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Rhinitis (namely, the runny nose is correctly called) is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa. These include symptoms such as congestion, itching, sneezing, rhinorrhea and others.
The reasons may be different, starting from them, there are four types of rhinitis:
- allergic,
- non-allergic (often vasomotor),
- infectious (this includes a runny nose with acute respiratory infections),
- specific forms (eg, rhinitis in pregnancy) (1).
– Most often, vasomotor rhinitis of pregnant women occurs, associated with a change in vascular tone in the mucous membranes of the nose. In second place is the usual viral rhinitis caused by the rhinovirus, notes otolaryngologist Vyacheslav Rassadin.
Rhinitis of pregnant women differs from a cold in the absence of other symptoms, since nasal congestion appears due to hormonal changes in the body of the expectant mother. According to studies, about 30% of women suffer from nasal breathing problems at any stage of pregnancy and fully recover after delivery (2).
Before proceeding with the treatment of the common cold, you need to identify the cause. In addition, not all drugs can be used during the gestational period. However, the first thing that is recommended to do with a runny nose of any origin is irrigation of the nasal mucosa. This therapy removes most of the viruses, bacteria, allergens and other microparticles, eliminating the cause of inflammation (3). We have collected the best remedies for a runny nose during pregnancy, and our expert gave recommendations on the choice of drugs and answered the most popular questions.
Rating of the top 10 effective and inexpensive remedies for the common cold during pregnancy according to the KP
1. “Aqua Maris Strong”
In the instructions, the manufacturer directly indicates that this product can become an alternative to chemical drugs, which is especially important during pregnancy in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimesters. This spray is used to eliminate swelling of the nasal mucosa, to treat inflammatory diseases of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and nasopharynx, and can even help with sinusitis.
The composition contains a sterile solution of Adriatic Sea water, and nothing else, so this product can be used by the whole family (children from 1 year old!), But do not forget about hygiene.
In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester
2. Aqualor Protect Spray
This product contains mineral-rich sea water, purified water and brown algae extract, which helps relieve inflammation and prevents the growth of bacteria. You can use the spray for a runny nose both during the gestational period and during lactation, as well as from six months they can wash the baby’s nose. Contraindications are only allergies or hypersensitivity to the components, as well as infancy up to 6 months.
The instructions indicate that the spray will help not only during the period of illness (reduce congestion), but it can also be used for prevention.
In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester, lactation period
3. “Rinostop Aqua Soft”
A spray based on natural sea water, according to the manufacturer, helps with all types of rhinitis: with SARS, with allergies, and, for example, to improve nasal breathing in vasomotor rhinitis. Pregnant women can use it, because the composition is completely natural. And the volume is enough for the whole family – children are allowed to wash their nose with this remedy from six months.
In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester
4. LinAqua Soft
A good remedy for a runny nose during pregnancy. A bottle of sea water comes with two nozzles: “shower” and “soft shower”. The second is suitable for washing the nose of babies: due to the restrictive ring, the nozzle does not penetrate too deep and cannot cause harm.
The drug is used to relieve the symptoms of rhinitis, sinusitis, adenoiditis, and for daily moisturizing of the nasal mucosa. But it can not be used for otitis and complete obstruction of the nasal passages.
In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester
5. “AquaRosa+”
drug, which is based not on sea, but on lake salt (brine). It is produced in two types, differing in concentration: 2% and 0,9%. It helps to reduce congestion and restore nasal breathing, relieves swelling, reduces inflammation, and also has an antibacterial effect due to the composition of the brine. It can also be used in children from 2 years of age.
As indications for use: rhinitis, sinusitis, pollinosis, as well as the agent is used to prevent acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, and after surgical procedures.
In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester
6. “Aquabiolis”
An important point – this spray is not a drug, but is positioned as a cosmetic. At the same time, the instructions indicate that the remedy helps with the common cold, symptoms of acute respiratory infections, inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract and for the prevention of colds.
The composition contains an isotonic solution of aquabiolis (with minerals from the mud of the Saki Lake) and shea butter.
In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester
7. “Olifrin”
This is no longer such a simple composition tool. It is based on glycerol, and in addition to lemon essential oil and hyaluronic acid, there are a number of synthetic substances here. In general, without a preliminary discussion with the doctor is indispensable.
However, substances in the composition such as sodium hyaluronate and lemon essential oil help to eliminate unpleasant sensations in the nose (burning, itching), restore and protect the nasal mucosa, and provide long-term hydration of the mucosa.
The tool is not addictive, but the bottle is small – only 15 ml, it is unlikely that the drug will last for a long time.
In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester
8. “Natuma Aquaflu nose”
A French-made drug with a high salt content (19-23 g / l), which is well suited for the treatment of rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis, adenoiditis, flu and ARVI symptoms, as well as for hygiene and prevention of colds. The composition contains only sea water and purified water, and therefore it is a good remedy for a runny nose during pregnancy in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester, and in children over the age of 1 year.
Thoroughly rinses all parts of the nasal cavity, helps relieve swelling, irritation, and facilitates breathing.
In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester
9. “Dolphin means for washing the nasal cavity and throat”
The drug is presented in an atypical form: it is a powder for preparing a solution. The package also has a washing device, the solution is prepared directly in it. It is convenient to do this at home, but you can’t take it to the cinema, for example, or for a walk. But the solution can be used to wash not only the nose, but also the throat. And he will help, according to the instructions, with a variety of rhinitis, sinusitis, adenoiditis, in the treatment of symptoms of SARS and influenza and for prevention. It can also be used for hygienic purposes. Ingredients: edible salt, rock salt, soda, licorice and rosehip extracts.
In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester
10. “Argitos Colloidal Silver”
The nasal spray has an antiviral, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect due to the properties of silver in the composition. By the way, in addition to colloidal silver and water purified from impurities of ions, there is nothing else. The drug is considered safe and can be used during pregnancy.
Indications for use are rhinitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis and other diseases of the nasopharynx. By the way, you can “puff” both in the nose and in the throat.
In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester
How to choose a remedy for a cold during pregnancy
It is important to follow a few rules:
- weigh the potential benefits and harms each time,
- not be treated simultaneously with a large number of drugs,
- observe the minimum dose for the minimum duration of treatment,
- be sure to consult your doctor about any changes in the course of treatment (4).
“It is recommended to avoid vasoconstrictor drugs and drugs that can affect the development of the fetus,” says otolaryngologist Vyacheslav Rassadin. – Contraindications during pregnancy are in every instruction for drugs. Only a doctor can compare the possible risks and benefits when using drugs. Essential oils like the Vietnamese Asterisk balm help well, but they may also have individual contraindications.
Popular questions and answers
A runny nose is a common thing, but if you are “lucky” to get sick during pregnancy, it is better to play it safe and not be treated without the help of specialists. Our expert otolaryngologist Vyacheslav Rassadin answers the most popular questions.
What are the risks for the health of the woman and the fetus carries self-medication?
What happens if you do not treat a runny nose during pregnancy?
Sources of
- A.L. Guseva, M.L. Derbenev. Rhinitis: differential diagnosis and principles of treatment // Medical Council. 2020 #16. pp. 102-108 (https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/rinit-differentsialnaya-diagnostika-i-printsipy-lecheniya/viewer)
- G.V. Lavrenova, A.E. Vertogolov. Complex treatment of vasomotor rhinitis in pregnant women // otorhinolaryngology. 2013 No. 2(63). pp. 149-153 (https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/kompleksnoe-lechenie-vazomotornogo-rinita-u-beremennyh-1/viewer)
- Petrova L.G. Modern approaches to the treatment and prevention of rhinitis // Medical News. 2020 #11. pp. 65-67 (https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sovremennye-podhody-k-lecheniyu-i-profilaktike-rinitov/viewer)
- S.S. Salim, E.S. Pronina, M.V. Sushentsov, G.F. Totchiev, T.S. Illarionov. Modern features of pharmacotherapy of pregnant women in the early stages // Bulletin of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Our Country. Ser. The medicine. Obstetrics and gynecology. 2011 #1. pp. 178-183