- Avoid Allergens and Pollutants. Avoid unnecessary exposure to nasal allergens and pollutants, such as smog and cigarette smoke.
- Keep Yourself Hydrated. Drinking even more water than usual each day is very effective in treating sinus congestion while pregnant.
- Keep Your Nasal Passages Clear. Flush your nasal passages with saltwater nose drops several times a day. These are available without a prescription, or you can make your own.
- Use a Facial Steamer for Treating Sinus Congestion. Clear sinus congestion while pregnant with a simple facial steamer. A facial steamer is a hot mist vaporizer.
- Consider Nasal Sprays (Decongestants, Antihistamines) Medicines that constrict the nose’s blood vessels may enter the bloodstream and constrict the uterus or placenta blood vessels.
How to effectively deal with a stuffy nose during pregnancy?
What are some other natural remedies you can use to treat pregnancy congestion?
- Try nasal irrigation: Let’s face it — neti pots seem gross. But also, they can be magical creations that help your nose breathe free. ...
- Use saline drops: Saline drops are basically water and salt, so they’re totally pregnancy safe. ...
- Get some nasal strips: As mentioned above, sleep is super important. ...
How to clear your sinuses when you are pregnant?
To ease congestion and other symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis, try these tips:
- Pregnancy-safe exercise is one of the best ways to relieve pregnancy rhinitis. ...
- Elevate your head with extra pillows when you lie down to rest or sleep, which can help ease pregnancy rhinitis.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. ...
- Take a warm shower and linger in the steamy bathroom. ...
Is nasal congestion an early sign of pregnancy?
This leads to symptoms such as runny or blocked nasal passages, congested sinuses and even sinusitis ." That's not to say, however, that a sinus infection alone is a reliable sign of early pregnancy, Alam says. But coupled with a few other signs, she says, it could indicate pregnancy.
What causes sinus congestion while pregnant?
What are the causes for nasal congestion
- Allergies
- Hay fever
- Non-cancerous growths are called nose polyps or benign tumors in nasal passages
- Chemical exposures
- Environmental irritants
- A long-lasting sinus infection is known as chronic Sinitis
- A deviated Septum
What can a pregnant woman use for nasal congestion?
Decongestant medications reduce stuffiness and sinus pressure by constricting the blood vessels in your nose, which reduces swelling. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are available over the counter as Sudafed and are safe for many women to use during pregnancy.
What is the best decongestant while pregnant?
The American Pharmacists Association's Handbook of Non-Prescription Drugs recommends using oxymetazoline as the preferred nasal decongestant during pregnancy. Appropriate doses of oxymetazoline can be advised for patients during pregnancy provided that the patient does not have any contraindications to the drug.
Is saline nasal spray safe during pregnancy?
Nasal sprays: Pre-made saline nasal sprays — which moisten the nostrils and reduce mucus to make breathing easier — are generally considered safe during pregnancy, says Dr.
Is Vicks Vapor Rub safe during pregnancy?
Cough medicine Expectorants like Mucinex, cough suppressants like Robitussin, vapor rubs like Vicks VapoRub, and cough drops are all considered safe during pregnancy.
How to get rid of congestion while pregnant?
Some tips for managing congestion during pregnancy include: 3 . Drinking plenty of water. Using a cool-mist humidifier by your bed when you sleep. Light exercise (you should not engage in new types of exercise while pregnant without prior approval from your physician) Keeping the head of your bed elevated. Using a saline nasal spray ...
How many people have nasal congestion while pregnant?
Some research suggests that approximately 39% of people who are pregnant experience nasal congestion and other symptoms of rhinitis. 1
What is the best decongestant for congestion?
Nasal Decongestants. Nasal decongestants such as Afrin (oxymetazoline) are very effective at temporarily relieving congestion. However, they are generally a pregnancy category C and should be used sparingly if at all during pregnancy and not during the first trimester.
How long does it take for nasal symptoms to go away?
Nasal symptoms caused by pregnancy typically resolve within about 10 days after you have your baby. 1 . baona / Getty Images.
What is the first line of treatment for sinus infection?
Keeping congestion under control can prevent these infections. Nasal irrigation with a neti pot is the first-line treatment.
Should you report rhinitis to your doctor while pregnant?
While the idea of using any medication can be frightening for many pregnant women, you must remember that leaving your symptoms untreated can lead to other more serious conditions that may pose a threat to your baby's health. Therefore, pregnancy rhinitis should always be reported to your healthcare provider so that symptoms can be properly managed.
Is nasal decongestant safe during pregnancy?
Most nasal decongestants are not considered safe during the first trimester of pregnancy.
How to get rid of sinus congestion while pregnant?
2. Keep Yourself Hydrat ed. Drinking even more water than usual each day is very effective in treating sinus congestion while pregnant. [rp4wp] 3. Keep Your Nasal Passages Clear. Flush your nasal passages with saltwater nose drops several times a day. These are available without a prescription, or you can make your own.
How to get over a stuffy nose while pregnant?
1. Avoid Allergens and Pollutants. Avoid unnecessary exposure to nasal allergens and pollutants, such as smog and cigarette smoke. 2. Keep Yourself Hydrated.
What medicine can be used to constrict the uterus?
5. Consider Nasal Sprays (Decongestants, Antihistamines) Medicines that constrict the nose’s blood vessels may enter the bloodstream and constrict the uterus or placenta blood vessels. Therefore, decongestants should be used only under a doctor’s supervision and only in the dosage and frequency your doctor recommends.
What antihistamines are safe for pregnant women?
Antihistamines. Chlorpheniramine and tripelennamine are categorized as safe to use for sinus congestion while pregnant. (green light). Others are recommended only with reservation (yellow light). Yellow light antihistamines include those containing brompheniramine, diphenhydramine, terfenadine, and clemastine.
Is it safe to take cromolyn while pregnant?
Cromolyn (Intal) is safe to take during pregnancy . It’s not a decongestant, a steroid, or antihistamine. Cromolyn is a medication that lessens nasal congestion due to allergies when taken over a long period of time. It is beneficial during seasonal allergic rhinitis or hayfever.
Can you take steroid injections while pregnant?
However, only when taken a couple of times a day and for a short period of time. Best to stick with the lower potency inhaled steroids unless advised by your doctor.
Is it safe to take nasal spray?
Some nasal sprays are safer than others. Except for saltwater (or saline) nasal spray, consult your doctor before taking nasal sprays.
Why does my nose get stuffy during pregnancy?
More than just a stuffy nose. Pregnancy rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nose. This causes nasal congestion. Increased blood flow to the nasal passages and enlargement of the nasal veins also play a role. Symptoms occur during pregnancy.
Can you get rhinitis while pregnant?
This hassle is called pregnancy rhinitis. The cause of this condition isn’t really clear.
Can you use OTC for pregnancy rhinitis?
Many women use non-prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant sprays to open up their nasal passages. Know that these medicines don’t work for pregnancy rhinitis. These medicines may give you temporary relief.
What to do if you have a sore throat while pregnant?
During pregnancy, it is common to lose your appetite, and feeling sick may not help. However, even if you don’t have an appetite, it is important to eat well.
How to make saline nasal irrigation?
You can make your own saline drops by combining 1 cup of warm water with 1/8 tsp salt and a tiny pinch of baking soda.
What is the best medicine for sinus infection?
Medications used to treat acute sinus infections include cefprozil (Cefzil) and amoxicillin-clavulanate. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is also regarded as safe to use during pregnancy for pain relief and/or headaches.
How to get rid of a sinus infection?
There are many safe home remedies you can use to alleviate your symptoms and recover from a sinus infection: Drink plenty of fluids such as water, broth, and citrus juice. Staying hydrated is important for helping you fight infection and for clearing a stuffy nose. Use saline nasal irrigation or saline nose drops.
What to know about pregnancy?
Want to Know More? 1 Getting Sick While Pregnant 2 Vitamin D and Pregnancy 3 Cough and Cold During Pregnancy: Treatment and Prevention 4 Keep track of your medication by downloading the Fetal Life App for Apple and Android endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association. It features medicine tracking, meal recommendations, kicks counter, blood glucose tracking, and much more.
How to make breathing easier?
Elevating your head with a couple of pillows while lying down may make breathing easier. Using nasal strips also helps open nasal passages.
Can you take medication for sinus infection?
Your doctor will determine the best medication to take that is safe for you and your baby. While sinus infections are not fun, there are ways you can take care of yourself either through medication or home remedies to alleviate your symptoms and promote your recovery.
How many women have rhinitis during pregnancy?
According to Baby Center, up to 30 per cent of women experience pregnancy rhinitis, and Whattoexpect.com even cites one study that claims 65 per cent of pregnant women experience it.
How to get rid of swollen nose?
Get your steam on: Take a hot shower or put a hot cloth over your nose to help ease the symptoms and reduce swelling. This is only a temporary solution but you will feel loads better while you're doing it. Temporary relief is better than no relief!
Can you get nasal congestion while pregnant?
In short, no. Some pregnant women will experience it, and some won't, and there's no way to tell whether you're more likely to suffer from nasal congestion or not. The best you can do to prepare is stock up on tissue and have a humidifier on hand, just in case.
Is nasal spray safe for pregnant women?
If you want medical intervention, Whattoexpect.com says to ask your doctor for an antihistamine or decongestant nasal spray that's safe for short-term use, and, obviously, safe for pregnant women and the baby. The site notes that saline sprays and nasal strips are considered safe, but talk to your doctor first before making a decision.
How to treat sinus congestion during pregnancy?
Treatments to relieve the symptoms include: Steaming showers or face mask: Steaming the nose will reduce the swelling. However, after the steaming is complete, the sinus congestion will most likely return.
Why does my nose swell during pregnancy?
The nasal membranes swell when a large amount of estrogen is in the body. Blood volume is another reason for sinus congestion during pregnancy. There are many tiny blood vessels in the nose, and with blood volume increasing up to 40%, the nose will have more than its share of blood. In addition to the swelling and sinus congestion felt ...
How to reduce swelling in nose?
Steaming showers or face mask: Steaming the nose will reduce the swelling. However, after the steaming is complete, the sinus congestion will most likely return.
Can alcohol cause swelling during pregnancy?
It's better to wait for friends who smoke to finish their cigarette and then join them than it is to place yourself and your baby in a position that could cause sinus congestion or other fetal complications. Alcohol also increases swelling during pregnancy. Read More:
Do pregnant women have stuffed sinuses?
Do you have stuffed sinuses? If you do, you are not alone. Nearly every woman will suffer sinus congestion during pregnancy. Sinus congestion during pregnancy is extremely common. Nearly 1/3 of all pregnancies are affected by sinus congestion without any link to nasal allergies or other infections. Some researchers believe this congestion ...
How to prevent sinus infection?
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.
How to stop mucus from accumulating in sinuses?
Sleep with more than one pillow to elevate your head. This stops mucus from accumulating in your sinuses at night.
How long does sinus infection last?
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.
What are the symptoms of sinus infection?
A sinus infection can cause different symptoms, including: mucus drainage. stuffy nose. pain and pressure around the face. sore throat.
What tests can be done to confirm sinus infection?
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.
What is the best medicine for a sore throat?
For example, you can relieve a sinus headache and sore throat with acetaminophen (Tylenol). Make sure you take the pain reliever as directed.
Can allergies cause sinus infection?
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.
What to do if you have congestion while pregnant?
If congestion is still making you miserable, talk with your doctor about taking a prescription decongestant medication. In fact, it's a good idea to talk with your doctor about taking any over-the-counter medications during pregnancy, to make sure all the ingredients in the product you're considering are safe for you and your baby.
How to stop rebound congestion?
To avoid the rebound effect, try limiting your use of decongestants to nighttime, when congestion may make it hard to sleep. You can also try using a plain saline nose spray.
Is nasal spray safe during pregnancy?
Is it safe to use a nasal spray decongestant during pregnancy? There's not enough data to completely rule out risk for most drugs in pregnancy (for safety reasons, few studies test drugs in human pregnancies), but I would rate nasal spray decon gestants as low risk, with a couple of cautions.
