Pregnancy is a special stage in a woman's life. Dramatic fluctuations in hormone levels often trigger a series of physiological changes, one of which is rhinitis during pregnancy. According to statistics, approximately 20% of pregnant women experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing during pregnancy. In severe cases, these symptoms can even affect sleep and fetal oxygen supply. However, rhinitis during pregnancy is not uncontrollable. Through scientific prevention and comprehensive management, expectant mothers can minimize the risk of symptoms.
Physiological Causes of Rhinitis During Pregnancy
The core cause of rhinitis during pregnancy is a sharp increase in estrogen levels. Estrogen stimulates vasodilation in the nasal mucosa, leading to congestion and increased glandular secretion, which in turn causes symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose. This physiological response typically peaks in the second trimester (14-27 weeks) and gradually subsides within three months after delivery. It is worth noting that women during puberty, menstruation, or long-term birth control use may also experience similar symptoms due to estrogen fluctuations, confirming the link between hormones and rhinitis. A typical case: A 24-week pregnant woman sought medical attention for persistent nasal congestion. Examination revealed congestion and edema of the nasal mucosa, but no signs of infection. Hormone testing confirmed that the symptoms were directly related to elevated estrogen levels during pregnancy, and the doctor recommended environmental interventions and physical therapy rather than medication.
Environmental Control
Allergen Isolation
Dust Mite Control: Wash bedding weekly in 60°C hot water and store in a sealed container after sun exposure. Remove carpets and stuffed toys and use mite-resistant mattress covers. Clean air conditioning filters monthly to reduce dust mite growth.
Pollen Prevention: Minimize outdoor activities during pollen season and wear an N95 mask when out. Change clothing immediately upon returning home and rinse your nasal cavity with saline.
Pet Management: Pregnant women who are allergic to animal hair should avoid contact with pets. If separation is unavoidable, wipe pet hair daily and use an air purifier to filter out dander.
Data Support: Studies have shown that strict allergen control can reduce the incidence of allergic rhinitis in pregnant women by 42%.
Optimize Air Quality
Humidity Management: Use a cool mist humidifier to maintain indoor humidity between 40% and 60% to prevent dry mucous membranes; install exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to prevent mold growth.
Temperature Control: In winter, maintain room temperature between 20°C and 22°C to prevent cold air from directly irritating the nasal cavity. In summer, keep the air conditioning temperature at least 26°C to reduce vasoconstriction caused by temperature differences.
Air Purification: Choose a HEPA filter air purifier, running it for at least 8 hours daily, to reduce PM2.5 and pollen concentrations in the air by up to 75%.
Practical Recommendation: A 30-week pregnant woman used a humidifier and air purifier combination to reduce nighttime nasal congestion from five times a day to one, significantly improving her sleep quality.
Lifestyle Interventions
Nasal Cleansing
Frequency of Nasal Rinse: Rinse the nasal cavity twice daily with isotonic saline to dilute secretions and restore ciliary function. Key points: Lean forward, tilt your head slightly to one side, and use a nasal irrigator to squeeze salt water into one nostril, allowing the water to drain out the other. Avoid blowing your nose forcefully to prevent secretions from entering your middle ear.
Device selection: We recommend using a squeeze nasal irrigator with a dedicated nasal salt pack to avoid chlorine and pathogens in tap water.
Dietary Adjustment
Vitamin C and E: Daily intake of 100mg of vitamin C (e.g., 1 orange + 100g of strawberries) and 15mg of vitamin E (e.g., 20g of almonds) can enhance blood vessel elasticity and improve mucosal blood flow.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Consume deep-sea fish (e.g., salmon) twice a week or supplement with DHA algae oil to reduce inflammation.
Avoid irritants: Reduce spicy and fried foods and avoid alcohol. If you are allergic to dust mites, avoid honey (which may contain pollen residue).
Exercise and Emotional Management
Moderate exercise: 30 minutes of prenatal yoga or walking daily can improve airway clearance and reduce the risk of infection. Emotional regulation: Reduce anxiety through meditation and deep breathing exercises, and avoid extreme mood swings. Studies have shown that long-term depression can increase the incidence of rhinitis by 2.3 times.
Optimize sleep: Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees during sleep to reduce venous congestion; ensure 7-8 hours of sleep daily to avoid excessive fatigue.
Benefits of exercise: A follow-up study showed that pregnant women who exercised experienced a 40% shorter duration of rhinitis symptoms than those in the control group.
The Bottom Line of Medical Intervention
Although preventive measures are effective, immediate medical attention is required if the following occur:
Yellow-green purulent discharge with a foul odor suggests bacterial infection;
Severe facial pain, especially tenderness around the eye sockets and cheekbones, may indicate sinusitis;
Shortness of breath, waking at night with difficulty breathing and needing to open the mouth;
Persistent symptoms, lasting for more than 10 days or worsening.
Medication Principles:
First trimester: Avoid medication as much as possible, prioritizing physical therapy for relief;
Second and third trimester: Safe medications such as budesonide nasal spray (FDA pregnancy category B) and loratadine tablets (with minimal systemic absorption) can be used under a doctor's guidance.
Preventing rhinitis during pregnancy requires a coordinated approach encompassing the environment, lifestyle, and medical care. Most pregnant women can keep symptoms to a mild level through allergen isolation, improved air quality, nasal hygiene, dietary adjustments, and moderate exercise. If symptoms progress, seek medical attention promptly and choose a safe treatment plan under professional guidance.
