Gynecology And Obstetrics-

Runny nose during pregnancy

Synonyms

Rhinitis pregnancy

introduction

Colds during pregnancy can be viral or bacterial.

A runny nose during pregnancy is usually caused by the same pathogens as in non-pregnant women. Bacterial and viral pathogens in particular can lead to flu-like symptoms such as coughing, runny nose and hoarseness.

During pregnancy, however, the hormonal changes within the female organism also increase the risk of developing a cold. Many of the women affected simply endure the strong cold symptoms in order not to harm the growing child. In addition, some of the expectant mothers fear that strong coughs and runny nose can harm the child. However, this concern can easily be removed. Frequent sneezing and coughing increases the pressure in the abdomen, but only causes slight rocking movements in the area of the amniotic fluid-filled uterus.

Even with a cold that is accompanied by a high fever and chills, there is basically no risk to the growing child. Only long-lasting fever should be specifically treated. However, women who suffer from colds during pregnancy should note that any drug treatment can affect the child's development. For this reason, the use of medicines for coughs and runny nose during pregnancy should always be discussed with a specialist.

Read more on the topic: Respiratory infection in pregnancy

causes

A runny nose during pregnancy can have a variety of causes. First and foremost, it can be assumed that the same pathogens as in non-pregnant women are the cause. The typical pathogens include above all Viruses (for example the rhinovirus). In addition, a cold in pregnancy can be due to various Allergens and / or irritants caused. During pregnancy the chronic form of runny nose a crucial role. This runny nose is caused by the hormonal change causes and is often based on one Inhibition of the body's immune system. A woman's organism is particularly susceptible to viral infections during pregnancy. A cold during pregnancy (regardless of the cause of the cold) is in most cases a disease that is bothersome, but not dangerous. In certain situations, however, a cold during pregnancy can be problematic.

The mother-to-be and / or the growing child is at risk if:

Medicines that are not approved during pregnancy are used
Complications occur (for example: asthma attack in case of allergic rhinitis during pregnancy)
Incorrect treatment of runny nose in early pregnancy
Underlying and secondary diseases are present (diabetes mellitus, immune deficiency diseases, heart diseases)
There is a high-risk pregnancy
There are rare infectious causes which, in addition to the cold, can represent a greater health risk (for example: diphtheria)

treatment

Before an expectant mother initiates treatment for runny nose during pregnancy herself, should always consult a doctor. Just because some drugs have so far not been shown to have a harmful effect on an unborn child, this does not mean that complications can be completely ruled out.

For this reason, any use of medication should be carefully considered during pregnancy. Even before applying over-the-counter drugs and or Home remedies for a cold during pregnancy the Doctor's advice be obtained. In addition, the Package insert before taking carefully read about the risks involved in pregnancy. However, since a runny nose occurs suddenly in most cases and the women concerned want rapid symptom relief, many tend to resort to medication too quickly. In order to prevent this problem, it should be clarified in advance with a specialist which measures can be taken safely.

In general, medication and / or home remedies that are as gentle as possible should be used if you have a cold during pregnancy. Lots Homeopathics and simple Home remedies can help treat the cold quickly. Especially the application of Salt water nasal sprays has proven itself in expectant mothers with a cold during pregnancy. Decongestant nasal sprays and other strong medicines however, should be avoided if you have a cold during pregnancy. With most of these active ingredients, the risk-benefit balance is on the side of the risks. In addition, the treatment of the runny nose during pregnancy must always be based on the causal illness. Some special forms of the runny nose at least partially require a special treatment strategy. A specialist doctor can help affected women develop an adequate treatment plan that is harmless to the child.

The forms of cold that are relevant in this context include:

hormonal cold of pregnancy
Allergic runny nose during pregnancy (allergen-dependent)
Vasomotor rhinitis during pregnancy (triggered by irritants in the environment or psychological stress)
Runny nose with infectious diseases
Runny nose with foreign bodies, injuries or tumors

If the runny nose during pregnancy with other symptoms such as Fever, headache, muscle and / or body aches pain medication (Analgesics) can be taken. In general, drugs apply which the active ingredients Paracetamol or Ibuprofen included than for the unborn child not harmful. Nevertheless, a precise risk-benefit assessment must be made when taking one of these active ingredients. Affected women should also discuss with their doctor which of the two active ingredients can be taken at the time of pregnancy.

Diseases that go hand in hand with rhinitis are mostly caused by viral pathogens during pregnancy. For this reason, it is usually not necessary to take an antibiotic. Should an affected woman also receive a so-called "Bacterial superinfection" (i.e. the simultaneous occurrence of a viral and a bacterial infection) must be special, suitable for pregnancy Antibiotics be prescribed.
Read more about the topic here: Antibiotics in Pregnancy

Ideally, possible options for action should be discussed with the attending gynecologist before a runny nose occurs during pregnancy.

When is it essential to see a doctor promptly?

If the expectant mother decides to endure the cold without medication or if the possible treatment options have already been discussed with a specialist, a doctor does not necessarily have to be consulted. However, certain symptoms or combinations of symptoms can provide an indication of a serious underlying disease.

Women who had one or more of the following symptoms when they had a runny nose during pregnancy wanted to see a doctor immediately:

Shortness of breath
Anaphylactic shock in allergic rhinitis (possible signs: fainting, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal complaints, itching, rash, narrowing of the airways with shortness of breath)
Signs of premature labor (bilateral abdominal pain that does not subside despite physical rest, vaginal bleeding)
high fever
Pain in breathing
nosebleed that cannot be stopped