the danger of sinusitis during pregnancy

Inflammation of the maxillary sinuses does not directly affect the development of the fetus. But with constant congestion, nasal breathing is disturbed. The brain and other internal organs suffer from a lack of oxygen, fetal hypoxia develops.

The maxillary sinuses are located close to many important organs into which purulent masses can get.

Consequences of maxillary sinusitis:

acute pharyngitis, tonsillitis, otitis;
meningitis, encephalitis;
sepsis;
inflammation of the bone walls of the orbit of the eyes, conjunctivitis, exophthalmos;
osteomyelitis is a purulent inflammation of the bones and bone marrow.

Important! Sinusitis is especially dangerous in the early stages. During this period, the rudiments of internal organs and systems are laid and formed in the fetus. Due to the lack of oxygen, this process can be disrupted.

Methods of prevention

There are no specific recommendations for preventing sinusitis during pregnancy. But following a few simple rules will help reduce the risk of inflammation of the maxillary sinuses:

after visiting crowded places, rinse the nasal passages with saline;
take vitamin complexes;
eat a balanced diet, consume more fresh vegetables and fruits, natural fermented milk products;
avoid stress, hypothermia, overwork;
do not self-medicate even a common cold, do not use folk recipes without a doctor's prescription;
avoid crowded places during epidemics of respiratory infections;

As a preventive measure, you can perform breathing exercises. Close one nostril, inhale, exhale through the mouth. Repeat 10 times for each nostril. Perform gymnastics 3-5 times a day.

FAQ

Diagnosed sinusitis in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. How dangerous is it?

Sinusitis negatively affects the condition of a woman. Various complications arise due to constant nasal congestion, nasal breathing disorders. With a purulent form of the disease, pus can penetrate the brain and other nearby tissues, which leads to the development of dangerous pathological conditions. Another problem of sinusitis during pregnancy in the 1st, 2nd trimester is the complexity of treatment, potent antibiotics cannot be taken at these times.

What are the symptoms of maxillary sinusitis?

The initial symptoms of sinusitis are in many ways similar to the common cold. Worried about a runny nose, nasal congestion, deterioration of the general condition. But there are also specific manifestations of the disease. This is pain in the bridge of the nose and under the eyes, with the accumulation of pus there is pressure in the sinus area. Unpleasant sensations are aggravated by turning and tilting the head, subside in the prone position.

What can be used by pregnant women with sinusitis? What folk remedies will help?

Any treatment of sinusitis at home during pregnancy is categorically contraindicated. Even safe products can cause severe allergic reactions in pregnant women. It is absolutely impossible to do any warming procedures - under the influence of heat, pathogens actively multiply, the infection spreads to neighboring tissues. The lack of proper treatment is the main reason for the transition of sinusitis to a chronic form, the development of complications. Only a doctor can treat sinusitis for pregnant women.

Why does maxillary rhinosinusitis occur in pregnant women?

The main reason is the weakening of the protective functions of the body, the woman becomes more susceptible to various viruses and bacteria. Sinusitis is a common complication of SARS, influenza during pregnancy. Other reasons include a tendency to allergies, the presence of carious teeth, chronic or acute diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

Expert opinion:

Against the background of a weakened immune system, sinusitis in pregnant women is a common problem. The disease negatively affects the course of pregnancy and fetal development. Self-medication is strictly contraindicated. Safe drugs can only be selected by a doctor.

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Article author

Menshikova Maria Viktorovna obstetrician-gynecologist

Experience 38 years

Consultations 1816

Articles 46

Specialist with extensive practical experience. He has a certificate of a mammologist, a certificate of professional certification. Participates in foreign business trips and individual training programs (Los Angeles).

1982 - 1986 NPO MONIIAG - obstetrician-gynecologist
1987 - 1989 VNITs OZMIR - obstetrician-gynecologist
1989 - 1992 departmental polyclinic st. Moscow - Kurskaya - obstetrician-gynecologist
1992 - 2001 NPO MONIIAG - obstetrician-gynecologist
2007 - 2008 NP KMIKM - doctor administrator
2009 - 2013 Pereslavl Central District Hospital, women's consultation - obstetrician-gynecologist
2020 to present Teledoctor24 LLC - doctor - consultant (gynecologist)

causes, symptoms, methods of diagnosis and treatment

Causes of disease

Sinusitis (maxillary sinusitis, maxillary rhinosinusitis) is an infectious disease in which the inflammatory process is localized in one or both maxillary, maxillary sinuses.

Contact with allergens, inhalation of cigarette smoke can provoke the development of maxillary sinusitis during pregnancy.

Sinusitis in pregnant women - predisposing factors:

deviated nasal septum, excessively narrow nasal passages;
infectious pathologies of the upper respiratory tract;
chronic rhinitis, tonsillitis;
polyps in the nasal cavity;
mechanical damage to the nasal mucosa;
frequent hypothermia;
decreased immunity against the background of an unbalanced diet, stress, beriberi, a sedentary lifestyle;
bronchial asthma, cystic fibrosis, AIDS.

Symptoms of maxillary sinusitis

The disease occurs in acute and chronic form. Pregnant women often experience exacerbation of chronic maxillary sinusitis.

Symptoms of sinusitis in pregnant women:

severe headache in the forehead, temples, often radiates to the jaw;
nasal congestion, runny nose, thick mucous or purulent discharge;
a feeling of fullness, soreness in the bridge of the nose, under the eyes, in the upper part of the cheeks, intensifies in the evening, when tilting or turning the head;
the temperature rises to 38 or more degrees;
swelling of the eyelids;
deterioration or loss of smell;
weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite.

Pay attention! The appearance of green mucus in sinusitis is one of the main signs of purulent inflammation.

Diagnostics

If there are signs of maxillary sinusitis, it is necessary to visit the ENT. The doctor collects an anamnesis, conducts an external examination, palpation of the sinus area and lymph nodes.

Laboratory and instrumental diagnostics:

complete blood count, analysis for C-reactive protein - according to the results, you can assess the severity of the inflammatory process, determine the type of infection;
rhinoscopy - examination of the nasal cavity with the help of special mirrors to assess the condition of the mucous membrane and septum, to identify secretions;
endoscopic examination - is prescribed to examine hard-to-reach areas of the nasal cavity;
sinus scanning - ultrasound of the maxillary sinuses.

Features of the treatment of maxillary sinusitis during pregnancy

Treatment of sinusitis in pregnant women - drugs and auxiliary methods:

vasoconstrictor drops;
saline solutions for washing the nose;
antipyretics based on paracetamol;
washing the maxillary sinuses by moving the liquid ("cuckoo") - a drug is injected into one nostril, the medicine is pulled out through the other along with purulent masses;
puncture of the maxillary sinus - a puncture is made with a special needle, pus is pumped out with a syringe, the cavity is washed with an antiseptic.

Important! Physiotherapy for the treatment of sinusitis during pregnancy is not prescribed.

What is the danger of sinusitis during pregnancy

The maxillary sinuses are located close to many important organs into which purulent masses can get.

Consequences of maxillary sinusitis:

acute pharyngitis, tonsillitis, otitis;
meningitis, encephalitis;
sepsis;
inflammation of the bone walls of the orbit of the eyes, conjunctivitis, exophthalmos;
osteomyelitis is a purulent inflammation of the bones and bone marrow.

Methods of prevention

There are no specific recommendations for preventing sinusitis during pregnancy. But following a few simple rules will help reduce the risk of inflammation of the maxillary sinuses:

after visiting crowded places, rinse the nasal passages with saline;
take vitamin complexes;
eat a balanced diet, consume more fresh vegetables and fruits, natural fermented milk products;
avoid stress, hypothermia, overwork;
do not self-medicate even a common cold, do not use folk recipes without a doctor's prescription;
avoid crowded places during epidemics of respiratory infections;

As a preventive measure, you can perform breathing exercises. Close one nostril, inhale, exhale through the mouth. Repeat 10 times for each nostril. Perform gymnastics 3-5 times a day.