An average person gets a cold once in three to four months. This is because of weather changes, exposure to pollutants and irritants and stress, which can all weaken the body's defenses against the cold viruses. However, a lot of women complain of more frequent bouts of sinusitis, stuffy noses while they are pregnant. It is so tasteless among pregnant women that it has even been given a name: rhinitis of pregnancy. Why is this so? This report aims to discuss the causes for sinus problems in pregnancy as well as ways on how to combat this minor discomfort, so you can focus on other things that should matter more during your pregnancy.
What causes colds and sinus problems in pregnancy?
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When a woman gets pregnant, her body undergoes rapid hormone shifts and surges that cause changes within her body. The female hormone Estrogen causes more blood to flow to mucous membranes, which line the nose and throat. As the mucous membranes swell, they also produce more mucus, which then gives way to nasal congestion, or the feeling of stuffiness.
Blocked nasal passages could be accompanied by pain and hurt on the forehead, temples, cheeks, and colse to the eyes. This is known as sinus congestion. Sinuses can be described as air pockets on the said areas of the face, and are needed to drain properly in the head. When they are swollen, however, mucus fails to drain adequately, so the blockage causes pain, and mucus stagnation gives way to infection. Sinusitis is believed to be caused by the growth of the hormone progesterone, which also makes blood vessels swell and become more lax.
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Is my cold always caused by my pregnancy? How do I know it isn't?
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Of course, a woman is perfectly capable of contracting a cold that is not caused entirely by her hormones. Exposure to allergens like dust, pollens can cause respiratory reactions like congestion and sneezing too. You will know it's an allergy when your colds are accompanied by other symptoms like itchy and teary eyes, irritated throat and ears. Pregnancy makes you extra vulnerable to allergens which never seemed to bother you much before.
If your colds occur with fever, chills, headaches, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes, you may have a respiratory infection, and must see your doctor for the best medicine. Remember that over-the-counter medications must be taken extra-sparingly during pregnancy, because anything you take in could as a matter of fact cross the placental barrier and influence your baby's development.
It is also possible that while you are experiencing an allergy or an infection, you are also going through the motions of rhinitis of pregnancy.
How do I deal with rhinitis of pregnancy?
There is as a matter of fact nothing to be done about rhinitis of pregnancy, as it is a normal occurrence from your second month of pregnancy to a few months after you have given birth. However, here are some things you can do to ease the discomforts brought about by congestion.
Keep yourself hydrated, as dry mucus membranes tend to be more susceptible to infection. If you palpate stuffiness, put an extra pillow and elevate your head to help you breathe and sleep great at night.
You can also try steam. It's a great way to relax, and calms those swollen passages. Originate your own steam room by turning on the hot water in the tub and leaving the bathroom door closed. Leave for a while and when you come back, the room has filled with steam, and you can now take a warm shower.
If you palpate strangeness blowing your nose or expelling mucus, try saline-based nasal sprays, or neti pots. Never go for chemical sprays, because these cause rebound congestion, which will only be more uncomfortable and could even cause infection.
Be sure you are inhaling fresh, clean air, and stay away from cigarette smoke, alcohol, dust and extreme odors which can cause an allergic or respiratory reaction. Keep your home climatic characteristic consistent, as extreme temperatures could also trigger rhinitis of pregnancy.
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