Pregnancy Rhinitis:Many changes take place in the body during pregnancy. There are some changes in these which women often mistake for cold and cough. One such symptom is persistent nasal congestion without cold. If there is no cold, fever or sore throat, yet there is difficulty in breathing, then the reason could be pregnancy rhinitis. Gynecologist of Narayana Hospital, Dr. Manju Goyal knows this topic very well –
Changes in hormones may be the reason
The levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone increase during pregnancy. It affects many parts of the body, including the inner lining of the nose. Hormonal changes can cause swelling and increased blood flow in the blood vessels of the nose. This causes the membranes inside the nose to swell and the nose may feel blocked or heavy.
This is the reason why some women feel the need to clean their nose frequently without any infection or may have more difficulty in nasal breathing at night.
What is pregnancy rhinitis?
Pregnancy rhinitis can cause symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing or feeling of stuffiness in the nose during pregnancy. It is not necessary that the woman has a cold or allergy.
This problem can occur at any stage of pregnancy, but in some women the symptoms can be more bothersome in the later months. Usually it gradually gets better after the birth of the child.
Why may the problem increase at night?
Lying down may increase the feeling of nasal congestion due to nasal swelling and changes in blood flow. This can cause problems like mouth breathing, snoring or frequent interruptions in sleep at night. If sleep is being affected due to nasal congestion, then it should not be ignored, because good sleep is also important during pregnancy.
What to do for relief?
Maintaining humidity in the room, drinking enough water, and keeping the head slightly elevated while sleeping can be helpful in case of nasal congestion. Saline nasal spray or saline drops are also used to clear the nose and reduce stuffiness in many pregnant women. However, no medicine or nasal decongestant spray should be used regularly without doctor’s advice. Some medicines are not suitable for every woman during pregnancy.
When is it necessary to contact a doctor?
If nasal congestion is accompanied by high fever, severe facial pain, thick or foul-smelling nasal discharge, severe difficulty in breathing, or continuously worsening symptoms, then it should not be assumed to be pregnancy rhinitis alone. It is better to consult a doctor to check for infection or any other problem.
Therefore, blocked nose during pregnancy without cold is not always a sign of infection. Hormonal changes can also be the reason for this. With proper care and doctor’s advice, this problem can be managed to a great extent.
FAQ
What is pregnancy rhinitis?
Blocked nose, runny nose or swelling in the nose due to hormonal changes during pregnancy is called pregnancy rhinitis.
Can nose be blocked during pregnancy without cold?
Yes. Due to hormonal changes, the inner lining of the nose can become swollen, which can lead to blocked nose even without infection.
Is pregnancy rhinitis dangerous for the baby?
Usually this is not a serious problem and does not cause direct harm to the child. However, if there is severe problem, a doctor should be consulted.
How to get relief from blocked nose during pregnancy?
Drinking enough water, maintaining humidity in the room, sleeping with the head elevated and using saline nasal spray as per doctor’s advice can help.
When to consult a doctor for blocked nose during pregnancy?
Contact a doctor if you have high fever, facial pain, severe difficulty breathing, unusual nasal discharge, or persistently increasing symptoms.