Question
“I’d love for you to do an episode or Q&A on pregnancy rhinitis. I’ve been suffering from cold symptoms intermittently since about week 10 of my pregnancy. I’m now in week 26, and the bouts are getting longer and closer together – my estimate is that I’ve been sick about 50% of the pregnancy so far! I realize that I’ve got a severe case of what’s termed “pregnancy rhinitis,” but I haven’t been able to find more than anecdotal information about the condition. I had sinus issues as a kid, which I’ve heard make this pregnancy condition more likely, and I read that excessive weight gain may also contribute. My doctor is quite matter of fact that pregnancy rhinitis is quite normal. So many other moms are shocked to hear about this symptom, so I’d love to share information in case anyone else is suffering in the same way! I’ve steered away from medicines since I don’t want to use them regularly, and I’ve tended towards steam and saltwater washes. I just want to be able to breathe properly again!” – Caitlin
Answer
Additional Resources
- Causes
- Correlation between BMI and nasal congestion
- Treatment
I noticed that you didn’t speak to the fact that dairy is a leading cause in inflammation in most people’s bodies. When we get pregnant, we typically have heightened responses to existing issues that might be overlooked normally.
Cutting out dairy made me go from a 2-3 week recovery for a head cold and sinus infection to 2-3 days. It definitely makes a difference!!
Doing a steam facial over a sink of hot water and showers where I got my head in the warm water definitely helped. I also took honey a couple of times a day, has some rooibus tea and took Elderberry syrup every day.
Alison, you are right, I didn’t talk about dairy. Great idea for a future topic, I will put it on my list. I’m glad you have some remedies that worked for you, thank you for sharing.