Symptoms
Pregnancy rhinitis refers to a stuffy nose and/or runny nose with swollen nasal mucous membranes during pregnancy. The symptoms usually disappear in the first few weeks after the baby is born.
Causes
The causes are nonallergic or and noninfectious. Therefore, hay fever or cold rhinitis during pregnancy is not pregnancy rhinitis. A hormonal cause in combination with risk factors is suspected.
Complications
A stuffy nose can trigger symptoms such as snoring, sleep disturbances, dry mouth, sore throat, dry nose, and nosebleeds, in part because breathing occurs through the mouth. Prolonged use of decongestant nasal sprays can lead to rhinitis medicamentosa.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis must exclude other conditions that may also trigger rhinitis and nasal congestion, such as a cold, hay fever, sinusitis, rhinitis medicamentosa, granulomas, or nasal polyps.
Drug treatment
Gentle nasal remedies based on seawater, sodium chloride, or Emser salt are recommended for treatment. Nasal sprays and rinses are available. Mild nasal ointments, e.g. with dexpanthenol, are also recommended. Decongestant nasal sprays with active ingredients such as xylometazoline, oxymetazoline, phenylephrine or naphazoline should be avoided if possible. They can lead to rhinitis medicamentosa and dependence if used for longer than a week.
