What is pregnancy rhinitis?

Pregnancy rhinitis usually involves a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and post-nasal drip. These symptoms seem to come out of nowhere during pregnancy. While it's not a life-threatening medical condition, pregnancy rhinitis can be bothersome. There are things you can do to find some relief.

What are the symptoms pregnancy rhinitis?

Symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis are like those of allergic rhinitis (hay fever). These include:

• a runny or congested nose
• sneezing
• itchy eyes
• watery eyes

While it might feel like you are getting a cold, pregnancy rhinitis is not associated with bacterial or viral infection. This means it is not contagious.

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What causes pregnancy rhinitis?

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the lining of your nose.

People who are affected by allergies may also experience similar symptoms during pregnancy. In these circumstances, symptoms are triggered by one or more allergens. These allergens may be seasonal, such as:

• pollens
• fungi
• moulds

Or they can be perennial (year-round) such as:

• dust mites
• pets
• cockroaches

Rhinitis in pregnancy may also have a non-allergic origin. It's not known exactly why rhinitis occurs more frequently in pregnancy. Some research suggests that factors such as hormones increase the likelihood of rhinitis during pregnancy.

Smoking is also associated with pregnancy rhinitis. It's never too late for future parents to quit smoking.

How is pregnancy rhinitis diagnosed?

Pregnancy rhinitis should be distinguished from other conditions such as infections. Your doctor can do this during a routine visit.

You may have a breathing problem if:

• you feel you can't get enough air through both your nose and mouth
• you are breathless
• you feel like you're being suffocated
• your chest feels very tight
• you are needing more of your usual asthma or lung medications

If you have unexplained breathing problems, see your doctor as soon as possible. If your breathing problems are very bad and come on quickly, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

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How long will my symptoms last?

While pregnancy rhinitis can occur at any time during your pregnancy, it is most common during the first trimester.

Symptoms may last for at least 6 weeks. The good news is they usually disappear within 2 weeks of your baby's birth.

How is pregnancy rhinitis treated?

Your pregnancy rhinitis may be triggered by a known allergen. If this is the case, you can try and avoid or limit your exposure to the allergen.

Nasal irrigation is a drug-free technique to clear out air-borne allergens and mucus from blocked nostrils.

Using salt water (saline) nasal sprays can provide relief and is a good solution during pregnancy.

Persistent symptoms are managed individually. If you have itchy-watery eyes, there are certain eye drops that are approved for use during pregnancy. Similarly, specific medicated nasal sprays and antihistamines can be used.

However, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine while pregnant.

Is there an impact on my unborn baby?

There are insufficient studies to fully understand the impact of pregnancy rhinitis on the growth and development of unborn babies.

However, any condition that reduces your quality of life has the potential to affect your baby. This includes the quality of your sleep during pregnancy.

If you are concerned about your sleep or breathing during pregnancy, speak to your doctor. They can help you find the best way to clear your breathing passages and improve your sleep.