Pregnancy is a journey filled with anticipation in a woman's life, but the dramatic fluctuations in hormone levels often cause physical discomfort, with pregnancy rhinitis being a common concern. According to statistics, approximately 20%-30% of pregnant women experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing during pregnancy. While these symptoms are not life-threatening, they can seriously affect sleep quality and mood. So, can pregnancy rhinitis resolve on its own? How can it be managed scientifically?
Pathogenesis of Pregnancy Rhinitis
The root cause of pregnancy rhinitis lies in the dramatic fluctuations in hormone levels during pregnancy. Estrogen levels can rise to over 10 times higher during the second and third trimesters than during the non-pregnant period. This hormonal fluctuation directly affects the nasal mucosa:
Vasodilation: Estrogen promotes vasodilation of the nasal mucosa, leading to congestion and edema, narrowing of the nasal passages, and persistent nasal congestion;
Glandular hypersecretion: Increased secretion of submucosal glands leads to increased nasal discharge, often accompanied by a runny nose;
Immune response changes: Hormonal influences increase the sensitivity of the nasal mucosa to allergens in some pregnant women, potentially exacerbating existing allergic rhinitis.
The Self-Healing Pattern of Pregnancy Rhinitis
Most cases of pregnancy rhinitis resolve spontaneously within 2-4 weeks after delivery. This pattern is closely related to the recovery of hormone levels:
Estrogen Level Drop: After delivery of the placenta, estrogen levels drop rapidly, causing the nasal mucosal blood vessels to gradually constrict, and congestion and edema to subside.
Mucosal Repair Cycle: The nasal mucosa renews itself every 7-14 days. Within 2 weeks after delivery, damaged mucosa is largely repaired, and symptoms are significantly relieved.
Individual Differences: For a small number of pregnant women with concurrent allergic rhinitis or sinusitis, the self-healing period may extend to 3 months after delivery. Allergen testing or imaging studies are necessary to rule out secondary conditions.
Physical Therapy: Nasal Irrigation
Although pregnancy rhinitis can resolve spontaneously, severe symptoms can impact the mother's quality of life and fetal development. During pregnancy, when medication use is limited, nasal irrigation is the preferred intervention due to its safety and effectiveness. Its core value lies in the following four aspects:
Physically removing allergens and pathogens, interrupting the inflammatory cycle
During pregnancy, the nasal mucosa becomes more sensitive, allowing allergens such as dust mites and pollen to adhere to the mucosal surface and trigger an immune response. Nasal irrigation, through water flow, can remove over 90% of allergens and pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. For example, a study of 30 patients with pregnancy rhinitis showed that after twice-daily saline irrigation, the concentration of dust mite antigens in nasal secretions decreased by 76%, and nasal congestion symptom scores decreased by 42%. Furthermore, irrigation can reduce purulent nasal discharge and lower the risk of secondary sinusitis.
Diluting inflammatory mediators and alleviating mucosal edema
Hormonal fluctuations cause the nasal mucosa to secrete large amounts of inflammatory mediators such as histamine and leukotrienes. These substances further stimulate vasodilation and exacerbate edema. Saline irrigation dilutes the concentration of inflammatory mediators and reduces their irritation to the mucosa. Clinical observations have shown that within 10 minutes of irrigation, nasal mucosal blood flow decreased by 15%-20%, resulting in immediate relief of nasal congestion. Long-term irrigation (over 4 weeks) can restore mucosal thickness to normal and reduce recurrences.
Restores nasal self-cleaning function and rebalances the microbiome
A healthy nasal cavity relies on the mucociliary transport system to remove foreign matter. However, mucosal edema during pregnancy inhibits ciliary movement, leading to a decrease in self-cleaning ability. Nasal irrigation mechanically stimulates the ciliary beat frequency (from 8-12 beats per minute to 15-18 beats per minute), accelerating the drainage of secretions. Furthermore, isotonic saline (0.9% sodium chloride) maintains a slightly acidic nasal pH of 5.5-6.5, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and promoting the colonization of beneficial bacteria, forming a protective biofilm.
Simple and cost-effective, it increases compliance among pregnant women
Nasal irrigation requires no special equipment and can be performed at home by pregnant women. The specific method is as follows:
Equipment: Use a medical-grade nasal rinse device (such as a squeeze bottle or electric spray) and individually packaged normal saline solution (to avoid mixing your own solution, which may lead to concentration errors).
Position and Water Temperature: Stand or sit with your head tilted forward 30 degrees. Use water warmed to 37-40°C (closer to body temperature to reduce mucosal irritation).
Frequency: 2-3 times daily during acute symptoms, once daily during remission. Rinse 150-200ml per nasal cavity each time.
Precautions: Breathe through your mouth to avoid coughing. After rinsing, avoid blowing your nose forcefully; gently press the wings of your nose to remove any remaining fluid.
Compared to medications, nasal irrigation carries no risk of systemic absorption and costs only 1-2 yuan per session. The acceptance rate among pregnant women is as high as 92% (according to a survey conducted by a tertiary hospital).
Lifestyle Adjustments: Boost immunity
Dietary Management: Drink 1500-2000 ml of water daily and supplement with vitamin C (such as citrus fruits and broccoli) to enhance mucosal resistance. Avoid spicy and irritating foods to reduce mucosal irritation. Moderate exercise: Low-intensity exercises like walking and prenatal yoga can promote blood circulation and relieve nasal congestion, but avoid strenuous exercise that can cause hyperventilation.
Optimize sleep: Elevating the head of the bed 30 degrees during sleep can reduce nighttime nasal congestion. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and avoiding excessive fatigue can help stabilize hormone levels.
While pregnancy rhinitis can cause discomfort, its self-healing nature provides a natural safeguard for recovery. By understanding the relationship between hormonal fluctuations and symptoms, mastering physical therapy, and adjusting lifestyle, pregnant women can effectively alleviate symptoms and avoid excessive anxiety. If symptoms such as persistent fever, purulent nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing occur, seek medical attention promptly to rule out complications such as sinusitis. Proactively reporting rhinitis during regular prenatal checkups and seeking professional guidance are key to maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
