Pregnancy is a journey filled with anticipation, but the onset of nasal discharge during pregnancy can be a source of distress for many expectant mothers. Frequent nasal congestion and runny nose not only affect sleep quality but can also trigger anxiety. Statistics show that approximately 20%-30% of pregnant women experience nasal discharge during pregnancy, with persistent nasal discharge being one of its core symptoms. Since medications must be used with extreme caution during pregnancy, finding a safe and effective way to eliminate nasal discharge is a major concern for expectant mothers.
The Physiological Mechanism of Increased Nasal Discharge During Pregnancy
The increased nasal discharge associated with nasal discharge during pregnancy is not a common cold, but rather the result of hormonal changes during pregnancy and nasal mucosal sensitivity.
Elevated Estrogen and Progesterone: During pregnancy, estrogen levels can rise up to 1,000 times higher than during non-pregnancy, while progesterone levels increase 3-5 times. These two hormones act directly on the nasal mucosa, causing vasodilation, tissue edema, and stimulating glands to secrete more mucus (the main component of nasal discharge). Increased mucosal sensitivity: The immune system is in a "special regulatory state" during pregnancy, lowering the nasal mucosa's threshold to stimuli such as cold air, dust, and odors. Even mild irritation can trigger increased nasal discharge.
Postural and circulatory effects: When lying flat, nasal venous return is obstructed, increasing mucosal congestion and potentially increasing nasal discharge by 30%-50% compared to standing.
Case study: A 28-year-old pregnant woman developed bilateral nasal congestion and clear, watery nasal discharge at 16 weeks of gestation, requiring the use of half a pack of tissues daily. Nasal endoscopy revealed diffuse edema of the nasal mucosa with no purulent discharge. Combined with hormone testing (significantly elevated estrogen levels), a diagnosis of pregnancy-related rhinitis was confirmed.
Five key methods for safely eliminating nasal discharge
Nose discharge during pregnancy should be treated according to the principle of "non-invasive first, cautious use of medications." Physical methods should be prioritized to alleviate symptoms, while safe medications should be used under a doctor's guidance as necessary.
Saline Nasal Irrigation: A "Basic Therapy" for Clearing Nasal Mucus
Benefits: By flushing the nasal cavity, it directly removes accumulated mucus, allergens, and inflammatory mediators, reduces mucosal edema, and reduces secretion production.
Procedure:
Tools: Use a medical nasal irrigation device (such as a squeeze bottle or electric type) with individually packaged saline solution (to avoid mixing saline at your own concentration, which can lead to inaccurate concentrations).
Water Temperature Control: Warm the saline solution to 37-40°C (close to body temperature) to avoid cold stimulation that exacerbates mucosal reactions.
Irrigation Frequency: 2-3 times daily, using 200-300ml of saline (about the volume of a bottle of mineral water) each time. Breathe through your mouth to avoid choking and coughing.
Effects: A study of 120 women with rhinitis during pregnancy showed that after two weeks of consistent nasal irrigation, 85% of patients experienced a greater than 50% reduction in nasal discharge, and their nasal congestion score dropped from 7.2 (severe) to 3.5 (mild).
Steam Inhalation and Hot Compress: "Warm Therapy" for Softening Nasal Mucus
Benefits: Warm steam or hot compresses promote nasal blood circulation, softening thick mucus, making it easier to blow out or drain naturally.
How to Use:
Steam Inhalation: Pour boiling water into a large bowl. When the water temperature drops to 60-70°C, cover your head with a towel and slowly inhale the steam with your eyes closed (maintain a distance of 15-20 cm to avoid burns). Do this for 5-10 minutes at a time, 2-3 times daily. Add 1-2 drops of peppermint oil (make sure you have no allergies) to enhance the clearing effect.
Hot Compress for the Nose: Apply a warm towel (40-45°C) from the base of the nose to the sides of the nostrils for 10 minutes at a time, 3 times daily. After the hot compress, gently massage the nostrils (using circular motions from the inside out) to promote mucus drainage. Case Study: A 30-year-old pregnant woman used daily steam inhalation and hot compresses for three days, and her nasal discharge changed from thick, yellow to clear. Her nasal blowing frequency decreased from twice an hour to 3-4 times a day.
Adjusting Sleeping Position: "Postural Therapy" to Reduce Nighttime Nasal Discharge
Benefit: By changing the sleeping position, it reduces resistance to nasal venous return and reduces nocturnal mucosal congestion, thereby reducing nasal discharge.
Procedure:
Head of Bed Elevation: Elevate the head of the bed by 15-20 degrees (using pillows or an adjustable bed frame) to raise the head above heart level, reducing nasal venous pressure.
Lateral Position Options: If unilateral nasal congestion is more severe, try sleeping on the less congested side (right side, for example, for left-sided congestion), allowing gravity to promote airflow on that side.
Effects: Clinical observations have shown that using posture adjustments reduced nighttime nasal discharge by more than 30% in 70% of women with rhinitis during pregnancy, and reduced sleep interruptions from 4-5 times per night to 1-2 times.
Air Humidification and Purification: "Environmental Therapy" to Reduce Irritation
Benefit: Maintains indoor humidity at 40%-60%, filters allergens like dust mites and pollen, reduces irritation to the nasal mucosa, and thus reduces mucus secretion.
How to Use:
Humidifier: Choose a cold evaporative humidifier (avoid the white powder pollution that ultrasonic humidifiers may produce). Humidify for 6-8 hours daily. Clean the water tank regularly with white vinegar or a special detergent to prevent mold growth.
Air Purification: Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter, running it for 4-6 hours daily, focusing on purifying the bedroom air. Avoid using aromatherapy, sprays, or perfume (which may worsen mucus irritation).
Case Study: A 26-year-old pregnant woman used a humidifier and air purifier in her bedroom for one week, and her nasal discharge decreased from 20 times per day to 8 times, and the consistency of her mucus changed from thick to clear.
Use medications with caution: Consider only when symptoms are severe.
Principle: If physical methods fail to relieve severe nasal discharge (e.g., affecting eating, sleeping, or causing headaches), safe medications can be used under a doctor's guidance. Self-medication should be strictly avoided.
Safe medication options:
Antihistamines: Second-generation antihistamines (such as loratadine and cetirizine) are effective for relieving nasal discharge and are relatively safe for use during pregnancy (FDA Class B), but should be used during the second and third trimesters (use with caution in the first trimester).
Nasal steroid sprays: Budesonide nasal spray (such as Rhinocort) can provide local anti-inflammatory effects and reduce secretions, but the dosage (1-2 sprays daily) and duration of treatment (no more than 2 weeks) must be strictly controlled.
Contraindicated medications: Decongestants containing pseudoephedrine (may trigger uterine contractions), cough suppressants containing codeine (may suppress fetal breathing), and combination cold medicines (which may contain multiple contraindicated ingredients).
Three Key Details for Daily Care
In addition to targeted nasal relief, pregnant women with rhinitis also need daily care to reduce the frequency of symptoms and fundamentally control nasal discharge.
Avoid irritants: Stay away from "nasal triggers."
Cold air: Wear a mask (such as an N95 or surgical mask) when going out in winter to reduce direct nasal irritation from cold air.
Dust/Pollen: Wash bed sheets and curtains regularly (once a week) and avoid going out or opening windows during peak pollen seasons (such as spring).
Spicy odors: Stay away from strong irritants like perfume, cooking fumes, and detergents. Turn on the range hood and maintain ventilation when cooking.
A balanced diet: Strengthen mucosal resistance.
Vitamin supplements: Eat foods rich in vitamin C (such as citrus fruits and kiwis) and vitamin E (such as nuts and spinach) to promote mucosal repair.
Control spicy foods: Avoid excessive consumption of spicy foods such as chili peppers and mustard (which may worsen mucosal congestion). Stay hydrated: Drink 1500-2000ml of water daily (this can be divided into multiple, smaller amounts) to keep mucous membranes moist and reduce the viscosity of nasal mucus.
Moderate exercise: Improve nasal circulation
Low-intensity exercise, such as walking (30 minutes daily) and prenatal yoga (avoid handstands), can promote systemic blood circulation and reduce nasal venous congestion.
Breathing exercises: Practice abdominal breathing (inflating the abdomen on inhalation and contracting it on exhalation) for 5-10 minutes daily to enhance nasal ventilation.
While the increased nasal discharge associated with pregnancy rhinitis can be annoying, most expectant mothers can effectively manage symptoms and enjoy a comfortable pregnancy through physical measures such as saline irrigation, steam inhalation, body positioning adjustments, and environmental optimization, combined with prudent medication and daily care. Remember: pregnancy is not a trivial matter, but there's no need to be overly anxious. Scientific methods combined with patient care are the best weapons against pregnancy rhinitis.
