What causes Pregnancy Rhinitis?
Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause swelling of the lining of the nose, resulting in congestion. When it is severe enough, it can cause complete nasal obstruction.
The result is similar to the effect of a bad “cold”. Occasionally Pregnancy Rhinitis includes over-production of secretions (mucus) and a resulting runny nose (Rhinorrhea) to accompany the misery of congestion.
What are the Symptoms?
Not all women have all these symptoms, but overall, the effects are usually similar to Allergic Rhinitis or Sinusitis, or a bad “cold”:
Nasal congestion
Sneezing, coughing
Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
Facial pressure, sinus congestion
Headache
What Can You Do About It?
Treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms.
Some options include:
*Nasal decongestants. If you are pregnant, you should discuss any medications, including over the counter (OTC) medications, with your physician before taking. Some OB/Gyn physicians believe that decongestants are okay during pregnancy; others do not. Ask yours.
*Antihistamines. Many of the symptoms of Pregnancy Rhinitis may be caused by, or at least made worse by, the release of histamines – similar to allergic rhinitis. Antihistamines can help control severe symptoms. As noted above, use of any medications during your pregnancy should be discussed with your physician. First-generation antihistamines have been deemed safe during pregnancy and lactation.
The best option to help reduce the swelling of the lining of the nose is nasal saline rinsing. Many people have recently been discovering the benefits of the neti pot for nasal rinsing, and there are even easier ways to rinse the nose with salt water. Whatever the method used, saline nasal rinsing can help a woman with Pregnancy Rhinitis to maintain an open nasal airway and help reduce the runny-nose symptom. The use of nasal saline rinsing is completely safe during pregnancy.
https://www.boogordoctor.com/2011/03/rhinitis-of-pregnancy-what-it-is-what-to-do-about-it/