Clogged nose in a pregnant woman than to treat. Nasal congestion in a pregnant woman: causes and methods of treatment

A pregnant woman, worried about the health of her unborn child, understands how important it is to avoid the influence of harmful factors environment throughout the entire gestation period. Expectant mothers are very worried when they notice symptoms characteristic of SARS, for example, nasal congestion. Sounding the alarm ahead of time is not worth it - if you have a stuffy nose during pregnancy, this is not an indicator that you have a cold. Why do pregnant women get stuffy nose, and how to deal with this unpleasant condition? That is what we will discuss in this article.

Hormones to blame?

Hormonal changes in different periods of human development significantly affect the state of blood vessels, and consequently, the mucous membranes, which are densely permeated with a capillary network. Some hormones change the tone of the vessels, others cause an increase in the volume of circulating blood and contribute to greater blood filling of the vessels, and still others change the reaction of the vascular walls to environmental factors (for example, increase sensitivity to allergens, cold, humidity, etc.).

The state of the blood vessels quickly affects nasal breathing - if the vessels are dilated, the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx swells, and the nose becomes stuffy.

Thus, it is not surprising that so often women stuff up their nose during pregnancy - this is a period accompanied by sharp fluctuations in hormonal levels. Literally from the first days of pregnancy, the level of estradiol, estriol and other hormones in the body is constantly growing. They have the following effects:

1. Estrogens (estradiol, estrone, etc.) are vasodilator hormones. They contribute to the expansion of blood vessels, which often causes swelling of the mucous membrane and nasal congestion.
2. Estradiol promotes the growth of cartilage - this is necessary to facilitate childbirth, but can negatively affect the anatomy of the nasal cavity (this is why the shape of the nose changes in some women during pregnancy). The growth of cartilage sometimes leads to partial congestion.
3. Progesterone retains water in the tissues, and the longer the gestation period, the more fluid is retained. For this reason, pregnant women often suffer from edema, in particular, the nasopharynx.
4. Adrenal hormones, in particular, cortisol, on the contrary, constrict blood vessels, but when it is in excess (for example, during emotional stress), fluid is retained in the tissues, which also causes swelling.

Changes that occur in the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx during pregnancy are often referred to as "rhinitis of pregnancy." Its symptoms are very similar to those of vasomotor rhinitis, a disease of the nasopharynx, which also often develops as a result of hormonal imbalance.

According to various sources, from 5 to 32% of women at different gestation periods face signs of rhinitis during pregnancy. It is worth noting that the risk of developing rhinitis during pregnancy is higher in women who smoke, women suffering from chronic sinusitis, and those prone to allergic reactions.

Symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis

Not any runny nose in a pregnant woman can be called rhinitis of pregnant women - this is a separate disease that has certain manifestations and features of the course. According to the researchers of this problem, rhinitis of pregnant women should be suspected in the presence of the following symptoms:

Nasal congestion not only brings discomfort to the mother, but also adversely affects the condition of the child. He finds himself in conditions of chronic lack of oxygen, which can slow down development.

Hypoxia has a particularly negative effect on the fetus in early pregnancy.

Treatment

Thus, we figured out why expectant mothers lay their noses. But can something be done about it? How to alleviate the condition of a pregnant woman?

First of all, if rhinitis of pregnant women is suspected, a woman should consult a therapist. The fact is that the symptoms of rhinitis during pregnancy are in many ways similar to the symptoms of other types of rhinitis (primarily vasomotor). It is also possible that you are dealing with infections - SARS, sinusitis, etc. It is not always possible to distinguish these diseases on your own. The doctor will prescribe blood and nasal mucus tests - this will make it possible to exclude the allergic and infectious causes of the disease, which will avoid prescribing unnecessary medications.

When treating nasal congestion in a pregnant woman, it is important not only to make the woman feel better, but also to prevent the negative impact of the drugs used on the fetus.

What can not be done?

During pregnancy, the use of vasoconstrictor drugs for the nose, such as Naphthyzin, Nazivin, Dlyanos, Evkazolin and analogues, is not allowed. Firstly, vasoconstrictors can be used for only 5-7 days, which is usually not enough for long-term relief from rhinitis of pregnancy. Secondly, all vasoconstrictor drugs affect the tone and permeability of blood vessels, which is completely undesirable during childbearing.

However, many doctors consider it acceptable to use children's vasoconstrictor drugs (they are less concentrated and have a lower dosage, i.e., when instilled, they give a drop of a smaller volume). At the same time, even children's vasoconstrictor drops should be instilled into the nose in extreme cases, if the nose is very stuffy, or you cannot fall asleep due to problems with nasal breathing.

What can you do?

Among nasal products, the safest are saline solution, as well as drops and sprays based on sea water. Irrigation of the mucous membrane and washing of the nasal cavity or nasopharynx is used. Such procedures wash off allergens and other irritants from the mucosa, contribute to the thinning and outflow of mucus from the nasopharynx, reduce swelling, and prevent the development of congestive processes.

The doctor may prescribe hormonal nasal drops for the pregnant woman. They relieve swelling due to a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. One of the advantages of hormonal drops is their poor absorption into the blood from the mucosa. For example, Avamys, Aldecin are quite safe and approved for pregnant women. At the same time, hormonal drops significantly reduce local immunity, as a result of which the expectant mother becomes more susceptible to various viruses, bacteria and fungi. That is why you can use such nasal drops only under the supervision of a doctor.

Also, a woman should pay attention to such simple ways facilitating nasal breathing, such as moisturizing and purifying the air in the house, frequent walks, massage of the paranasal zone, and during sleep - a moderate elevation of the head (high pillow). You should be careful with traditional medicine - often its consequences are more deplorable than those of pharmaceutical products.

Usually, the symptoms of rhinitis disappear spontaneously 1-2 weeks after childbirth, so if congestion began to bother you in the later stages, it makes sense to give up strong medications and use more gentle methods of dealing with congestion, for example, instillation of saline drops, etc.

More than thirty percent of women suffer during pregnancy such a problem as nasal congestion. This is as common as morning sickness, swelling or back pain. The cause may be rhinitis - an inflammation of the mucosa. It occurs due to edema when infections enter the nasal cavity.

To specialists aloe for sinusitis
if you have a cold, consult Rhinitis
Means for treatment Application of drops Increase immunity

Because of rhinitis, a woman may have difficulty breathing, runny nose, sneezing. Congestion often occurs between 3 and 6 months of pregnancy. There is no danger either for the expectant mother or for the baby, since most often this is a consequence of a hormonal failure of the body.

In the event of acute rhinitis, it is necessary to consult a specialist. Such a syndrome can develop and give complications to the ears or go into chronic sinusitis.

Even nasal congestion during early pregnancy is caused by allergic reactions. This may be a reaction to external stimuli due to changes in the body due to the means or products that a pregnant woman consumes. Symptoms are similar to those of a normal allergy:

• sneeze;
• cough;
• strong lacrimation.

Often the main reason is caused by changes that occur due to the active production of hormones - progesterone, estrogen. Symptoms in such cases are scarce - these are slight swelling of the nasal mucosa, sometimes it can be swelling of its sinuses, dryness, and there is no discharge.

If you have symptoms of acute rhinitis, you need to contact a specialist

Still congestion may occur due to. Before you treat it, you need to consult with a specialist about what drugs you can use.

Drugs for congestion.

Name of the drug	Description, action	Price
Galazolin	The drug has an anticongestative, vasoconstrictor effect. Narrows the vessels of the mucosa, reduces hyperemia, swelling. Recommended for acute rhinitis, sinusitis. You can not use more than three times a day.	Drops - 35 rubles
For the nose	It is used for rhinitis, colds in the upper respiratory sections. Also used for diagnostics (narrowing of the vessels of the mucous membrane).	Spray - 94 rubles
Naphthyzin	The drug has a rapid and prolonged vasoconstrictor effect on the vessels of the nasal mucosa. Reduces swelling, hyperemia. Drops help well with congestion, make it easier to breathe with rhinitis during pregnancy.	Drops - 31 rubles
Sanorin	Causes vasoconstriction of the mucosa, relieves inflammation. Intended for the treatment of acute rhinitis, laryngitis, runny nose, allergic reactions.	Spray - 193 rubles

Galazolin for sinusitis

The use of traditional medicine

Recipes that have been tested by time can get rid of the problem even now. These funds have a milder effect on the nasal mucosa of a pregnant woman. But it must be borne in mind that some drugs can cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, it is better to use decoctions, do rinsing or inhalation.

For the first folk remedy that can help with nasal congestion during pregnancy, you will need:

• aloe;
• vitamin E;
• Kalanchoe juice.

Mode of application.

1. Squeeze juice from aloe, onion.
2. Mix with vitamin E (all in equal proportions).
3. Dilute a little with boiled water (1/3).
4. Lubricate a cotton swab with the resulting mixture.
5. Wipe the nasal cavity.
6. In order to enhance the effect, you need to drip the nose with Kalanchoe juice (Kalanchoe stimulates sneezing, thanks to which breathing is quickly restored).

Folk remedy

You can also make breathing easier with the help of another recipe, for which you will need:

• soda;
• pipette;
• Apple;
• carrots (beets);
• any citrus.

Mode of application.

1. Take a glass of warm black tea and add 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
2. Moisten a cotton swab and smear the cavity of the nasal mucosa (morning and evening).
3. Then you need to prepare juice from an apple, carrot (beet) and add any citrus.
4. Drip twice a day, a few drops.

You can also use special medicinal oils, this is also an excellent tool that helps with nasal congestion, they can also be used by pregnant women.

For the third recipe you need:

• peach, rosehip or sea buckthorn oil;
• vegetable oil or olive;
• pipette.

Instructions for use.

1. Mix olive, sea buckthorn, rosehip / peach oils.
2. Add some water.
3. Bury several times a day.
4. It is necessary to wait until completely absorbed before walking, so it is better to bury in the supine position.

Problem Complications

In any case, during pregnancy, it is necessary to get rid of nasal congestion. Because even a common cold can be dangerous, for example, the fact that oxygen can be supplied in insufficient quantities, it simply will not be enough not only for the pregnant woman, but also for the baby. Prolonged oxygen starvation can lead to a slowdown in growth and development.

It is not recommended to use conventional nasal products without consulting a specialist. They stop the runny nose, restore breathing, but these drugs can harm the position. The drug is able to penetrate the placenta and lead to vasoconstriction in the uterus.

As a result, the nose will breathe freely, but the baby may again experience oxygen starvation, and this will lead to developmental complications. Even congestion can infuriate a pregnant woman, make her nervous, which can also negatively affect the child. Therefore, nasal congestion during pregnancy must be treated in a timely manner so that there are no negative consequences.

Necessary preventive measures

In order to avoid nasal congestion, it is necessary to follow some preventive measures.

1. It is not necessary to allow hypothermia of the body. You must always dress for the weather, make sure that the lower back, legs and knees are always warm.
2. When visiting public places (hospitals, supermarkets, public transport, etc.), when there is an outbreak of infectious diseases, it is recommended to use a sterile mask.
3. If you feel that your feet are cold, you need to rub your feet with a warming ointment, and when a slight runny nose occurs, you can relieve nasal congestion during pregnancy using solutions (of your own preparation) and after that, the pregnant woman needs to see a doctor in the near future.
4. Another excellent prophylactic against colds and congestion can be an ordinary black radish. It is necessary to cut off the cap of the radish, make a small depression in it. Pour sugar or honey into it (the second is preferable if there is no allergic reaction). Close the top with a cut cap and let it brew for several hours, after a certain time the radish will begin to give juice. Then open the cap and drink the resulting syrup.
5. It is often necessary to ventilate the room, monitor the humidity of the air, it should be at least 60%. You can purchase a special device for humidifying the air, with the advent of the baby, it will be very useful.
6. Spend more time outdoors, go for walks. Go in for sports, gymnastics.
7. Avoid allergens (food, dust) dry clean your sleeping clothes.

Cold radish

Consider reviews on the treatment of congestion.

Irina Kozina:

I was also treated for congestion during pregnancy. From the beginning of pregnancy, the nose just clogged. There were no signs of a cold. Just a mild tumor, went to the antenatal clinic. I was told that the problem is common during pregnancy. The doctor prescribed a remedy that should help with nasal congestion, it helped for a while, but then it all started again. Over time, the nose began to swell a lot, I was advised to rinse with solutions with soda or aloe. Gradually the swelling went away, the congestion also disappeared.

Veronica Larkina:

It all started for me at 7 months, my nose just stopped breathing. Pinosol, which I usually used before pregnancy, did not help, I tried another remedy, it did not help me. As a result, she suffered through the entire pregnancy, and then and after that she lived on Pinosol for several years, etc. In the second pregnancy for a year I stopped taking any drugs. As soon as the congestion began, I used sea buckthorn oil, simply instilled it into both nostrils. After some time, it stopped, but before the birth, the oil again helped.

: Borovikova Olga

gynecologist, ultrasound doctor, geneticist

From the first days of gestation, a woman begins to notice changes in the work of almost all internal organs and systems, the nasopharynx is no exception.

Indeed, during this period, the body of the expectant mother becomes especially vulnerable, all its functions are aimed at protecting the fetus from the negative effects of the environment. A woman's immunity decreases, the level of hemoglobin in the blood changes, and a runny nose or nasal congestion during pregnancy become frequent companions until the very birth. Today we will talk about the causes that provoke the appearance of rhinitis and how to cope with an unpleasant phenomenon.

Since it is impossible for a pregnant woman to take any drugs without urgent need and recommendations of a doctor, and it is almost impossible to calmly endure nasal congestion, it is necessary to find out the causes of the disease as soon as possible, and there may be several of them:

• acute respiratory infection;
• sinusitis or sinusitis;
• allergic reaction;
• hormonal rhinitis;
• growth of polyps in the nose;
• too dry indoor air.

It is not always possible to figure out on your own why pregnant women have a stuffy nose, and many expectant mothers begin to panic when they lose the ability to fully breathe.

It is impossible to use vasoconstrictors, and a clogged nose prevents you from getting enough sleep, communicating with people, and even poses a threat to the fetus in the form of the development of its hypoxia. The factors provoking the syndrome may be different at certain times.

Congestion in the early stages

A common reason for a stuffy nose in a pregnant woman is SARS. In the first weeks and months of gestation, the mother's body becomes vulnerable, immunity falls, so early date easy to catch a viral infection.

It is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• sneezing
• lacrimation;
• sore throat;
• temperature increase;
• nasal congestion;
• weakness and fatigue.

Any infectious diseases that a pregnant woman suffers can adversely affect the development of the fetus, because during the first trimester, its main systems and organs are laid down.

What to do? Urgently contact your doctor, but it is better to call him at home, so that when you go to the clinic, do not aggravate the situation by layering a secondary (already bacterial) infection.

Sinusitis - is the result of constant nasal congestion. Motivating her unwillingness to treat a runny nose by the fact that it is impossible to use drugs during pregnancy, a woman “tolerates” the manifestations of rhinitis, thereby creating a favorable environment in the nasal cavity for the reproduction of pathogenic microbes.

Stagnation of mucus, which eventually becomes thick and viscous, leads to infection of the exudate and the development of sinusitis. At this stage, it is important to start effective treatment, because, getting into the general bloodstream, bacterial agents are spread throughout the body of the expectant mother, threatening the normal development of the fetus.

Late congestion

In the second or third trimester, those diseases that a woman did not even know about before conceiving a child can worsen. Against the background of a sharp hormonal change in the body, an allergic reaction may occur.

Anything can provoke it - dust, the smell of flowers, any food from the diet, the material of bed linen or a nightgown. The body of a pregnant woman on the eve of childbirth, especially against the background of a hormonal storm, is able to respond to any little thing.

And if earlier a woman calmly used a body cream, during this period its use can lead to itching, skin rashes and nasal congestion of an allergic nature.

Therefore, it is better for the expectant mother not to take risks, not to introduce unfamiliar products into the menu, avoid inhaling the smell of household chemicals, ventilate the apartment more often and do wet cleaning (to reduce the number of external irritants).

The second reason why the nose can be very stuffy during late pregnancy is the dry air in the room.

In the middle and at the end of the third trimester, a period of late toxicosis (preeclampsia) begins which is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• mood swings;
• hormonal disruptions;
• swelling.

It becomes increasingly difficult for a woman to walk, her legs and arms swell, even if the expectant mother does not drink a lot of fluid, and the resulting nasal congestion only aggravates the situation.

Since swelling in the third trimester is a common occurrence, the nasal mucosa is also affected.

The situation worsens if the air humidity in the apartment does not reach 60-70%, the epithelium of the nasal passages becomes thin and dry, trying to compensate for this condition with increased mucus production and expansion of the capillaries in the nose.

Hormonal rhinitis

This type of runny nose is also called vasomotor or rhinitis of pregnant women, according to doctors, every second pregnant woman faces this phenomenon. The cause of nasal congestion is not viral, bacterial agents or allergic irritants, but an increase in hormonal levels.

More often, this symptom begins to bother the expectant mother in the second or third trimester, but a particularly sensitive body can respond to pregnancy in the first weeks. Sometimes it is precisely by the appearance of unreasonable nasal congestion that a woman guesses that she is in a position.

The reasons why vasomotor (hormonal) rhinitis can develop:

• nose deformity due to trauma;
• a sharp decrease in immunity;
• taking hormonal drugs during the period of gestation;
• unfavorable living conditions for a pregnant woman (increased gas pollution, dust, dry air);
• frequent mood swings, nervous overload, stress.

During the maturation of the placenta, the hormonal status of a woman changes dramatically, there is an active production of estrogen, which affects the nervous system and the vascular elements of the body. This effect is manifested by swelling due to the increased permeability of the capillary walls. The airways narrow, as a result, a constant nasal congestion develops.

Accompanied by a hormonal runny nose can be dryness of the mucosa, nighttime snoring and sleep disorders. After childbirth, this phenomenon disappears on its own, without specific treatment. However, it is necessary to treat manifestations of severe congestion in order to avoid oxygen starvation of the fetus.

When to see a doctor

If a runny nose is caused by hormonal changes in the body or too dry air in the room, there is no reason for concern, it is necessary to take measures to facilitate breathing - moisten the air, drink more fluids, rinse the nose with saline.

However, there are signs in which the expectant mother should seek medical help:

• the appearance of mucopurulent discharge from the nose that accompanies congestion;
• temperature increase;
• headache;
• sneezing, lacrimation, skin rash;
• shortness of breath, shortness of breath;
• increased blood pressure;
• dizziness, weakness.

The listed symptoms can indicate both a layering of a secondary infection of a bacterial nature, and a diffuse allergic reaction - both of these conditions can be dangerous not only for the expectant mother, but also for the condition of the fetus.

Against the background of hormonal imbalance, pronounced signs of preeclampsia may appear, which is accompanied by severe edema and increased pressure, this condition also needs to be corrected and requires the help of a doctor.

Treatment regimens for different periods

Since in the first months of pregnancy, the formation of all important systems and organs of the child, it is forbidden to take any drugs at this time. Just like using vasoconstrictor drops - they cause contraction of the muscular walls of the uterus and can provoke premature birth. What should a woman do if her nose is constantly stuffy in the early stages?

You can alleviate the condition by the following procedures:

• Prepare a saline solution by adding half a teaspoon of salt to 500 ml of water. Wash with a warm solution at least 2-3 times a day - this will wash thick discharge from the nasal cavity, facilitate breathing and moisturize the mucous membrane.
• Apply Asterisk balm or Doctor Mom ointment to the bridge of the nose and whiskey. The menthol vapors contained in these products will help to pierce the nose and rest peacefully at night.
• Make a hot bath for hands - collect hot, but not scalding water in a basin or sink, lower your hands there to the elbow and hold for 5-7 minutes. It is forbidden for a pregnant woman to soar her legs in this way!

Second trimester

If congestion occurs in the second trimester, drops prepared from beets and carrots can be added to the listed measures to ease breathing - they must be grated, squeezed out the juice and injected into the nostrils a few drops three times a day, and it is better to dilute the composition with water 1: 1.

In the absence of fever and pus in the sinuses, warming up can be done - pour hot salt into two bags, apply them on both sides of the bridge of the nose and hold for 10-15 minutes.

Inhalation with a solution of sodium chloride helps to cure congestion well - this composition effectively replaces the saline solution, while it is not necessary to rinse the nose, it is enough to pour the required amount into the nebulizer and breathe for 10 minutes three times a day.

At the same time, it is recommended to purchase an air humidifier, and add a few drops of essential oil to the liquid reservoir, to which the pregnant woman is not allergic - tea tree, juniper, mint, lavender, eucalyptus.

Features of the treatment of rhinitis in pregnant women

third trimester

In the third trimester, with severe congestion, not aggravated by a bacterial infection or allergy, the use of vasoconstrictors is allowed, but under the strict supervision of a doctor, at a dosage halved.

It is advisable to use drops only in situations where it is not possible to ease breathing using other methods, it is better to take a product intended for children with a lower concentration of the active substance.

With severe congestion caused by a bacterial infection or allergy, the doctor assesses the risk to the mother and fetus, and prescribes systemic drugs that do not enter the bloodstream and do not have side effects - Polydex, Vibrocil, Rinofluimucil. They must be used in strictly prescribed dosage.

With a diffuse inflammatory process, a pregnant woman is shown washing with the Cuckoo method, in extreme cases, a sinus puncture is made under local anesthesia, followed by washing the sinuses with an antiseptic.

Safe folk remedies

In the piggy bank folk recipes from the common cold, there are those that can be used by pregnant women to relieve nasal congestion. It is advisable to discuss any traditional medicine that the expectant mother will use with the doctor in order to avoid an unforeseen reaction to its components. Here are the most popular and effective ways to get rid of congestion:

• Steam inhalation - it can be carried out in the absence of temperature.

Get rid of nasal congestion will help adding to hot water decoctions of chamomile, coltsfoot, thyme, sage, plantain, calendula, eucalyptus. After the procedure, it is better not to go outside, but lie down under the covers for half an hour.

• Herbal collection for oral administration.

Mix the fruits of raspberries and anise, add chamomile and linden flowers, coltsfoot leaves to them. Boil 2 tbsp. l. mixture in 500 ml of water for about 5 minutes, then cool and strain. Drink the finished composition of 100 ml four times a day, this will increase immunity, have an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect on the body.

• Carrot juice.

Freshly squeezed carrot juice should be mixed in half with olive oil, the resulting composition should be dripped into the nostrils a few drops every 2-3 hours.

• Onion and garlic.

These root crops are known for their bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. You can choose a simple way to use them - cut one fruit into small pieces, arrange in saucers and arrange them around the room. Inhale the aroma of onion and garlic for 2 hours, this will help to pierce the nose and kill germs in the nasopharyngeal cavity.

• Eucalyptus oil.

It can be prepared independently by grinding 2 tbsp. l. dry eucalyptus leaves and fill them with a glass olive oil. Next, you need to bring the composition to a boil over low heat, boil for 10 minutes, then cool and strain. It is necessary to bury such oil 3-4 times a day, 4 drops in each nostril.

Recipes with honey during pregnancy are best avoided, although this product has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Since the reaction of the body to bee products during this period can be unpredictable, it is better not to take risks and not provoke the development of allergies.

Preventive measures

To avoid nasal congestion caused by SARS, allergies or a bacterial infection, the expectant mother needs to take care of herself and follow preventive measures:

• avoid visiting places where a lot of people accumulate;
• wash hands thoroughly and often, especially after visiting the clinic, public transport and the street;
• instill isotonic solutions of Aqua Maris, Humer and others into the nose, they will moisturize the nasal mucosa and prevent harmful microbes from penetrating into the epithelium;
• monitor hormone levels;
• spend more time outdoors;
• clean and ventilate the room;
• drink more fluids, eat vegetables and fruits in unlimited quantities;
• Eat right, get enough rest.

Such simple methods of prevention will help not to pick up a viral infection and not provoke an allergy. During pregnancy, it is better to limit contact with sick people, since it will be much easier to get infected against the background of reduced immunity.

Let's summarize

With constant nasal congestion, a pregnant woman is recommended to visit the attending physician to identify the causes of the unpleasant phenomenon. Since the cause may be hidden not only in the hormonal runny nose, which happens to every second future mother, it is better not to risk your and your child's health, but to visit the doctor regularly and inform him of any change in the state of health.

Medications during pregnancy and lactation – School of Dr. Komarovsky

In contact with

Expecting a child is a wonderful and very important period in a woman's life. The body is rebuilt, biochemical parameters change, protective functions weaken. Nasal congestion during pregnancy is a common occurrence. But it must be avoided by all means, since the lack of oxygen negatively affects the health of the woman and the unborn child.

The danger of nasal congestion

One of the most common causes of nasal congestion in pregnant women is the common cold. The immune system is unable to cope with microbes, chronic diseases escalate. The probability of the disease is especially high in the early stages, and this is very dangerous for the fetus. The first thing to do if your nose is stuffy during pregnancy is to see a doctor. Violation of nasal breathing leads to oxygen starvation. This can affect the health of the fetus, provoke hypoxia, which will lead to deviations in the activity of the brain and nervous system.

Causes of edema

The body of the expectant mother is busy supplying herself and the baby with nutrients. This task takes the main forces, so even the simplest infection can easily penetrate the body. Severe nasal congestion occurs precisely for this reason. From the middle of the term, hormonal rhinitis may appear. This is another reason why pregnant women get stuffy nose. During the period of maturation of the placenta, estrogen is actively produced, the walls of the capillaries become highly permeable, and severe edema occurs. At the same time, the nasal passages narrow, the mucous membrane in this case can be very dry. In the 3rd trimester, edema appears that is not associated with a cold. The situation is aggravated if the air in the apartment is too dry. The epithelium of the mucous membrane becomes thinner, and the secret begins to be produced with a vengeance. Therefore, in the later stages, the nose is often stuffy during pregnancy.

Symptoms of the disease

The disease caused by infection has the following symptoms:

• sneezing
• general weakness;
• elevated temperature;
• copious discharge from the nose and eyes;
• difficult nasal breathing.

Microbes of any etiology are dangerous for the unborn child. Call the doctor at home to limit contact with other sick people in the clinic. Without taking medication, without getting rid of the source of infection, better child you won't. Rhinitis will turn into sinusitis and purulent processes will begin.

If the nose is blocked during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, then the following symptoms occur:

• jumps in blood pressure;
• it is difficult to breathe, shortness of breath appeared;
• sneezing, lacrimal fluid;
• skin rash.

Allergic manifestations are no less harmful than infectious ones. Remember that you are now responsible not only for yourself, but also for the life and health of your child.

How can nasal congestion be treated?

The first trimester to accept aggressive methods of treatment is prohibited. This can cause improper formation of the human skeleton and organs. Even drops from nasal congestion during early pregnancy cannot be used. The vasoconstrictive effect can provoke uterine contraction and miscarriage.

• rinse the nasal cavity;
• rub into the temples and bridge of the nose balms "Asterisk" or "Doctor Mom";
• warm your hands under hot water within 5 minutes.

In the second trimester, you can use drops of red beets or carrots prepared at home, diluted with boiled water in a 1: 1 ratio. You can do inhalations, pouring a solution of sodium chloride into the nebulizer, 3 times a day.

How to treat nasal congestion during late pregnancy? If it is not possible to get rid of the disease with gentle methods, vasoconstrictors can be used in small doses under the strict supervision of a doctor. Only a specialist should prescribe them to you, do not buy by yourself! Medicines should not enter the bloodstream, they should act only locally. If the inflammation is extensive, the doctor will prescribe several washing sessions in the hospital. When other methods do not save, they puncture the sinus with accumulated pus, clean it with an antiseptic solution.

One of the home remedies for nasal congestion is Aqualor spray. Natural sea water actively fights microbes, removes mucus, making breathing easier. It is indicated for use by pregnant women at all stages. It is used in the treatment of nasal congestion in a child from birth (Aqualor Baby). The drug dilutes thick secretions, brings them out. The patient's condition improves immediately.

When is the best time to see a doctor

Reasons for stuffy nose during pregnancy a large number of. To start effective treatment, you need to consult a doctor. If you use home remedies for 2-3 days, and there is no improvement, go to the otolaryngologist. Perhaps this is hormonal rhinitis, which after childbirth disappears within a week. A completely different picture occurs when nasal congestion occurs in the morning. This may be a sign of a developing nasopharyngeal infection, such as sinusitis or adenoiditis. Another reason is the growth of neoplasms on the mucosa. Only an examination by an ENT doctor will eliminate the likelihood and determine the diagnosis.

Prevention

Strong immunity will put a reliable barrier between you and the infection. Eat right, get plenty of vitamins and minerals. Be outdoors more often, do not overcool. Do breathing exercises. Ventilate the room and humidify the air. Add essential oils with an antibacterial effect to the humidifier: tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender and more.

In most cases, this condition appears as a result of infectious diseases, the causative agents of which are viruses or pathogenic bacteria. Such diseases include:

• SARS

Factors that affect the development of a 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, cough. Also, with allergic reactions, lacrimation, sneezing, redness of the eyelids can occur. In some cases, drowsiness, loss of appetite, dizziness, pain in the nose area join.

Among possible complications pathologies during pregnancy: fetal hypoxia and intoxication of the body. With nasal congestion, a woman feels constant fatigue, 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.
• The development of pharyngitis or tonsillitis.
• chronic infection.
• Early discharge of amniotic fluid.
• Blood loss during delivery.
• Inflammation of the organs of the reproductive system.
• Complications after childbirth.

If the condition is accompanied by a cough, then 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, provoked by an infection, is dangerous. This is due to 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 fever, the fetus may develop heart and vascular defects, muscle and bone tissue, and the nervous system. Also, this condition is dangerously increased uterine tone, intrauterine fetal death, impaired blood circulation in the placenta.

Safe medical treatment

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

This is due to the fact that many drugs can affect the development of the fetus. Therefore, a woman needs to seek help from a qualified specialist who will prescribe a safe treatment.

Therapy may include the use of such groups of drugs:

• Vasoconstrictor drugs. With caution, drops such as Xymelin or Tizin are prescribed for rhinorrhea and congestion of the nasal passages. It is necessary to know that such drugs can affect the development of the fetus, so the decision on whether to use them or not should be made by the doctor.
• Salt solutions. Safe means during pregnancy are solutions based on sea salt, for example, No-salt. They are used to wash the nose.
• Herbal preparations. Can be used for nasal congestion homeopathic medicine Delufen and phytopreparation. These drugs reduce the inflammatory process, reduce the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria, relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa.
• Antibacterial drugs. From the fourteenth week of pregnancy, topical antibiotics may be prescribed to the pregnant woman: Isofra or.

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

In addition, vitamin-mineral complexes are also prescribed.

It must be remembered that the use drugs justified during pregnancy in the case when the benefit to the pregnant woman outweighs the likelihood of danger to the unborn child. Safe to use during pregnancy folk remedies.

Effective folk remedies

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

Also an effective medicine is the use of teas from medicinal plants. For pregnant women, such medicinal herbs are suitable:

• chamomile
• St. John's wort
• Plantain
• Linden (flowers)
• Strawberries (leaves)

Infusions of forest mallow, yarrow, sage, oregano, coltsfoot can be instilled into the nose.

Nasal lavage and inhalation

Effective and safe methods of treating nasal congestion during childbearing are inhalation and nasal lavage.