Even a small runny nose can be quite difficult, because the immune system is in a depressed state. How to treat nasal congestion during pregnancy? When choosing a drug, it is necessary to take into account the gestational age, the presence of concomitant pathology, as well as the severity of the common cold (the presence of hyperthermia, a green tint of discharge and other symptoms indicating a complicated course).
Against the background of a weakened immune system, exacerbations of chronic inflammatory diseases, for example, tonsillitis or sinusitis, are often observed.
Features of the disease
In order to choose the right treatment, it is necessary to identify the cause of the nasal congestion. For example, with allergic rhinitis, antimicrobial drugs will be absolutely ineffective, and, conversely, with an infectious rhinitis - antihistamines. Of course, a small therapeutic result will still be observed, but full recovery will not come.
Nasal congestion in pregnant women can occur for physiological and pathological reasons:
- colds due to general hypothermia;
- allergic factors (food, cosmetics, wool, fluff, pollen, dust mites, medicines). A woman may develop an allergic reaction to those factors that were previously tolerated by the immune system in an absolutely normal way;
- exacerbation of chronic sinusitis;
- viral, bacterial infection;
- unfavorable living conditions. Dry, polluted air can irritate the mucous membrane, provoking the appearance of nasal congestion;
- hormonal fluctuations. Against the background of changes in the level of hormones in the bloodstream, the mucous membrane may swell a little, making it difficult for air to pass through the nasal passages. A similar condition is observed during pregnancy.
Usually, a runny nose of pregnant women begins in the second trimester and ends already in the postpartum period.
Severe congestion that persists for a long time can be complicated by:
- the progression of a viral infection, which is fraught with spontaneous abortion;
- mental retardation;
- organ abnormalities;
- the addition of a secondary infection of the bacterial type;
- premature birth;
- pathology of the placenta.
Treatment directions
To cure a runny nose in a pregnant woman, it is necessary to use only drugs permitted in this period. For pregnant women, the following groups of drugs are prescribed:
- vasoconstrictor;
- combined;
- vegetable;
- homeopathic;
- saline solutions;
- antiseptics.
You can relieve nasal congestion by changing living conditions and lifestyle. So, it is recommended:
- maintain the humidity level in the room at least 55%. To do this, you can use special devices, put several containers of water in the room (preferably near a heat source), or hang out wet laundry;
- reduce the temperature in the house to 18 degrees;
- drink enough fluids, taking into account concomitant diseases and gestational age, because in the third trimester, swelling of the legs often appears;
- carry out wet cleaning, which will reduce the concentration of dust particles, microbes, allergens;
- air the room twice a day. If a runny nose is caused by flowering plants, it is advisable to ventilate the room in calm weather or after rain;
- remove from the room "dust collectors", namely books, soft toys, carpets;
- normalize nutrition.
Herbal medicines
When a stuffy nose during pregnancy, you can use Pinosol without fear. Its plant composition allows you to eliminate inflammation, tissue swelling, pathogenic microbes, and restore breathing. In addition, Pinosol stimulates regeneration processes, accelerates the healing of the mucous membrane, protects it from environmental factors. The drug consists of pine, eucalyptus, mint oils, as well as vitamin E, thymol. It comes in the form of a drip solution.
Pinosol does not have vasoconstrictor properties, so there is no point in expecting an effect comparable to Naftizin or Noxprem from it.
The liquid has a green-blue tint and menthol aroma. Restrictions on use include individual intolerance to the constituents of the drug, as well as the allergic form of rhinitis.
The drug should be instilled daily, two to three drops three times. In addition to intranasal administration, the drug can be used for inhalation (for a liter of warm water, 2 ml of a medicinal solution is enough).
Among the side reactions, it is worth highlighting:
- allergies;
- skin rashes;
- swelling of the face;
- hives;
- hyperemia of the nasal mucosa;
- itchy, burning sensation in the nose;
- bronchospasm;
- eye irritation (lacrimation, conjunctival hyperemia);
- dryness of the mucous membrane (with prolonged use).
Homeopathy
Euphorbium Compositum Nazentropfen C is released in the form of a spray, refers to homeopathic medicines. Its action is to activate regeneration, suppress the inflammatory response, and eliminate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Homeopathic remedies are absolutely harmless to the fetus, therefore, pregnant women can use Delufen and Edas-131 for nasal administration.
The drug normalizes the functions of the mucous membrane, stabilizes metabolic processes, moisturizes the mucous membrane and restores nasal breathing.
The therapeutic effect is observed after 4 days from the start of treatment. Euphorbium Compositum does not cause burning, itching sensations in the nasopharynx, dryness of the mucous membrane, as well as other unpleasant symptoms of a general and local nature.
Antiseptics, vasoconstrictors, hormonal agents can be added to the treatment, since Euphorbium Compositum does not affect their mechanism of action.
The drug is prescribed for infectious, allergic, atrophic, hyperplastic rhinitis, medication rhinitis. It can be part of a therapeutic complex for otitis media, sinusitis, eustachitis.
The spray is intended for intranasal use. It is recommended to do 1-2 sprays daily up to five times. Among the adverse reactions should be noted allergy, itching, burning sensation in the nasopharyngeal area.
Vasoconstrictor drops
The main active ingredient of Nazol baby is phenylephrine. The drug is available in the form of a solution for drip dosing. At the site of drug administration, vasospasm is observed, which is accompanied by a decrease in tissue swelling, as well as in the volume of mucus.
Relief of nasal breathing occurs 4 minutes after nasal instillation. The duration of the therapeutic effect is up to 6 hours. Thanks to glycerin, which is part of the drug, after instillation, the mucous membrane is not irritated.
Nazol baby is absorbed into the general bloodstream in a minimal volume that cannot be calculated using modern devices. Among the contraindications, we focus on:
- individual intolerance to the constituents of the drug;
- high blood pressure, which is quite common among pregnant women;
- disorders of the heart;
- the production of a large amount of thyroid hormones;
- atrophic form of rhinitis;
- renal insufficiency.
Pregnant women are recommended to instill two drops three times daily.The first administration of a vasoconstrictor solution should be in a single drop dose.
Adverse reactions develop due to improper use of the medication. Among the possible complications of therapy, it is worth highlighting:
- baking, tingling sensations in the nasopharynx;
- hyperemia of the face;
- violation of the heartbeat;
- allergies;
- dizziness;
- itching;
- skin rash;
- tissue edema.
Note that, according to the instructions, Nazol Baby is not prescribed during pregnancy. It must be remembered that any vasoconstrictor drugs can cause systemic reactions due to general vasospasm. As a result, the risk of vasoconstriction in the placenta increases with subsequent impairment of blood circulation.
Vasoconstrictor drugs during pregnancy are used only as a last resort, in minimal doses, for a maximum of three days.
Saline solutions
Humer, as well as other products with sea water (Aqua Maris, Morenazal, Marimer) can be used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes without causing adverse reactions.
The solution is prescribed for the hygiene of the nasal passages, moisturizing the mucous membrane and strengthening its defense against microbes. The only contraindication is represented by individual intolerance, which is noted only theoretically.
For prophylaxis, the aerosol can be applied up to six times a day, two to three sprays. With a cold, saline is prescribed up to eight times a day. The course is 3-4 weeks.
Antiseptics
For washing the nasal passages, you can use Miramistin. The drug is effective for fungal, bacterial, viral rhinitis. It can be prescribed during pregnancy, in the lactation period. To get the maximum therapeutic effect, you need to follow the rules of procedure:
- washing should be carried out with a warm solution so as not to irritate the mucous membrane;
- fluid into the nasal passages must be poured by gravity. It is forbidden to force the solution in through the nostrils or to inject it under high pressure using a syringe;
- after washing, you need to blow your nose well.
In addition, inhalations can be carried out with antiseptic solutions (Furacilin), which is also effective for a cold. To moisten the mucous membrane, you can use saline, non-carbonated alkaline water for inhalation.
Folk remedies
Folk remedies are also effective for rhinitis, however, the preparation technology and dose of each ingredient must be strictly observed. For nasal congestion during pregnancy, it is allowed to use the following medications:
- onion juice. It can be instilled in one drop twice (it should be diluted with boiled water 1: 1 first). You can also carry out cold inhalation with onion mass. For cooking, it is enough to peel, chop the onion, wrap the resulting mass with a handkerchief and inhale the aromas for 10 minutes;
- garlic inhalations - carried out in the same way;
- oil drops - help relieve congestion caused by irritating environmental factors. Sea buckthorn, olive, peach oil and rosehip oil have a healing effect. They can be mixed in equal amounts or used one at a time. You need to drip into the nose two drops twice a day;
- salt solutions. To prepare the medicine, you need to dissolve 5 g of salt in 450 ml of warm water. Rinse the nasal passages three times a day.
If you experience a burning sensation and itching inside the nose after instilling the drug, you should immediately wash it off with boiled water or saline solution.
As soon as the woman notices that she is stuffing her nose, therapy should be started. It is not worth experimenting with new traditional medicine medicines - it is better to use those you have proven. This will help prevent the development of an allergic reaction.
