How do I get rid of a stuffy nose while pregnant?

If you're expecting a child, you might be suffering with a stuffy nose that won't go away. Pregnancy rhinitis is the name for this annoyance. The exact cause of this ailment is unknown. Hormonal changes, on the other hand, could be to blame. Having allergies or asthma does not increase your chances of developing pregnant rhinitis. Congestion or a stuffy nose that starts during pregnancy, lasts at least six weeks, and isn't caused by an infection or allergies is known as pregnant rhinitis. It gets worse later in pregnancy and disappears within two weeks of delivery on its own.

Pregnancy rhinitis affects over 30% of pregnant women, making it one of the most prevalent pregnancy symptoms. It can happen at any time throughout pregnancy, but it's most common during the third and seventh months, and it usually gets worse as you move closer to your due date.

So, what's the connection between congestion and pregnancy? Although no one knows for sure, hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause nasal passage lining to thicken and generate more mucus. Pregnancy also causes more blood to circulate, which can cause the tiny blood vessels inside your nose to enlarge, resulting in nasal congestion. Pregnancy rhinitis is made worse by exposure to cigarette smoke and dust mites.

Many effective treatment alternatives exist, including as utilising a humidifier and exercising on a regular basis. Let’s discuss about it in details –

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Just make sure you drink plenty of water (with fruit slices for added taste) and avoid sugary drinks like juice and soda.
• To clear your nasal passages, use saline nose drops or saline nasal spray three to four times per day. They're sold over-the-counter in pharmacies, or you can make your own at home with 1 cup warm water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of baking soda.
• One of the most effective strategies to treat pregnant rhinitis is to engage in pregnancy-safe activity. (Avoid exercising outside on days when there is a lot of pollution because it may exacerbate traffic congestion.) Exercise can also assist you maintain a healthy weight gain throughout pregnancy, reducing pregnant congestion.
• When you lie down to rest or sleep, elevate your head with extra pillows to aid with pregnant rhinitis.
• Take a hot shower and stay in the steamy bathroom for a while. Steam is relaxing and helps to ease congestion momentarily.
• Soak a washcloth in hot water and place it over your face. Breathe deeply.
• Apply nasal strips to the bridge of your nose at night to widen your nasal passageways and make it easier to breathe. Nasal strips are also available over-the-counter at your local medical stores.
• When you sleep, add moisture to the air by using a humidifier or vaporizer in your bedroom. (Be sure to clean your humidifier according to the manufacturer's directions, since it can become a breeding ground for bacteria.)
• Smoke and other potential irritants should be avoided if your symptoms seem to be triggered by them.