Pregnancy is a special and precious journey in a woman's life, but factors such as hormonal fluctuations and changes in immunity often cause expectant mothers to experience the distress of "pregnancy rhinitis." Symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing not only affect daily breathing but also severely impair sleep quality due to the tossing and turning at night. Faced with strict restrictions on medication use during pregnancy, nasal irrigation, due to its high safety and significant effectiveness, has gradually become a "golden solution" for relieving pregnancy rhinitis.
Mechanism of Action of Nasal Irrigation
The core principle of nasal irrigation is to physically flush the nasal cavity with saline or normal seawater to remove allergens, inflammatory secretions, and pathogens, thereby reducing congestion and edema of the nasal mucosa and restoring nasal ventilation function. Its effects can be broken down into three aspects:
Eliminating Allergens and Blocking the Source of Inflammation
Common triggers of allergic rhinitis during pregnancy include allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet hair. These tiny particles adhere to the surface of the nasal mucosa, stimulating the immune system to release inflammatory mediators such as histamine, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose. Nasal irrigation uses high-pressure water flow (or gentle permeation) to flush allergens from the nasal cavity. Studies have shown that twice-daily irrigation can reduce allergen concentrations in the nasal cavity by over 60%, significantly reducing the frequency of inflammatory attacks.
Thinning mucus and promoting secretion drainage
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause hypersecretion of the nasal mucosa, increasing mucus viscosity, which can easily block sinus openings and form "mucus plugs." Nasal irrigation can soften dry crusts, thin mucus, and coordinate with cilia movement to drain secretions out the back of the nasal cavity, preventing bacterial growth. Clinical observations have shown that after irrigation, patients experience a 50% decrease in nasal blowing frequency and a 70% improvement in nasal patency.
Reduce mucosal edema and restore nasal barrier function
Normal saline has an osmotic pressure similar to that of human body fluids. Irrigation does not irritate the nasal mucosa. Instead, it absorbs mucosal edema fluid through osmosis, relieving congestion. Furthermore, trace elements (such as zinc and copper) in the irrigation solution can promote mucosal cell regeneration, strengthen the nasal barrier function, and reduce the risk of infection. A controlled trial of 200 women with pregnancy rhinitis showed that after two weeks of continuous irrigation, the nasal mucosal thickness of the experimental group decreased by 0.3 mm compared to the control group, and symptom scores decreased by 45%.
Scientific Practice Guidelines
While nasal irrigation is safe, improper use can lead to complications such as earache and nosebleeds. Mastering the following key points can maximize its effectiveness and minimize risks:
Choosing the right irrigation tool and fluid
Tools: We recommend using a squeeze nasal irrigator (such as DeepCozy) or an electric spray irrigator. The former offers controllable pressure and is suitable for those with thicker mucus, while the latter is gentler and more comfortable, suitable for children and those with sensitive skin. Avoid using tap water directly to prevent chlorine or pathogens from irritating the mucosa.
Fluids: Prefer isotonic saline (0.9% sodium chloride) or specialized physiological seawater (containing minerals to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation). For severe nasal congestion, short-term use of hypertonic saline (2%-3%) can be used. Its dehydrating effect can more quickly reduce edema, but continuous use should not exceed seven days.
Master the correct rinsing posture and frequency
Posture: Lean forward 45 degrees, breathe through your mouth, and place the rinsing tip firmly against one nostril. Slowly squeeze the bottle or activate the spray to allow the liquid to flow out of the other nostril. After rinsing, blow your nose gently, avoiding excessive force to prevent ear infections.
Frequency: Once daily for mild symptoms, twice daily for severe symptoms or those with sinusitis. Rinsing before bed can significantly improve sleep quality, but avoid lying down immediately after rinsing to prevent backflow of secretions.
Combine with complementary therapies to enhance the effect
Hot steam fumigation: After rinsing, apply a 40°C hot towel to the nose for 10 minutes. This will dilate blood vessels and promote blood circulation, creating a synergistic "cleaning-repairing" effect with rinsing.
Environmental control: Maintain indoor humidity at 50%-60%. Regularly clean bedding and air conditioning filters to reduce the breeding of dust mites. Wear an N95 mask when going out to block out irritants such as pollen and cold air.
Nasal irrigation, with its advantages of "drug-free, highly safe, and highly effective," has become a core method for managing rhinitis during pregnancy. It not only alleviates symptoms but also protects nasal health—through daily cleaning and repair, it helps expectant mothers regain unobstructed breathing and enjoy restful sleep.
