Catarrh in pregnancy – how to get rid of a persistent ailment?

The culprit of a runny nose does not always have to be a cold, or allergies. Its causative factor may be pregnancy itself. This is due to the changes taking place in a woman’s body. Excess estrogen and progesterone can also be the reason for the appearance of a runny nose.  How to fight this persistent ailment?

Catarrh in pregnancy – why does it arise ?

A runny nose in pregnancy can occur for many reasons. Excessive nasal discharge is not always a symptom of a cold. High levels of hormones during pregnancy ie. Estrogen and progesterone are the most common culprits of this very persistent ailment. As a result of their action, blood flow through the nasal mucosa increases and causes swelling. As a result, a woman develops what is known as an “inferiority”. Bothersome pregnancy rhinitis and the compulsion to constantly empty the nose. Hormonal catarrh in pregnancy passes immediately after delivery.

For what it’s worth, a sore throat, cough and runny nose in pregnancy can indicate an infection. A cold should not be taken lightly by any mom-to-be. An innocent infection can develop into a serious respiratory illness that even carries the risk of miscarriage. In such situations, antibiotic therapy is sometimes necessary, which does not serve both mother and child.

Allergic rhinitis can also bother a woman. During pregnancy, susceptibility to allergens is greater, especially if a woman also struggled with allergies before pregnancy. Any antihistamines must be decided by an allergist.

See also: Allergy in pregnancy

Catarrh in pregnancy – what does the color of the nasal discharge indicate?

The color of the nasal discharge determines the type of rhinitis. A runny nose with blood during pregnancy indicates swelling of the mucous membranes, which is caused by hormonal changes. Yellow runny nose in pregnancy (or green runny nose in pregnancy) is a harbinger of infection and should not be ignored. Bacterial infections can develop into pneumonia, or bronchitis. Allergic rhinitis, on the other hand, will be watery and very persistent.

Many moms-to-be ask about runny nose during pregnancy – “does it harm the baby and how can it be remedied?” The ailment, as much as it bothers pregnant women, will not be harmful to the baby, as long as its result is not an upper respiratory tract infection. If a mom is in doubt about what is safe for a runny nose during pregnancy, she needs to see a doctor, or ask a pharmacist for help. They will certainly advise the right product. 

Read also: What does the baby look like at 20 weeks of pregnancy? Baby’s movements

Ways to get a runny nose during pregnancy

How to treat a runny nose during pregnancy? There are many ways to treat a runny nose during pregnancy that are safe for the baby and mother. It is very important to moisten the mucous membranes, which will make the runny nose less troublesome and the inside of the nose less swollen. A very good “moisturizer” is saline and sea salts, which will help decongest the nose. These are the only drops for runny nose in pregnancy that can be used by a mother-to-be. In truly emergency situations, xylometazoline drops are recommended for pregnant women, but there must be a doctor’s approval. If drops are insufficient, you can try home remedies for a runny nose during pregnancy.

One home remedy that has been recommended for generations is inhalations for a runny nose. During pregnancy, the use of essential oils is not forbidden, and is even recommended. Eucalyptus oil, pine oil, or peppermint oil will be a good choice and will minimize the disturbing ailment. For inhalation you need a nebulizer, unless you try the old way of our grandmothers. A bowl of herbal infusion is also a good idea. In this way, infusions of chamomile, thyme and lembi can be used. They have anti-inflammatory, soothing and antibacterial properties.

You can also buy marjoram ointment at the pharmacy, which is a proven remedy for a runny nose. It can be used to lubricate the noses of even very young children, without the risk of irritation. It is also safe for pregnant women. Its only drawback is its characteristic smell, which not all mothers-to-be tolerate.

For a runny nose during pregnancy, you can also buy a nasal spray with sea salt, hyaluronic acid, soothing panthenol and essential oils, which are available without a prescription at any pharmacy. The cost is also not much and closes at about PLN 10 for 20 ml.

Read also: Symptoms and treatment of heartburn in pregnancy