My nose is stuffy throughout my pregnancy. Severe nasal congestion during pregnancy: causes and safe treatment. Why is the nose stuffy in pregnant women?

In most cases, this condition appears as a result of infectious diseases caused by viruses or pathogenic bacteria. Such diseases include:

• ARVI

Factors that influence the development of the pathological condition include:

1. Hypothermia
2. Stressful situations
3. Decreased body defenses
4. Avitaminosis

Nasal congestion is usually accompanied by difficulty breathing through the nose, rhinorrhea, fever, headache, and cough. Also, allergic reactions may cause watery eyes, sneezing, and redness of the eyelids. In some cases, drowsiness, loss of appetite, dizziness, and pain in the nose area occur.

Possible complications of pathology during pregnancy include fetal hypoxia and intoxication of the body. With nasal congestion, a woman feels constant fatigue, and an increase in pressure is often observed. Toxicosis is also considered an undesirable consequence.

Dangerous consequences for women are also:

• Hearing loss, appearance.
• The occurrence of sinusitis.
• Bronchospasm.
• Laryngopathy.
• Development of pharyngitis or sore throat.
• Chronic infection.
• Early discharge of amniotic fluid.
• Blood loss during delivery.
• Inflammation of the reproductive system.
• Complications after childbirth.

If the condition is accompanied by a cough, the tone of the uterus increases, resulting in a risk of miscarriage or premature birth.

Is the condition dangerous for the fetus?

Experts say that during pregnancy, nasal congestion caused by infection is dangerous. This is explained by the fact that there is a risk of intrauterine infection of the fetus.

In addition, infectious diseases disrupt gas exchange in the lungs, which affects the development of hypoxia in the embryo.

In this case, the fetus experiences oxygen starvation, which subsequently leads to mental retardation.

If nasal congestion is accompanied by elevated temperature, the fetus may develop defects of the heart and blood vessels, muscle and bone tissue, and nervous system. This condition is also dangerous due to increased uterine tone, intrauterine fetal death, and impaired blood circulation in the placenta.

Safe drug treatment

Treatment of nasal congestion in pregnant women should be aimed at eliminating the underlying cause of the disease, as well as relieving the main symptoms. In addition, it is important to remember that independent selection of medications and treatment with them during pregnancy is strictly prohibited.

This is because many medications can affect fetal development. Therefore, a woman needs to seek help from a qualified specialist who will prescribe safe treatment.

Therapy may include the use of the following groups of drugs:

• Vasoconstrictor medications. For rhinorrhea and congestion of the nasal passages, drops such as Xymelin or Tizin are prescribed with caution. It is necessary to know that such medications can affect the formation of the fetus, so the decision about whether to use them or not must be made by the doctor.
• Saline solutions. Safe products during pregnancy are solutions based on sea salt, for example, No-salt. They are used to rinse the nose.
• Herbal preparations. You can use homeopathic medicine Delufen and herbal medicine for nasal congestion. These drugs reduce the inflammatory process, reduce the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, and relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa.
• Antibacterial drugs. From the fourteenth week of pregnancy, a pregnant woman may be prescribed local antibiotics: Isofra or.

Also important components of treatment are drinking regime, proper and balanced nutrition, intake of vitamins, optimal temperature and humidification of the air in the room.

In addition, vitamin and mineral complexes are also prescribed.

It must be remembered that the use of medications is justified during pregnancy when the benefit to the pregnant woman outweighs the likelihood of danger to the unborn child. During pregnancy, you can use safe folk remedies.

Effective folk remedies

1. Drinking warm milk with honey.
2. Instillation of juice or .
3. Instillation of the nasal passages with carrots or.
4. Massage of the wings of the nose.
5. Apply to the bridge of the nose and temples.

Drinking teas from medicinal plants is also an effective medicine. The following medicinal herbs are suitable for pregnant women:

• Chamomile
• St. John's wort
• Plantain
• Linden (flowers)
• Strawberry (leaves)

You can instill infusions of wild mallow, yarrow, sage, oregano, and coltsfoot into your nose.

Nasal rinsing and inhalation

Effective and safe methods for treating nasal congestion during pregnancy are inhalation and nasal rinsing.

To rinse your nose, you can use the following:

1. Sea salt solution. Preparations based on this salt can be purchased at pharmacies (Marimer, Quicks, Salin,). They can be replaced with a solution of table salt. To do this, dilute half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and filter.
2. Antiseptic solutions. Apply oils of thyme, rose hips, tea tree, chamomile.
3. It is also recommended to carry out inhalation using Borjomi mineral water.

Useful video: massage for nasal congestion

It is important to know how to prevent the development of nasal congestion during pregnancy. To this end, you should adhere to the following rules of prevention:

1. Strengthening the immune system (exercise, healthy lifestyle, taking vitamins).
2. Compliance with medical orders.
3. Proper and balanced nutrition.
4. Optimal drinking regime.
5. Ventilate the room and humidify the air in it.
6. Walks in the open air.
7. Avoiding hypothermia and contact with sick people.
8. Full sleep.

In addition, a pregnant woman should avoid stressful and conflict situations.

One of the problems that expectant young mothers face is nasal congestion during pregnancy. According to statistics, almost half of pregnant women suffer from vasomotor rhinitis. But this is not the only reason that can cause constant swelling of the mucous membrane.

A pregnant woman's body is more vulnerable to disease. This is due to physiological processes that are necessary to preserve the life of the child. For example, the corpus luteum suppresses the mother’s immunity so that it does not attack the fetus.

Since the immune system is suppressed, it is unable to resist external pathogens, so somatic diseases are not uncommon during pregnancy. In addition, chronic diseases often worsen, for example, sinusitis, laryngitis, and sinusitis. Why do women suffer from nasal congestion during pregnancy?

Why can't my nose breathe?

A constantly stuffy nose during pregnancy worries many women. The symptom appears due to the fact that the mucous membrane swells and blocks the lumen, air cannot circulate freely.

May occur due to the development of one of the types of rhinitis:

• vasomotor. Occurs in response to a sharp change in hormonal levels. Swelling of the mucous membrane is not caused by an inflammatory process;
• allergic. Appears due to changes in the immunity of the pregnant woman. Since it is now reduced, what was previously harmless can now cause increased histamine production;
• infectious. This type of rhinitis occurs due to the development of an infection of bacterial or viral origin. The risk of getting sick is especially high after hypothermia.

The reason for the development of vasomotor rhinitis in pregnant women is that the amount of circulating blood increases by 35–45%. In addition, hormonal levels change, which affects the condition of blood vessels and leads to fluid retention in the body, which causes vasodilation and swelling of the nasal mucosa.

Rhinitis in pregnant women often appears after the first trimester, as there is a significant change in the ratio of hormones, and the body’s adaptation takes time. In most cases, swelling lasts 3–4 weeks, but can occur before birth.

It turns out that the cause of acute rhinitis is the increased activity of pathogens, allergic rhinitis is the result of contact with an allergen, and vasomotor rhinitis occurs in response to ongoing physiological processes. Accordingly, each type of rhinitis requires specific therapy, so before treating nasal congestion during pregnancy, you need to identify what caused it.

With viral inflammation, not only does a constantly stuffy nose appear, but also fever, weakness, symptoms of intoxication, sore throat, and cough. In addition to congestion, allergic rhinitis can cause watery eyes, sneezing and unproductive coughing, and possible redness and rashes on the skin.

And if the nose is stuffy during pregnancy due to rhinitis during pregnancy, then the following symptoms are observed:

• sneezing;
• rhinorrhea (secret transparent, liquid, in small quantities);
• swelling of the mucous membrane increases in the lying position;
• wheezing occurs;
• temperature is normal;
• general health has not deteriorated.

Rhinitis in pregnant women may appear late in pregnancy

Rhinitis in pregnant women does not lead to mucosal atrophy and therefore does not require special treatment. Therapy is symptomatic, that is, it is aimed at restoring normal blood supply. Infectious rhinitis caused by bacteria requires taking a local antibiotic, and to get rid of allergic rhinitis you will need antihistamines.

There are several other explanations for why your nose is stuffy. For example, dry air in the apartment (especially during the heating season), inhalation of strong odors, poor ecology. It is necessary to establish the cause of nasal congestion during pregnancy, since lack of treatment can lead to chronic runny nose and progression of the disease.

You cannot cause a bacterial or viral runny nose, as the infection will penetrate into adjacent anatomical areas (ear, trachea).

Treatment of mucosal edema in pregnant women

What treatment is required for nasal congestion during pregnancy will be determined by the laryngologist after a visual examination and examination. During the examination, the doctor will rule out pathologies caused by tissue atrophy or hypertrophy and give recommendations for treatment.

If your nose is very stuffy during pregnancy, it is recommended:

• rinse the nose with saline solution or mineral water;
• maintain comfortable air humidity (65–75%);
• spend more time in the fresh air, periodically ventilate the rooms;
• When sleeping at night, place an extra pillow under your head;
• do wet cleaning daily;
• Drops and sprays will help get rid of severe nasal congestion.

Drug treatment

Treatment of nasal congestion during early pregnancy should be carried out with caution. In the first three months, the child’s organs and systems are formed, and any medications can provoke side effects and allergic reactions. Therefore, physiotherapy (warming, rinsing the nasal mucosa, inhalation, acupressure) is more often recommended.

Treating nasal congestion in pregnant women after the first trimester is somewhat easier, since the placental barrier and the baby’s organs are formed. After the 16th week of pregnancy, local and systemic medications may be prescribed.

To moisturize the mucous membrane, you can use Vaseline, baby cream, vegetable oil

Pregnant women are prescribed vasoconstrictor drops; they begin to act within a few minutes after administration and relieve swelling for 8–12 hours. However, they can be used for a short time, since the mucous membrane becomes accustomed to them and “refuses” to constrict the blood vessels on its own.

Only local agents are prescribed that do not penetrate the bloodstream. They can be based on sea water or contain corticosteroids (Flinksonase, Fluticasone). It is recommended to use drops at night for no longer than four days in a row.

The following remedies can be prescribed for nasal congestion during pregnancy:

• Aqua Maris. Made from Adriatic Sea water, which contains a useful complex of microelements. The spray does not contain preservatives or artificial additives, which makes it possible to use it in the early stages of pregnancy.
• Euphorbium Compositum. Prescribed for chronic runny nose and sinusitis. The spray quickly restores blood supply and moisturizes the mucous membrane. Contains silver nitrate, which destroys bacteria.
• Pinosol. Oil drops based on the substance guaiaschulene, which is extracted from eucalyptus. Reduces the secretion of glands and moisturizes the mucous membrane.
• Delufen. The product normalizes blood circulation and destroys pathogens. The medicine contains black mustard, loofah, lumbago, and euphorbia.

Drops with xylometazoline, naphazoline and oxymetazoline should only be taken under medical supervision, as they can enter the bloodstream and lead to vasospasm. If a woman has allergies, she is allowed to use Nazaval, Fexofenadine, Telfast sprays. They envelop the mucous membrane and prevent the allergen from affecting the tissue.

Your doctor will tell you what to do if rhinitis is caused by a bacterial infection. As a rule, a local agent with an antibacterial effect is prescribed to suppress the growth of bacteria (Bioparox spray).

Procedures for nasal congestion

When the nose is very stuffy during pregnancy, it is recommended to rinse with saline solution or products such as Aqua Maris, Salin, Marimer, Humer. You can use decoctions based on eucalyptus, sage, currants, and chamomile.

The procedure will help remove mucus and bacteria from the nose, moisturize the mucous membrane, and improve blood circulation. You need to do it 3-4 times daily. It is recommended to rinse the nose before instilling drops or using a spray or ointment.

Warming can help relieve nasal congestion in pregnant women

Warming up will help relieve severe nasal congestion. It helps to increase blood circulation in the mucous membrane, accelerates the liquefaction and removal of mucus. Warming is done with a special lamp, linen bags filled with sea salt, or hot boiled eggs.

The procedure is contraindicated if there are diseases of the ENT organs, accompanied by purulent discharge or with hyperthermia.

Inhalations will help relieve severe nasal congestion during pregnancy. The procedure helps eliminate swelling and moisturize the mucous membrane, reduce irritation and accelerate the removal of mucus. It can be done with an inhaler or simply by inhaling steam over a vessel. There are no contraindications to the use of saline solution, mineral water or saline solution made independently.

Sodium chloride has disinfectant properties, so inhalation with it will help destroy pathogenic microflora. If there is no individual intolerance, herbal decoctions, eucalyptus, fir and menthol oils, “Star” balm, Pinosol drops, Euphorbium compositum, Eucasept can also be used for inhalation.

Inhalations will help relieve severe nasal congestion during pregnancy.

How to relieve swelling using traditional methods

There are many folk remedies for nasal congestion during pregnancy. But it is important to remember that a pregnant woman’s body can react excessively to harmless substances, so you should be careful when choosing herbs and essential oils. There is no need to use several recipes at once; it is better to choose one and monitor the body’s reaction.

The following recipes will help relieve severe nasal congestion:

• Add 25 ml of lemon juice and a pinch of salt to 40 ml of water. You need to instill 2 drops every 5-6 hours.
• Mix equal amounts of vegetable, peach and sea buckthorn oil. Drip the mixture into your nose 2 times a day.
• Aloe juice will help relieve inflammation and speed up regeneration. It needs to be diluted with the same amount of water and placed in the nose. You can add honey to aloe.
• Beet and carrot juices contain phytoncides and beneficial microelements. They can be instilled together or used separately. The juice should be diluted with water in equal proportions and drop half a pipette several times a day.
• Take butter and the same amount of honey, mix them thoroughly. The product is applied to the nasal mucosa with a cotton swab. It moisturizes well and relieves swelling.

It will take longer to get rid of congestion with folk remedies than with medications. However, they do not cause addiction or unwanted effects, so they can be used during pregnancy. Making drops is not difficult, and buying their components is not difficult.

A stuffy nose during pregnancy can cause stress

A laryngologist will tell you how to treat nasal congestion during pregnancy in your specific case. Do not neglect the advice of a specialist. The absence of nasal breathing in the mother does not affect the formation and development of the child, however, cold and unpurified air enters the woman’s body, and this increases the risk of contracting an infection at any time.

In addition, constant nasal congestion causes irritation, disrupts sleep, and worsens the local immunity of the oral cavity, so it is necessary to cure the pathology or relieve symptoms in the case of rhinitis in pregnant women as quickly as possible.

In addition, nasal congestion during pregnancy or pregnant rhinitis occurs in almost 30% of women. It usually occurs at the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy and persists for 1-2 months after birth. Symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, rhinorrhea and nasal itching, which are caused by swelling and increased vascularization of the nasal mucosa. In women with nasal congestion before pregnancy, symptoms worsen during pregnancy. At the same time, rhinitis in pregnant women predisposes to nasal congestion and susceptibility to “cold” viruses with the subsequent development of bacterial sinusitis. According to research, sinusitis occurs 6 times more often in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women.

Some women with allergic rhinitis experience relief of symptoms during pregnancy, possibly due to increased cortisol levels.

Causes of nasal congestion during pregnancy

Congenital

• Choanal atresia, deviated nasal septum

Traumatic

• Deviated nasal septum

Infection

• Acute/chronic viral/bacterial/fungal rhinitis/sinusitis

Neoplastic

• Benign: nasal polyps, transitional cell nasal papilloma, pyogenic granuloma
• Malignant: adenocarcinoma

Allergic

• Allergic rhinitis

Autoimmune

• Wegener's granulomatosis, sarcoidosis, atrophic rhinitis

Iatrogenic

• Surgical, medicinal

Foreign body

Hormonal

• Rhinitis in pregnant women

Pharmacological

• Drug-induced rhinitis

Vasomotor

• The result of exposure to odors, alcohol, emotions, temperature and pressure fluctuations, bright light, spicy foods, gastroesophageal reflux disease

Professional

Nasal congestion during pregnancy is influenced by endocrine factors and is similar to nasal congestion associated with the menstrual cycle. Topically applied estrogens cause stagnation in the nasal mucosa and an increase in nasal resistance. However, studies of pregnant women with nasal congestion have not found an increase in estradiol and progesterone levels compared to a control group of women. Regular use of combined oral contraceptives is not accompanied by an increase in symptoms.

Animal studies have shown that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), stimulated by progesterone and oxytocin, causes an increase in nasal congestion.

In some pregnant women, allergic symptoms are caused by a deficiency of estrogen, resulting in low levels of cortisone in the blood and a shorter half-life of hydrocortisone than in normal pregnancy.

Electron microscopy and histochemical studies of the inferior turbinates of pregnant women showed hyperactivity of the mucous, goblet and seromacinous glands. Increased enzyme activity, especially in symptomatic women, indicates increased vascularization and metabolic activity. Increased choline esterase activity, characteristic of parasympathetic hyperactivity, increases glandular secretion and vascular congestion. Overactivity of the parasympathetic system may be an allergic reaction to proteins in the placenta or fetus.

The nasal mucosa is directly affected by a generalized increase in the volume of interstitial fluid, most pronounced in the third trimester of pregnancy, predisposing to nasal congestion.

Survey

The history includes the duration, location of congestion, any previous injury/surgery, aggravating or relieving factors, associated symptoms of sinusitis, the presence of atopy and response to previous treatment.

Anterior rhinoscopy examines the anterior part of the nose, nasal septum and concha and excludes polyps. Bulging turbinates are often confused with nasal polyps. However, they differ in color, and the simplest distinguishing feature is that polyps are insensitive to touch, while shells are vice versa. A rigid endoscope is used to completely examine the nasal cavity and nasopharyngeal space.

Research methods

The Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST) detects common environmental allergens, pet allergies, pet dander and specific food allergies.

Rhinometry evaluates airflow and is mainly used for scientific research. To indirectly assess nasal blood flow, levels of nitric oxide in the nose are measured. They are increased with rhinitis and decreased with nasal polyps. The sense of smell is assessed using the tag and smell card method (University of Pennsylvania Olfactory Identification Test) or the “smell stick” method (University of Erlangen Scent Test).

CT scans establish the structure of the nose and sinuses and assess the degree of sinusitis/polyposis. Theoretically, in the absence of emergency indications, X-ray examinations should be avoided in pregnant women, especially in the first trimester. In practice, diagnostic radiography during pregnancy without direct exposure to high doses of radiation to the abdomen/pelvic region does not result in any adverse side effects.

Treatment

In case of allergic rhinitis, it is necessary to exclude exposure to the allergen. To avoid exposure to pollen allergens on high pollen days, you should wash your clothes in the washing machine, shower, and close the windows tightly after returning home. Contact with mold allergens is avoided by reducing the number of plants in the apartment, getting rid of kitchen waste as much as possible, good bathroom ventilation and washing bedding and clothes. Exposure to house dust mites and pet dander can be reduced by frequent vacuuming, anti-allergen bedding, and pet removal.

Exercise appropriate to the condition and stage of pregnancy may reduce symptoms.

Drug treatment

The use of saline preparations topically (for example, Sterimar spray) brings symptomatic relief and is absolutely safe. Sodium cromoglycate applied topically is also safe and effective, but must be used 4 times a day.

Topical steroids

Intranasal steroids (eg, fluticasone, mometasone, budesonide, and beclomethasone) are used for severe nasal congestion. There are no epidemiological studies of the use of intranasal corticosteroids (eg, budesonide, fluticasone propionate, mometasone) during pregnancy. However, inhaled corticosteroids (beclomethasone and fluticasone) are not teratogenic and are commonly used in pregnant women with asthma. Fluticasone and mometasone have the lowest absorption into the general bloodstream and are approved by most rhinologists. They are effective in controlling rhinitis, but take several weeks to achieve maximum effect.

Ipratropium bromide is used topically for the symptomatic treatment of watery nasal discharge. It is safely used for acute attacks of bronchial asthma in pregnant women.

Vasoconstrictors

Topical medications, such as xylometazoline, cause vasoconstriction in the nasal mucosa and relieve swelling. However, hormonal vasodilation of the nasal mucosa is relatively resistant to topical vasoconstrictors, and abuse of these drugs is therefore common. This causes suppression of sympathomimetic receptors and leads to “withdrawal” nasal congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa). In addition, they are rapidly absorbed into the systemic circulation and there is concern (albeit unfounded) that local vasoconstriction may cause placental insufficiency and/or increased hypertension in pregnancy. These drugs should be consumed in moderation.

During the first trimester of pregnancy, oral decongestants should be avoided. Case-control studies have linked their use to the occurrence of gastroschisis. During the first trimester, pseudoephedrine can be used.

Corticosteroids

With rhinitis, there is rarely a need for systemic use of these drugs, only for therapeutic indications (for example, during an acute attack of asthma). Their use for the prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome does not lead to the occurrence of drug-related abnormalities.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are used to treat allergic rhinitis. There are arguments for and against their use during pregnancy. Even though these drugs are safe for pregnant women, there remains (unfounded) concern about their teratogenicity.

It is preferable to use chlorpheniramine and tripelenamine. As always, the relative risks and benefits must be considered.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used for infections associated with nasal congestion, such as acute bacterial sinusitis. Safe penicillins (amoxicillin), cephalosporins and macrolides (erythromycin) are usually prescribed. When indicated, monitoring of renal and hepatic function and serum drug levels is necessary. The following drugs should be avoided:

• sulfonamides - cause hemolytic anemia and hyperbilirubinemia;
• tetracyclines - cause discoloration of teeth and impaired bone growth;
• trimethoprim - causes hyperbilirubinemia;
• aminoglycosides - cause abnormalities of the kidneys and neural arch (I trimester), ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity (III trimester);
• chloramphenicol - during pregnancy causes “gray baby” syndrome due to the lack of necessary liver enzymes to metabolize the drug; Chloramphenicol, accumulating in the child’s body, causes hypotension, cyanosis and often death.

Surgery

Surgical treatment is postponed until the birth of the child or late pregnancy. Surgical treatment options are as follows.

Reduction of the inferior turbinates

Methods for reducing inferior turbinates are diathermy, biting, resection and a combination thereof. Direct injection of steroids (triamcinolone) into the turbinates has been described in the literature but is rarely used in the UK. Topical steroid treatment produces symptomatic improvement. However, there is a risk of retinal embolism with subsequent blindness.

This is especially true with increased vascularization of the nasal mucosa during pregnancy.

Nasal polypectomy

In severe cases of the disease, intranasal polypectomy is performed under local anesthesia.

Endoscopic sinus surgery

This method is used for extended polypectomy and sinus debridement. However, the relative risk of general anesthesia must be assessed.

Conclusion

Nasal congestion often occurs during pregnancy for reasons common to other patients or as a manifestation of rhinitis in pregnant women - in approximately 30% of pregnant women. The disease is thought to result from increased levels of VIP and possibly an allergy to placental or fetal proteins. Due to increased serum cortisol levels, some women with allergic rhinitis experience relief during pregnancy.

The mainstay of treatment is topical application of nasal steroids. A safe alternative is sodium cromoglycate. Abuse of decongestants is common. They should be used sparingly due to nasal congestion during withdrawal. In the absence of emergency indications, further examination and treatment - CT scan and surgery - should be postponed until delivery.

Carrying a baby is a happy, but difficult period in the life of every woman, since the load on the body is very high. It is almost impossible to find a future mother who during pregnancy would not encounter such consequences as toxicosis, swelling, and lower back pain. An equally common occurrence during pregnancy is nasal congestion. In order not to overshadow the waiting period for their beloved child with such an unpleasant problem, expectant mothers must know how to effectively and safely get rid of it.

Why do pregnant women get stuffy nose?

Expectant mothers have unstable immunity. Their body is overly susceptible to various infections, so it is difficult to say exactly why olfactory organ congestion occurred during pregnancy without appropriate preliminary diagnosis and assessment of the patient’s general condition. There are many factors that cause this problem, but the most common is rhinitis.

The disease occurs as a result of a viral infection entering the nasal cavity or contact of a pregnant woman with substances that cause an allergic reaction. With rhinitis, the mucous membrane of the nasal passages becomes inflamed, which leads to their swelling, causing stagnation of mucous secretion in the sinuses. The pathology develops rapidly and negatively affects the development of the fetus.

Allergic rhinitis occurs when the expectant mother comes into contact with pets, inhales pollen from certain plants, or household dust. Infectious rhinitis is seasonal; it is often diagnosed during periods of peak incidence of influenza and ARVI. The impetus for the development of infectious pathology can be hypothermia of the body, disorders of local immunity, and injuries to the olfactory organ.

Allergic rhinitis is a consequence of a pregnant woman spending a long time in an unventilated room filled with dust, various chemical or toxic waste. It can also occur when wearing fur products during the spring flowering period. Swelling of the nasal passages and their congestion during pregnancy are caused by poplar fluff and other small particles that a woman inhales on the street or inside the house.

Causes

Not only rhinitis can cause mucus stagnation in the nasal passages. Many other pathologies disrupt its normal secretion, such as:

• sinusitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses, which occurs as a consequence of untimely or ineffective treatment of rhinitis, influenza, various infectious diseases, after injuries to the olfactory organ, caused by bacterial or viral infections);
• hormonal rhinitis (not associated with colds, infectious, viral diseases, leads to inflammation of the mucous membrane of the olfactory organ, its swelling, caused by increased levels of hormones in the body);
• colds (an extensive group of acute respiratory viral infections caused by numerous pathogens that are widespread and to which there is susceptibility);
• proliferation of nasopharyngeal polyps or adenoids (pathology can lead to disruption of fetal development, develops due to previous upper respiratory tract infections, taking medications, exposure to toxic substances);
• curvature of the nasal septum (pathology occurs in pregnant women due to the growth of polyps, turbinates, mechanical trauma, tumors).

Common causes of nasal congestion during early pregnancy:

1. decreased immunity;
2. allergic reactions to certain irritants;
3. infections, bacteria, viruses;
4. hormonal changes in the body.

Reasons why nasal congestion occurs during late pregnancy:

• increased production of large amounts of estrogen and progesterone hormones in the body;
• bacterial and viral infections;
• increase in circulating blood volume;
• drying out of the mucous membrane due to low levels of air humidity in the room, allergic reactions, and an increase in the amount of circulating blood;

Whatever the cause of nasal congestion during pregnancy, it must be identified and eliminated in a timely manner, otherwise the processes occurring in a woman’s body can negatively affect the development and formation of the fetus. In addition, a runny nose causes great discomfort. For the expectant mother:

1. mood, appetite, and well-being worsen;
2. there is poor sleep and weakness;
3. excessive irritability and fatigue are noted.

Symptoms

If a runny nose appears during pregnancy, then you need to immediately begin proper and effective treatment, and in order to do this, be sure to find out what reason led to this consequence. The following symptoms indicate that a pregnant woman has infectious rhinitis:

• feeling of dryness, itching and burning in the nose;
• constant headache, periodically worsening;
• increase in body temperature to 37.5 degrees;
• excessive secretion of mucus from the olfactory organ;
• difficulty breathing;
• decreased sensitivity to odors;
• lacrimation;
• throat swelling.

Allergic vasomotor rhinitis is determined by symptoms such as:

• itching and burning;
• cough;
• paroxysmal sneezing;
• lacrimation;
• snoring and sniffling;
• voice change.

Symptoms of inflammation and swelling of the nasal mucosa caused by hormonal changes in the body:

• dry nasal cavity;
• crust formation in the nose;
• sneezing;
• violation of nasal breathing;
• poor sleep;
• night snoring;
• constant feeling of fatigue, lethargy.

With hormonal rhinitis, nasal congestion during pregnancy occurs immediately and goes away on its own after the birth of the baby. There is no need to treat the pathology in a special way. Nasal discharge with hormonal rhinitis is clear in color and does not contain any admixture of pus or blood, as is the case with an infectious or bacterial disease. Runny nose worsens when lying down. Fever, cough and headaches are not observed with hormonal rhinitis.

Danger

You cannot ignore a runny nose during pregnancy, nor do you treat it yourself. The danger of such actions is very great. You need to understand that during pregnancy a woman experiences increased emotional stress, toxicosis, and requires constant proper rest. A runny nose makes nasal breathing difficult: this causes severe discomfort, the pregnant woman cannot sleep normally, as a result of which she becomes tired, irritable, and suffers from frequent headaches and dizziness.

Other consequences of untimely and improper treatment of nasal congestion in expectant mothers:

Treatment of nasal congestion during pregnancy

Without exception, all medications that are prescribed for rhinitis cannot be used during pregnancy. In any trimester, only those products that have a mild and gentle effect on the body of the expectant mother can be used. This is explained by the fact that during pregnancy the female body is overly vulnerable and is able to react to incoming treatment with problems associated with the development of the embryo and the full functioning of organs.

Pregnant women are not recommended to use vasoconstrictor drops for a runny nose. They cause a narrowing of the capillaries of the placenta, which negatively affects the general condition of the fetus, which does not receive enough oxygen and required nutrients. If for certain reasons it is impossible to use more gentle methods of therapy, you need to choose only those drugs that have a minimum concentration and a pediatric dosage.

Two more groups of medications that are best avoided during pregnancy:

• saline solutions for rinsing the sinuses (their use often leads to the development of ear pathologies);
• antibacterial drops, which contain ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, oxymetazoline, indanazoline, tetrizoline, naphazoline (medicines containing these components are dangerous for a child because they negatively affect the development of all systems of his body).

Drug therapy

It should be remembered that using pharmaceutical drugs to treat a runny nose in any trimester is necessary only in extreme cases. Therapy should include safe folk remedies, massage, breathing exercises and conservative methods such as rinsing the nasal passages with saline solution. If there is no way out, then it is best to use the following remedies for nasal congestion during pregnancy:

• baby drops (Nazol Baby, Nazaval, Otrivin Baby);
• drops based on oil extracts from medicinal plants (Pinosol);
• products with sea water (Aqua Maris, Marimer, Dolphin);
• homeopathic drops (Euphorbium, Compositum);

Breathing exercises

The following exercises will help improve nasal breathing:

• slowly, inhale through your mouth, releasing air through your nose in parts;
• close the left nostril with your finger, inhale through the right, open the left nostril and exhale through it, then do the opposite;
• inhale slowly through your nose, exhale slowly through your mouth, but with your lips closed;
• count out loud to 10 with your mouth closed, inhale deeply and exhale through your nose.

The following physical exercise will help improve nasal breathing and alleviate the condition: put your feet shoulder-width apart, while inhaling, slowly raise your arms up, with your palms pointing down, and as you exhale, gradually lower your arms. When performing the exercise, be sure to ensure that breathing is carried out only through the nose. To achieve the desired effect, the exercises are repeated 3-4 times.

Preparation for breathing exercises:

• rinse the nasal passages using saline solution;
• drip the olfactory organ with anti-inflammatory drops that relieve swelling of the mucous membrane;
• measure body temperature; if it is elevated, you cannot perform gymnastic exercises;
• ventilate and, if necessary, humidify the room (temperature should not exceed 18 degrees).

Benefits of breathing exercises:

1. elimination of nasal obstruction;
2. reduction of swelling;
3. improved blood circulation in the nasal area;
4. normalization of mucus outflow.

Acupressure

This method helps alleviate the woman’s condition and improves nasal breathing. It involves applying the fingertips to certain points that help stimulate blood circulation in the area of ​​the olfactory organ. Chiseled massage should be done every day 3 times a day. Instructions for manipulation.

Pregnancy is a time of increased attention and care for a woman to her own body. After all, the development and growth of the fetus in the womb depends on her health. In order not to harm the child, a woman should carefully monitor her condition and consult a doctor if it changes. One of the common symptoms of a pregnant woman is a runny nose and nasal congestion. In this article, you will learn about the causes of a runny nose during pregnancy, as well as safe ways to get rid of nasal congestion.

Causes of nasal congestion during pregnancy

A pregnant woman is the same person, reacting with symptoms to common pathogens that act equally on men and women, children and the elderly. But in some cases, a runny nose may be precisely due to some changes in a woman’s body caused by pregnancy. Let's consider these cases in more detail.

1. Virus. The most common cause of a runny nose during and without pregnancy is a virus, that is, ARVI. In this case, nasal congestion occurs rapidly, accompanied by other symptoms - cough, runny nose, high temperature, red throat.
2. Bacterial infection. If the causative agent of a runny nose is a bacterium, then the picture will be a little worse - the mucus secreted from the nose becomes not just transparent, but thick and yellow or green. High temperature, intoxication, headache are common symptoms of a bacterial infection.
3. Allergy. Allergies can also cause nasal congestion. It is necessary to analyze the time and cause of the allergy in order to identify the allergen. It could be plant pollen, pillow, food, animal hair - anything. If you have an allergy, additional symptoms appear - watery eyes, red eyes, itchy nose.
4. Rhinitis in pregnant women. In this case, enlargement of the adenoids and nasal congestion occurs due to hormonal changes in the woman’s body. Vasomotor rhinitis in pregnant women is characterized by the absence of additional symptoms and satisfactory general health.

It is important to understand that good nasal breathing provides the body and fetus with sufficient oxygen. If congestion is severe, the baby may suffer from hypoxia.

How to treat nasal congestion during pregnancy

If congestion is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics are indispensable. It is very important not to engage in amateur activities and consult a doctor so that he can prescribe a drug that is safe for the fetus. Probiotics are taken along with the antibiotic to avoid dysbiosis. During severe nasal congestion, you can use vasoconstrictor drops that are acceptable during pregnancy, for example, Sanorin, Naphthyzin, Faryal. Be sure to read the instructions before use, since many similar medications cannot be used while pregnant. Remember, vasoconstrictors should not be used for more than five days. A drug based on oils and plant extracts – Pinosol – will help cure your nose. It is effective and safe.

If the runny nose is allergic, you need to take antihistamines. They will relieve congestion symptoms. Antihistamines should be used at the onset of a cold, even for those who do not suffer from allergies - the medications help relieve swelling of the mucous membrane and open nasal breathing. Acceptable medications include Claritin and Cetirizine. You can also use topical allergy sprays and drops. In any case, taking any medications should be agreed with an allergist.

How to get rid of nasal congestion during pregnancy

Here are effective and safe ways to relieve nasal congestion during pregnancy.

1. Rinsing is one of the most effective and absolutely harmless remedies against nasal congestion. You need to rinse your nose using a kettle - place the spout to one nostril and turn your head so that water flows out of the second nostril. You can rinse your nose with a syringe, or simply by sucking water into your nostrils. This will help relieve swelling of the adenoids and wash away viruses and allergens from the mucous membrane. Rinsing is very effective and as a preventive measure - rinse your nose after visiting crowded places to avoid getting sick. As a washing liquid, you can use a weak saline solution, decoctions of chamomile and calendula, sea water (soda, salt and iodine).
2. It is very effective to treat a runny nose and nasal congestion with folk recipes in the form of homemade drops. To do this, you can drip the juice of beets, Kalanchoe, aloe, carrots, onions, and garlic into your nose. However, be sure to dilute these compositions half and half with water so as not to burn the mucous membrane.
3. Use moisturizing medicinal formulations that are sold in pharmacies. Many of them are sea soda based and can be used in unlimited quantities. These are Aqualor, Dolphin, Salin, Aquamaris.
4. Give up sweets, at least for a while. After sweets, nasal congestion only gets worse.
5. Monitor the humidity in the room. To do this, you need to ventilate the room as often as possible, install a humidifier, and moderate the operation of the radiators. Make sure that the room temperature is no higher than 24 degrees. Otherwise, the mucous membrane begins to dry out, which leads to nasal congestion.
6. Be sure to walk and walk a lot. This will allow you not only to circulate blood throughout the body, but also to replenish the oxygen deficiency that occurs during nasal congestion. It is better to walk in nature - near water bodies, in forest and park areas.
7. Do breathing exercises - it will help you improve nasal breathing. To do this, close one nostril, inhale deeply, and then exhale the air in small portions.
8. Acupressure can help effectively deal with nasal congestion. There are several points that should be alternately massaged in a clockwise circular motion. This is the area near the frontal sinuses on both sides of the nose, then the depressions near the wings of the nose, then the depression under the nose in the hollow above the upper lip.
9. Inhalation will help get rid of nasal congestion. If you have a nebulizer, you can use it - the device sprays the medicinal liquid into tiny particles so that they fall directly on the nasal mucosa. If you don’t have a device, just pour moderately hot water into a basin and cover yourself with towels so that you can inhale the steam through your nose. For greater effect, you can add a drop of “Star” balm to the water. It contains many plant extracts, including mint, which perfectly opens nasal breathing.
10. You can smear your feet with iodine at night and put on wool socks. This will safely warm your feet and relieve congestion.
11. It is very good to drink hot milk with honey. The combination of these healthy products will allow you to get rid of the disease much faster. You should definitely drink milk with honey before going to bed. The drink can be replaced with tea with raspberry jam, ginger and lemon, or rosehip decoction - these are also very effective drinks that help cope with colds.
12. When sleeping, you should use two pillows so that your head is elevated slightly higher than usual. This will allow nasal mucus to drain downward rather than block your nose.

If you have congestion, it is effective to hover your feet, but this is strictly forbidden during pregnancy. Therefore, during treatment, do not resort to such measures.

If all the measures taken have not helped you cope with a runny nose on your own, do not wait and do not experiment. Remember, nasal congestion is not only an oxygen deprivation of the fetus, but also the baby’s anxiety, transmitted to him from the mother. Take care of your body and go to the doctor on time so you can breathe deeply!

Video: how to relieve nasal congestion without drops