Pregnancy rhinitis
Introduction:
Nasal congestion is common in pregnancy. It goes by the name pregnancy rhinitis. This condition is so common that it is seen in one in five pregnancies.
Clinical features:
Nasal congestion
Rhinorrhoea
These symptoms are aggravated by using nasal decongestant nasal sprays.
Definition:
Ellegard defined pregnancy rhinitis as nasal congestion which occurs during the last 6 weeks of pregnancy without other signs of upper respiratory infections / allergy. This disappears completely within 2 weeks after delivery.
Etiology:
- Could be due to hormone effects
- Elevated placental growth hormones have been implicated
- Smoking is considered to be a risk factor
- Autonomic nervous system imbalance as it occurs in vasomotor rhinitis
Diagnosis:
- Watery rhinorrhoea
- Nasal congestion
- Secondary infections of paranasal sinuses
Management:
- Reassurance
- Elevation of head end during sleep
- Ensuring normal humidity in the inspired air
- Adequate hydration
- Instillation of saline nasal drops
- Mild to moderate exercise will reduce nasal congestion
- Pseudoephidrine is the preferred decongestant used during prenancy if situation warrants
- Minimally invasive surgical procedures like cauterizing the enlarged inferior turbinates can help in some cases.