INTRODUCTION
Pregnancy is one of the most complex procedures that happen in a woman. It is a creation of a whole new life that brings about numerous changes in the mother, not just physically but also mentally.
One such effect is a runny nose or nasal stuffiness. Though it is common in people who are not pregnant as well, in the case of a pregnant woman, this problem can last for a whole of six or more weeks during pregnancy. But, it also gets cured within two weeks of delivery.
This condition, also called PREGNANCY RHINITIS, is common in almost 18 to 42% of women.
CAUSES
Most of the time, the cause of pregnancy rhinitis is just the fact that the woman is pregnant. But apart from that, the other additional causes can be:-
- During pregnancy, naturally, the blood flows in the mucous membrane of the nose increases, because of which the mucosal lining of the nose gets swollen and causes blockage.
- Another reason could be a pregnant woman affected by an allergy or sensitivity to a particular allergen during her pregnancy.
Pregnancy rhinitis caused due to such allergies are known to be more severe than the usual ones.
SYMPTOMS
1. Sneezing
2. Congestion
3. Nasal obstruction
4. Runny nose
5. Itching in case of an allergy
As we find the above symptoms getting severe accompanied by fever as well, then it is recommended to take a doctor’s help at the soonest.
Because if it is further neglected, then the mother would find it difficult to breathe as well as sleep because of the nasal congestion, and this will ultimately reduce the oxygen availability to the baby as well, thus hindering its growth.
By this, both the mother and the baby are affected. To avoid such a situation, take the necessary treatment at the earliest.
TREATMENT
1. Saline Irrigation:-
Saline irrigation is also called nasal irrigation.
So it is basically a process where salt (saline) water is made using the best quality salt and warm water, which was sterilized on heating at high temperature and then cooled to warm temperature.
Here, using warm sterile water is very important because otherwise, the contaminants in the water can cause fatal infections. The saline water should be a clear solution. If it appears to be turbid with dirt particles, then it is said to be contaminated and should not be used for nasal irrigation.
Process of Saline Irrigation:-
Add the prepared salt water into a squeezable bottle with either a tube, bulb, or syringe at its end.
To start with, squeeze a few drops of the solution into one nostril and tilt your head such that the solution circulates all over the infected area and then passes to the next nostril internally. After some time, the solution drains out from the second nostril. Repeat the same by starting with the second nostril this time. By this, all the bacteria, dead skin cells, stuffiness of the nose, and nose blockage during pregnancy get cured.
Precautions during Saline Irrigation:-
1. Use warm water only
2. DO NOT use cold water or tap water
3. DO NOT use turbid or dirty saline water. The saline water should be a clear solution.
4. Sterilize the neti pot or squeeze bottle before use.
5. Do not try this on infants
6. Do not practice this if you feel severe burning inside your nose while doing this.
Side effects Saline Irrigation:-
The mild side effects are:-
- Sneezing
- Irritation in the nose
- A feeling of ear blockage
- A bleeding nose is rare though
Severe side effects due to any parasite infection (Example: Naegleria fowleri) when contaminated tap water is used:-
- Headache
- Stiffness of neck
- Fever
- Mental instability
- Seizures or mental disturbance
- Coma
2. Breathe Right strips:-
They are plastic strips similar to bandage strips.
Process:-
They are using and throwing products.
So, wash your face first because the oiliness on the face does not allow the nasal strips to stick properly. Open the one-sided tape and stick it horizontally across the middle of the nose bridge and press it.
In doing this, the edges of the nasal strip sticking onto one nostril each will tend to pull the nostril upwards, thereby widening the nasal passage. And this will allow an easy flush of the mucus blocked in the nose and reduce pregnancy rhinitis.
And because they are using and throwing products, it is better to go for Eco-friendly, biodegradable strips so that there are no unwanted waste depositions.
Precautions:-
- Choose a size that fits the nose perfectly
- Do not use strips that have an excessive force of pull
- Do not use strips whose packaging is tampered with or opened before delivery
- Do not reuse the strips
- Do not use them beyond their expiry date
Side effects of Breathe Right strip:-
Nasal strips are physical bands that are worn superficially on the skin, and it has no oral drug involved.
Thus, it has nothing to do with the massive internal side effects. Instead, it can cause skin irritation and rashes in rare cases.
3. NASAL SPRAYS
Pre-made ISOTONIC saline nasal sprays (available at any good pharmacy shop) moisten the nasal cavities and reduce the mucus inside the nose to make breathing easier — they are generally considered safe during pregnancy.
HYPERTONIC Saline Nasal Spray reduces discomfort in the nasal tract. It provides moisture to dry and thick mucus for easy elimination. It helps in clearing the stuffy nose and reduces inflammation of the area.
The hypertonic saline nasal spray contains D-panthenol. Hence the risks and benefits of the hypertonic nasal spray should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine
PRECAUTIONS to be followed by pregnant women:-
1. Pregnant women should avoid eating food that they are allergic to, which might cause a cold and cough.
2. Avoid excessive blowing of the nose
3. Visit the doctor before the symptoms get severe.
THANK YOU
MEDICAL ADVICE DISCLAIMER:
The Author does not provide any medical advice on this platform.
Viewing, accessing, or reading this blog does not establish any doctor-patient relationship.
The information provided in this blog does not replace the services and opinions of a qualified medical professional who examines you and then prescribes medicines.
And if you have any questions of medical nature, please refer to your doctor or qualified medical personnel for evaluation and management at a clinic/hospital near you.
The content provided in this blog represents the Author’s own interpretation of research articles.