Pregnancy Rhinitis

If you are pregnant and experiencing a little nasal congestion, a runny nose, coughing and sneezing without having any allergies or a viral infection, chances are you are suffering from pregnancy rhinitis. About 20 to 30 percent women suffer from pregnancy rhinitis and like morning sickness and backaches; it has become one of the most common discomforts of pregnancy.

What is Pregnancy Rhinitis?

Pregnancy rhinitis is a very common condition among pregnant women and it occurs when your nasal passages become inflamed. During pregnancy, the high amounts of estrogen in your body can cause the mucus membranes lining your nose to swell leading to irritation, nasal congestion, sneezing and coughing and sometimes, even headaches. The increase in blood levels during pregnancy also causes nasal passages to swell. Pregnancy rhinitis can last for at least six weeks occurring at anytime during your pregnancy and can really make your pregnancy difficult.

What You Can Do For Relief

Though Pregnancy rhinitis is not harmful for your baby, it can make your life uncomfortable by making it difficult for you to breathe and sleep. Therefore, it is important to get relief or medication that will help ease your symptoms.

One of the things that doctors suggest if you suffer from Pregnancy rhinitis is to drink plenty of fluids. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages, as this will make you dehydrated. So, it is best to drink juices and lots of water. Also, it is good to sleep with your head elevated and propped up on a pillow at night. Sleeping with your head elevated with help with your nasal congestion and coughing. So, elevated your head with an extra pillow when you go to bed at night. Steam also helps relieve congestion and taking a warm shower also soothes and helps you breathe easier at night. Also, try some nasal saline spray or drops that is available over the counter at your local drugstore as well as using a humidifier or a vaporizer to moisten the air around you. You should also avoid potential irritants such as cigarette smoke and areas where there is a lot of pollution.