Cold during pregnancy | Afrilatest.be

Are you pregnant and does your nose get stuffy all the time? Then you might be suffering from a condition called pregnancy rhinitis. This typical pregnancy cold is not caused by a virus or allergy, but by the hormonal changes in pregnant women. Why this stubborn cold? How can you relieve a stuffy nose?

What is rhinitis during pregnancy?

Pregnancy rhinitis is a cold caused by pregnancy hormones (estradiol and progesterone). These cause inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes of the nose. One of the main symptoms is a persistent stuffy nose. The symptoms occur in the 2nd or 3rd trimester and disappear 2 to 3 weeks after delivery. This type of cold affects about 30% of pregnant women. It is benign for mother and child. However, the symptoms and their duration can be very disturbing. Nasal congestion worsens at night and can disturb sleep.

What is the difference between a common cold and rhinitis during pregnancy?

The symptoms of rhinitis during pregnancy are quite similar to those of the common cold: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itching and a decreased sense of smell.

Unlike the common cold, however, pregnancy rhinitis is not accompanied by fever, sore throat or muscle aches. And while the common cold goes away on its own after a week to 10 days, pregnancy rhinitis lasts an average of 4 months, with the majority of women only completely resolving their symptoms between the 2nd and 16th day after giving birth.

Who is most at risk for rhinitis during pregnancy?

A 2020 study of 681 pregnant women found that nearly one in three women experienced rhinitis during pregnancy. It appears that the condition is more common in women expecting a girl.

Pregnant: what to do against a cold?

If you suffer from a stuffy nose during pregnancy, consult your doctor. He or she can determine the cause: viral infections, hay fever or pregnancy rhinitis. Depending on the cause of the stuffy nose and the intensity of the symptoms, he or she will propose the right treatment.

Medicines for nasal congestion during pregnancy

Beware of self-medication: always consult a doctor before using decongestants if you are pregnant.

• Rinsing with salt water: Rinsing with salt water is recommended. It is effective and is perfectly safe.
• Corticosteroid nasal spray (with or without antihistamines): these are allowed in low doses and for short periods. However, certain combinations (antihistamines and corticosteroids) should be avoided. Ask your doctor for advice.
• Oral antihistamines are allowed, with the exception of azelastine hydrochloride during the first trimester.
• Local vasoconstrictors: The use of xylometazoline (Nasa Rhinatiol, Otrivine decongestant, Otrivine Duo, Nasasinutab) or oxymetalozine (Nesivine) is not recommended during pregnancy. However, short-term use in low doses is possible on medical advice. Discuss this with your doctor.
• Oral vasoconstrictors (phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine) should be avoided during pregnancy.

Home Remedies for a Stuffy Nose

• Exercise: Exercise improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation of the nasal mucosa. The body also releases adrenaline, which acts as a natural vasoconstrictor.
• Sleep with your head elevated: Keeping the head of your bed elevated can reduce sinus pressure and make breathing easier.
• Drink plenty of fluids: this helps thin the mucus.
• Inhale steam: Water vapor helps open the nasal passages and relieve a stuffy nose.