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Managing Rhinitis During Pregnancy: Tips and Precautions

What is Pregnancy Rhinitis? 

Pregnancy rhinitis is a condition of nasal symptoms during pregnancy. The mucus linings inside the nose get inflamed due to hormonal changes as the pregnant body’s immune system adjusts to how it reacts to foreign bodies. Here are the characteristics of pregnancy rhinitis:

  • Not present before pregnancy
  • Occurs during the second or third trimester
  • Has a duration of six weeks or greater
  • Has no signs of allergy or infection in the upper airways
  • The symptoms disappear after two weeks after delivery

Continuing below, we answer the common questions of pregnant people as they experience a stuffy nose:

Is Pregnancy Rhinitis Dangerous for My Unborn Baby?

No, pregnancy rhinitis does not affect the developing fetus. But its symptoms, such as congestion, can make it difficult for the pregnant person to sleep. See our Treatment section on addressing symptoms that can affect daily living.  

What Causes Pregnancy Rhinitis? 

It is presupposed that placental growth hormone, estrogen, and progesterone cause nasal mucosa hypertrophy and inflammation.

Risk factors for developing pregnancy rhinitis are smoking and having higher immunoglobulin levels to house dust mites. 

When Does Pregnancy Rhinitis Start?

Pregnancy rhinitis commonly happens in the second or third trimesters (week 13 to the end of the pregnancy).

How Long Does Pregnancy Rhinitis Last?

Pregnancy rhinitis can last for six or more weeks. The symptoms can appear and lessen throughout that duration. It will then clear out within two weeks after delivery. 

Common Symptoms During Pregnancy: Pregnancy Rhinitis vs. Allergic Rhinitis vs. Common Cold 

Pregnancy rhinitis shares symptoms with allergic rhinitis and the common cold, such as:

  • Congestion as the primary symptom
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Phlegm in the throat
  • Cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Snoring from difficulty breathing during sleep
  • Pressure in the ears
  • Altered sense of smell due to congestion

Pregnancy rhinitis doesn’t have the following symptoms that allergic rhinitis has:

  • Itchy mouth, eyes, or skin

Pregnancy rhinitis doesn’t have signs of virus infection, which common colds have:

  • Yellow or green mucus
  • Low-grade fever
  • Mild body or headaches
  • The feeling of being unwell

Safe and Effective Treatment Options 

Careful consideration is vital for the safety of both the parent and the unborn baby. Since pregnancy rhinitis will go away on its own, the goal is to manage the symptoms of congestion and difficulty sleeping for the pregnant person’s comfort.

Gentle exercise

As the body goes through hormonal changes, fluids increase and cause swelling, including in the nasal passages. Low-impact regular exercise (like walking) can encourage the drainage of fluids and regulate sleep.

Positioning

Elevating your sleeping mattress to a 45-degree promotes congestion relief. It decreases fluids pooling in the nose that disturbs sleep.

Steaming

Breathing in steam can promote the loosening of mucus in the throat. It is commonly done by sitting in front of a bowl of steaming hot water and bending over it with a towel draped over the head. But it can also be done by closing the shower area and turning on the hot shower for those who have difficulty bending over while sitting. 

Saline Nasal Lavage

Nasal irrigation or lavage involves emptying the clog into a nostril with saline solution from a neti pot, bulb syringe, or squeezable rinse bottle. The saline solution can be premade or made from salt and sterile water (water boiled for a minute and allowed to cool).

Nasal Valve Dilators

Over-the-counter nasal valve dilators open the nasal passageways so that people with poor nasal breathing can improve airflow and sleep with less snoring. They are called internal nasal dilators because they are inserted inside the nose to open the nostrils. Choose nasal dilators made of medical-grade silicon as they are easy to clean and anti-bacterial.

Drug Use and Precautions for Pregnancy Rhinitis

If conservative treatment doesn’t work, your doctor may consider drug treatment. Medication is used depending on the severity of the pregnant person’s symptoms. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine while pregnant.

Puget Sound Sinus Center: Your Partner in Pregnancy Rhinitis Care 

Pregnancy rhinitis congests your nose and causes difficulty in sleeping. The symptoms can be Managed with conservative treatment to make you comfortable. If you have symptoms of allergic rhinitis or a common cold, please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Here at Puget Sound Sinus Center, we ensure holistic and patient-centered care for better health.

Dr. Amy Anstead

The Power and Practice of Distance Energy Healing: Bridging the Gap Beyond Physical Boundaries

In a world where modern medicine and technology dominate the healthcare landscape, there exists a realm of healing that transcends the limitations of physical proximity – distance energy healing. This alternative approach to healing has gained significant attention and popularity in recent years, as people seek holistic and non-invasive methods to enhance their well-being. Rooted in ancient traditions and increasingly supported by modern scientific research, energy healing offers a fascinating bridge between the metaphysical and the physical.

Understanding Distance energy Healing:

At its core, distance energy healing is based on the belief that everything in the universe is interconnected by energy. This approach asserts that individuals possess an energy field or aura that surrounds and penetrates their physical bodies. Disruptions or imbalances in this energy field are thought to manifest as physical, emotional, or psychological ailments. A distance energy healer work on the premise that by manipulating these energies, they can facilitate the healing process, even when the recipient is far away.

methods of Distance Energy Healing:

Various practices fall under the umbrella of distance energy healing. Some of the most prominent include:

Reiki: A Japanese technique that involves the practitioner channeling energy into the recipient’s energy field to promote healing and balance.

Pranic Healing: Originating from ancient Indian and Chinese practices, pranic healing involves cleansing and energizing the body’s energy centers, known as chakras, to promote healing.

Quantum Healing: Built upon principles from quantum physics, this method posits that healing intentions can influence the behavior of particles at the subatomic level.

Sound Healing: Using vibrations from instruments or the human voice, practitioners believe that specific frequencies can harmonize a person’s energy field and promote healing.

The Scientific Perspective:

While the concepts behind distance energy healing might sound esoteric, there is a growing body of scientific research exploring its potential efficacy. Some studies suggest that intention and focused thoughts can influence physical matter and biological systems. The interconnectedness of all living things at the quantum level, as described by quantum entanglement, lends some credence to the idea that distant healing could have an impact.

Moreover, the placebo effect demonstrates the power of belief in influencing healing outcomes. If a person believes in the efficacy of a healing method, their body’s natural healing mechanisms might be enhanced, regardless of the physical proximity of the healer.

The Role of Belief and Openness:

Openness to the concept of distance energy healing is crucial for its potential effectiveness. The recipient’s belief in the method and the healer plays a significant role in the outcomes. Skeptics might argue that any perceived benefits are a result of the placebo effect, but proponents argue that dismissing the practice outright might mean missing out on a potentially valuable healing tool.

Ethics and Responsible Practice:

As with any healing practice, distance energy healing comes with ethical considerations. Practitioners should make no false claims, and recipients should be informed that this is a complementary method, not a substitute for conventional medical treatment. It’s essential to seek practitioners who adhere to a code of ethics and provide transparent information about their practices.

The Boundless Potential:

Distance energy healing opens up a world of possibilities. It challenges the conventional boundaries of healing and encourages a more holistic view of health. By integrating ancient wisdom with modern understanding, individuals can explore new avenues for well-being that extend beyond the confines of time and space.

While distance energy healing might not be embraced by all, its continued popularity and the growing body of research exploring its mechanisms suggest that its impact, even if largely psychosomatic, is significant. As the quest for holistic well-being continues, practices like distance energy healing remind us that the mind-body connection is a powerful and mysterious force that can potentially shape our health in unexpected ways.