Nasal drops during pregnancy

Rhinitis in pregnancy

Pregnant women are relatively often sick with various infections and colds. This is related to the naturally occurring lowering of immunity, which is supposed to provide a kind of “tolerance” to  the developing fetus in the uterine cavity. This makes it possible to develop the child and provide him with favorable conditions for growth. A side effect, however, is a tendency toward more frequent infections. For this reason, pregnant women are slightly more likely than non-pregnant women to struggle with the symptoms associated with the common cold, namely a feeling of a blocked nose, cough, general weakness or a subfebrile state. All of the listed symptoms are associated with the formation of inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, which leads to, among other things. to swelling of the mucous membranes, experienced as a runny nose and congested nose.

A runny nose during pregnancy can also be one of the symptoms of allergies. The mother-to-be should be under the supervision of an allergologist, who will adjust the treatment to the time of pregnancy and prescribe the appropriate medication.

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Allergy in pregnancy

How to deal with a blocked nose during pregnancy?

The feeling of a blocked nose is associated with inflammation caused by viruses. Since the common cold is caused by these pathogens, treatment is reduced to symptomatic post-treatment. A natural way to combat congestion of the mucous membrane is to use nasal drops designed to shrink it. Among them, antihistamines such as cetirizine or steroids such as budesonide are mentioned. However, these are prescription drugs, which are prescribed by a doctor and specify the exact dosage. On her own, meanwhile, the mother-to-be can use moisturizing drops to help thin the nasal cavity’s lingering secretions. The use of seawater can also be effective in decongesting the nose and helping to get rid of bothersome discomfort. Doing inhalations or saline nebulizations is also helpful, as is making sure that the air in the house or apartment is properly humidified.

Safe ways to get a cold during pregnancy

The basis of treatment of the common cold in pregnancy is symptomatic management. Home remedies are the safest, but there are times when drug treatment is necessary. Antipyretics and painkillers combat the bothersome discomforts associated with the common cold. However, it is worth remembering that pregnancy is a period in which the use of certain drugs is contraindicated due to the potentially adverse effects on fetal development. The safest drug that can be used throughout pregnancy remains paracetamol, which not only fights cold symptoms, but also does not require dose modification during pregnancy. Before using other drugs, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist, who, based on his knowledge, will provide information on whether the drug can be used safely during pregnancy.

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What drugs are safe during pregnancy?