The pregnant woman has a very stuffy nose. Nasal congestion during pregnancy, strong, permanent: treatment, causes, what to do. Treatment of nasal congestion in pregnant women

Text: Olga Natolina

Nasal congestion during pregnancy is a common occurrence. For 30 percent of women, nasal congestion accompanies pregnancy, as well as other unpleasant symptoms in the form of toxicosis, swelling, and back pain.

Causes and symptoms of nasal congestion during pregnancy

The cause of nasal congestion during pregnancy can be rhinitis. It occurs when tissues in the nose become inflamed and swollen. This makes breathing difficult, you may start sneezing, and you may develop a runny nose. Rhinitis during pregnancy is similar to a runny nose of an allergic nature. And it can be caused by environmental influences. Nasal congestion during pregnancy is very common in the first three to six months of pregnancy. And all the signs of it can disappear without a trace immediately after two weeks, as the child is born.

If you have rhinitis during pregnancy, then the symptoms will manifest as nasal congestion, sneezing, sensations of itching in the nose, and even coughing. Some pregnant women may experience headaches. Some studies suggest that rhinitis during pregnancy is hormonal in nature. After all, the body of a pregnant woman actively produces estrogen. This hormone affects the increase in mucus and provokes swelling of the tissues in the nose, which i Procedures that can relieve nasal congestion during pregnancy is the cause of nasal congestion during pregnancy.

Rhinitiscausing nasal congestion during pregnancy does not pose any danger to either the mother or the unborn baby. But it makes the life of a pregnant woman uncomfortable. Her sleep may be disturbed, which will cause increased irritability and a constant feeling of fatigue. If the cause of nasal congestion is acute rhinitis, then one must be careful and start treatment on time, because it can give complications to the ears, and turn into chronic sinusitis. In any case, be sure to see a doctor so that he correctly diagnoses what causes nasal congestion during pregnancy.

Nasal congestion treatment during pregnancy

If nasal congestion during pregnancy is not caused by a cold, acute rhinitis or sinusitis. And this was established by the doctor at the consultation. Then to remove swelling of the nose, unpleasant symptoms, the so-called rhinitis during pregnancy, can be simple rules and traditional medicine. After all, drug treatment is contraindicated here, and it should be carried out only with the permission and under the supervision of a doctor.

Therefore, at home, you can reduce the manifestations of this syndrome during pregnancy as follows:

Drink plenty of water every day. Avoid coffee and other caffeinated foods to avoid dehydration.

Monitor the level of humidity in the apartment. If necessary, purchase special devices humidifiers. This will reduce the load on the nose, it will not dry out, and the tissues in it will be less irritated.

Stay away from various irritants, including allergic ones, such as smoke, powder, and so on.

If it's cold outside, dress warmly so as not to aggravate the situation with nasal congestion during pregnancy.

Physical activity in small amounts will help disperse the blood, thereby removing swelling from the tissues in the nose. And relieve the symptoms of nasal congestion during pregnancy.

Non-drug treatments that can relieve nasal congestion during pregnancy include:

Breathing exercises. One nostril is clamped with a finger, through the other we take a deep breath and exhale. Then we change the nostrils. Or we inhale through one and exhale through the other. Or inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth.

Acupressure. We press on the point on the bridge of the nose, massage in a circular motion. Then, massage the wings of the nose with your index fingers, pressing lightly. Then you press on the area between the nose and lips, there is a depression, and also on the depression on the chin. Repeat several times a day.

Warming up for legs. Put on socks before going to bed, first pour mustard into them. Warming up will reduce the swelling of the tissues in the nose.

Horseradish mix. Mix horseradish, finely grated, with apples, add a little sugar. A small amount of this mixture, two spoons a day, will relieve nasal congestion. Horseradish generally improves immunity and fights bacteria.

Such simple recommendations will relieve nasal congestion during pregnancy, while not harming the health of the baby. But to resort to self-treatment, you can after consulting with your doctor. After all, only a specialist can correctly establish the causes of nasal congestion during pregnancy.

Severe nasal congestion during pregnancy is a fairly common complaint of expectant mothers. A cold or infection, like all people, can cause a runny nose. In this case, there is a discharge of green thick pus from the nose and a sore throat. To overcome this condition, you need to irrigate the nose with saline.

If the cause of a runny nose is an allergy, you need to eliminate the factor that causes it. Your doctor may also prescribe antihistamines that are approved during pregnancy. Do not use any vasoconstrictor drops like Nazol!

To avoid nasal congestion during pregnancy, do not come into contact with smoke, and entrust cleaning with household chemicals to other family members.

Do a massage: first press on the bridge of your nose, then massage the area between your nose and lips.

Pinch the right nasal passage, inhale through the left, exhale through the mouth. Do the same with the other nostril.

Remember that a lack of oxygen can cause a developmental delay in the child, so severe nasal congestion cannot be ignored.

Persistent nasal congestion during pregnancy

Constant nasal congestion during pregnancy is caused by the so-called runny nose of pregnant women. Try Fleming's ointment to treat it. Put cotton swabs in the nasal passages for 15 minutes. The composition of the ointment includes components safe for pregnant women: calendula, esculus, menthol. A contraindication for the use of the ointment can only be an allergy to its components.

You can use nasal drops for newborns, such as Tizin Xylo. It constricts the vessels of the nasal mucosa. Indications: viral, bacterial, allergic rhinitis of pregnant women, sinusitis, sinusitis. Instill 2-3 drops of the drug 3 times a day. Possible reactive hyperemia of the mucosa, fatigue, headache, tachycardia. Tizin Xylo is not prescribed to pregnant women with diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Nasal congestion as a sign of pregnancy

Nasal congestion during early pregnancy is one of its signs, as is toxicosis, sensitivity to odors and soreness in the chest. This is due to the intense hormonal changes in the body of a woman. You may also start to snore - this is also an early sign of pregnancy. May cause sneezing and watery eyes. Look out for metallic taste in the mouth, bloating, and heartburn.

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

SARS

Factors that affect the development of a pathological condition include:

hypothermia
stressful situations
Decreased body defenses
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 the possible complications of pathology 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. You can use 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 of drugs is justified during pregnancy in the case when the benefit to the pregnant woman outweighs the likelihood of danger to the unborn child. During pregnancy, you can use safe folk remedies.

Effective folk remedies

Drinking warm milk with honey.
Instillation of the nose with juice or.
Burying the nasal passages with carrots or.
Nose wings massage.
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.

To rinse your nose, you can use the following means:

Sea salt solution. Preparations based on this salt can be purchased at pharmacies (Marimer, Quicks, Salin,). They can be replaced with a salt solution. To do this, half a teaspoon of salt is diluted in a cup of warm water and filtered.
antiseptic solutions. Apply, Oils of thyme, rosehip, tea tree, chamomile.
Inhalation is also recommended using Borjomi mineral water.

Useful video: massage for nasal congestion

It is important to know how to prevent the development of nasal congestion during pregnancy. To this end, the following preventive measures should be followed:

Strengthening the immune system (exercise, a healthy lifestyle, the use of vitamins).
Compliance with medical prescriptions.
Proper and balanced nutrition.
Optimal drinking regime.
Ventilation of the room and humidification of the air in it.
Walks in the open air.
Avoid hypothermia and contact with sick people.
Complete sleep.

In addition, a pregnant woman should avoid stressful and conflict situations.

Toxicosis, mood swings, swelling, heartburn, frequent urination - these companions accompany most expectant mothers. Often a permanent stuffy nose is added to this list. The lack of oxygen negatively affects the condition of the woman and the child, so the situation cannot be left unattended. It is not possible to get rid of congestion through the usual medicines, since they are forbidden to be used during pregnancy. Then alternative methods come to the rescue.

Causes of nasal congestion in pregnant women

The main reason why a stuffy nose during pregnancy is rhinitis, that is, inflammation of the nasal mucosa. In most cases, it is provoked by harmful bacteria, fungi and viruses. In the 1st trimester, the immune system is rebuilt, so expectant mothers notice an increased incidence of respiratory diseases. The 2nd trimester is the time of active development of the fetus, when it needs a lot of useful substances. If the nutrition of the expectant mother is not balanced enough, vitamin deficiency makes itself felt by frequent colds. The main difference between viral rhinitis is an increase in body temperature.

The rest of the reasons why pregnant women have a stuffy nose are:

Allergic reactions. Under the action of allergens, inflammation begins, which provokes a runny nose, tearing, sneezing and discharge from the nose.
Pathology of the nasal septum. Its deviation or curvature is due to anatomical features and leads to difficulty breathing.
Sinusitis. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses under the influence of a viral, fungal infection, allergic reactions, structural abnormalities, inhalation of cold air.
Adenoids. The problem is more common among children, but it also occurs in adults. Enlargement of the pharyngeal tonsil leads to breathing difficulties and congestion.
Low humidity. Nasal congestion often occurs when the air gets too dry, especially during the heating season.
Polyps in the nasal cavity are benign formations that appear as a result of the growth of the mucous membrane under the influence of prolonged inflammation.
Reaction to cold. Pathology is rare. It is accompanied by congestion under the influence of low temperatures.

Stuffy nose without a runny nose - why does this happen during pregnancy?

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Another reason why a pregnant woman has a stuffy nose and no runny nose is hormonal rhinitis, which is of a physiological nature and is not considered a pathology. It occurs in 30% of expectant mothers. Occurs in the 2nd trimester (sometimes at the end of the 1st) and does not go through the entire pregnancy, until childbirth. The cause of the phenomenon is the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman.

The hormone progesterone plays a leading role in the process of bearing a fetus. Its increase is accompanied by such signs as fluid retention, an increase in circulating blood volume and vasodilation. The level of estrogen, the main female hormone, also increases, which causes thickening and blood filling of the mucous membranes. These changes lead to the fact that edema occurs, and the nose is blocked.
Hormonal rhinitis occurs with varying degrees of severity. In some, it manifests itself in a mild form, without significantly affecting the well-being, in others it has vivid symptoms (especially with a deviated nasal septum). It can be distinguished by nasal congestion, which increases with physical activity and taking a horizontal position, dryness of the mucous membranes with the formation of crusts and the development of nosebleeds. Unlike viral rhinitis, hormonal rhinitis does not go away after a few days, but is delayed until childbirth.

Nasal congestion treatment at home
Treatment for nasal congestion begins by identifying the cause. If the condition is not related to hormones, it can be alleviated with medications approved for use during pregnancy, or with the help of folk methods. Physiotherapy, inhalation, electro- and phonophoresis, breathing exercises and acupressure will help to pierce the nose.
Medical therapy
Treatment with medicines during pregnancy is carried out with the appointment of the attending physician. If the cause of nasal congestion is a viral infection, therapy is hampered by the fact that the use of drugs during pregnancy is limited. Sometimes drastic measures are indispensable - then antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
If a pregnant woman has nasal congestion, the following drugs can be used:
Sinupret. The medication has a plant base and allows you to remove congestion in the treatment of rhinitis at any time. It has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, reduces swelling and inflammation.
Miramistin. The solution is used for viral diseases as an antiseptic. The drug is instilled into each nasal passage, 4 drops, and then blown out.
". It has a distracting and irritating effect, so it can clear nasal congestion and make breathing easier. They lubricate the wings of the nose.
Drops Pinosol. A plant-based preparation containing pine, eucalyptus and mint oils can relieve swelling and inflammation, making breathing easier.
Aquamaris, Aqualor and other solutions of sea salt (we recommend reading:). They have anti-edematous and antibacterial effects, which allows you to relieve congestion.
Drops Derinat. They help to increase local immunity and reduce inflammation. Appointed in the last trimester in case of frequent colds.
If the nose is blocked due to an allergic reaction, Nazaval spray and Vibrocil drops can alleviate the condition. The latter have a vasoconstrictive effect, therefore they are allowed for use only in the final trimester. In a complicated condition, steroid hormones are used (Prednisolone, Celeston). They are used under medical supervision.

Vasoconstrictors are not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially in the early and late stages, therefore, they are not prescribed without special need. This is associated with the risk of placental vasoconstriction, which can lead to hypoxia (oxygen starvation) of the fetus. As a last resort, Otrivin, Nazivin or Nazol Baby are used to facilitate breathing, but not more than three days.
Folk methods
Many medicines are prohibited during pregnancy, so folk remedies can help. Washing with decoctions of medicinal plants helps to alleviate the condition with nasal congestion: chamomile, calendula (1 tablespoon of chopped herbs per 1 cup of boiling water, leave for half an hour, strain) or saline solution (1 tsp of salt is dissolved in 1 liter of water). The nose is washed with a syringe. Washing is not used for polyps and severe congestion (if the nose does not breathe at all), as this can lead to infection in the ear canal and the development of otitis media.
You can treat congestion by instilling aloe juice or Kalanchoe 2 drops into the nostril at least 3 times a day. For the same purpose, onion, garlic, apple, beetroot juices (diluted) are used. To improve the condition of the body and increase immunity will help the use of rosehip broth, coltsfoot, oregano.
Physiotherapy, breathing exercises and acupressure
Physiotherapy for pregnant women is prescribed by the attending physician. Help fight nasal congestion in expectant mothers inhalation. The procedures are carried out at home using a special device - a nebulizer. They are allowed at any time. The session lasts 7 - 10 minutes, the course is 10 procedures. In uncomplicated cases, inhalation is carried out with:

medicinal herbs (calendula, thyme, chamomile);
essential oils (juniper, eucalyptus, green tea);
Miramistin and saline (in a ratio of 1: 2);
Furacilin solution (undiluted).

If the reason that a pregnant woman's nose is clogged is rhinitis or sinusitis, it can be cured by electrophoresis. It is used from the 8th week of pregnancy. The procedure improves blood flow, reduces swelling and inflammation. It is carried out using an apparatus that transforms drugs in liquid form into ions. The phonophoresis method is based on the effect of ultrasound, which improves blood circulation and activates cellular metabolism, starts regeneration processes and eliminates edema. These procedures allow you to deliver therapeutic substances directly to the tissue.
Nasal congestion in pregnant women can be dealt with by conducting special breathing exercises. With regular exercises for 5 minutes 3-4 times a day, nasal breathing will be easier. Exercises are done in two ways, they can be alternated:
One nostril is closed with a finger, air is inhaled through the other. Exhalation is made through both. Actions are repeated on the other side.
Inhalation and exhalation are done alternately with one nostril, then the other.

The method of acupressure is based on the fact that stimulation of certain points on the face improves blood flow in the upper respiratory tract, treats the common cold and makes breathing easier. The procedure is carried out with clean warm hands, the points are massaged clockwise with the middle and index fingers for 1-1.5 minutes each.
For the best effect, you can change the pressing force, but not abruptly. Active points are located:
between the eyebrows;
at the temples;
on both sides of the bridge of the nose near the eyes;
on the sides of the wings of the nose;
in the middle of the head 3 cm above the hairline.

Preventive actions
It is not possible to prevent nasal congestion in a pregnant woman due to hormonal changes, since it is caused by physiology. To reduce the risk of developing nasal problems due to inappropriate living conditions, diseases, or exposure to allergens, you should:

Eat a balanced diet to provide the body with useful substances and strengthen the immune system. The diet should include fruits and berries containing vitamin C: apples, pears, bananas, kiwi, currants, cranberries.
Use multivitamin complexes (as prescribed by a doctor).
Regularly ventilate the room, do wet cleaning, maintain the optimum temperature - 21 - 23 ° C and humidity 30 - 60%.
After being in public places, rinse your nose with saline - this will get rid of harmful agents that can cause respiratory diseases by entering the respiratory tract.
Washing your hands often will reduce the risk of viruses and bacteria entering the body.
Lots of outdoor walks.
During epidemics, use a gauze bandage and do not visit crowded places. Avoid contact with sick people.
Do not eat allergenic foods.
Drink healthy drinks: rosehip broth, ginger tea.
Dress for the weather - avoid hypothermia or overheating.

Probably, there is no such cell in the female body that would not react to the pregnancy that took place. All systems and organs adjust to the new status of the body: some begin to function differently, while others, for example, increase. Very often, pregnant women complain of "disturbances" in the work of the nose: their breathing is difficult, some are noted or even. In addition, many women notice a thickening of the nasal mucosa and even, in some cases, a change in its shape. Let's note the most common complaints of pregnant women and see what causes these or those phenomena.

Sinusitis

Hoc performs a variety of functions, of which the main ones are respiratory, protective, resonator and olfactory. Respiratory (or, as it is also called, respiratory) of them is the most important.

During pregnancy, the uninterrupted supply of oxygen is more important than ever, which is necessary not only for the mother, but also for the child. Because of this, during the "interesting position", the need for oxygen increases significantly. Congested nasal passages, of course, do not fully cope with this task. On the one hand, for many during pregnancy, stuffy nose is a common occurrence that disappears immediately after childbirth. On the other hand, you can help a pregnant woman. For example, try using a vaporizer or humidifier, which will greatly alleviate the condition. In most cases, the signs that pregnant women describe with the phrase “clogged nose” indicate incipient sinusitis. This happens as a result of swelling of the mucous membranes of the nose and nasal passages. At the same time, the secret does not flow out of the sinuses, but stagnates and becomes an excellent environment for the development and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria. If, in addition to congestion, you feel the "fullness" of the sinuses, then follow these tips:

Rinse your nasal passages several times a day with a sea salt solution. These can be purchased at any pharmacy, or you can cook yourself. To do this, take one teaspoon of sea salt (in extreme cases, table salt) and dilute it in 0.5 liters of water.
Increase your fluid intake.
Do
Avoid staying in smoky rooms.
Do acupressure: massage the wings of the nose, forehead, areas under the eyes and from the nose to the ears with your fingers.

But, keep in mind, you can take any measures only after a visit to the doctor, because only he can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe a competent treatment. As a rule, inflammatory processes in the sinuses are treated with decongestants and antihistamines (if the cause of sinusitis is a household allergy) drugs. For example, an allergic reaction to dust or household chemicals may occur even if it has not been observed before.

Rhinitis (runny nose)

If a woman has appeared, then this is a signal that a virus is present in the body or an allergic reaction has occurred. Since, in the current state, the usual drugs for the treatment of the common cold are not available to the woman, it is necessary to know the following. First, again, go to the doctor. Secondly, drink plenty and take vitamin C (but don't overdo it: a large amount of this vitamin is dangerous).

How exactly to deal with this unpleasant phenomenon during pregnancy can be found in the material "Rhinitis in early pregnancy."

Should I take vasoconstrictor drugs?

Not worth it. They affect not only the vessels of the nose, but also the placenta, disrupting the placental circulation and proper nutrition of the fetus. In this case, it can develop (oxygen starvation) and a violation of the development of the fetus. Vasoconstrictor drops from the common cold can be used only in case of urgent need. Buy drops meant for children or newborns. Bury them before going to bed, because it is in a horizontal position that this problem becomes more noticeable. Try elevating the head of the bed at night or placing a second pillow under you to help alleviate the condition. Be aware that vasoconstrictors can make nosebleeds worse.

When there's nothing to worry about

If the cause of congestion or runny nose is a consequence of hormonal changes in the female body, then be calm: everything will stop after childbirth. Also, a completely understandable reaction of the body to pregnancy can be called bleeding from the nose. More often they occur in mid-pregnancy (although, in some women - in the early stages) under the influence of large amounts of estrogen and progesterone.

Don't let the "potato nose" worry you either. As a rule, all this passes when the baby is born. But, anyway, see a doctor: you may have severe swelling and you need medical attention.

Especially for- Olga Pavlova