How To Get Rid Of Sinus Pressure While Pregnant

How To Treat Your Cold And Flu While Pregnant

Having the cold and flu while pregnant is the worst. What medications can you safely take?

You know that unpasteurized brie is a no-go during pregnancy, and those double martinis and oysters on the half shell are strictly verboten. But what about cold and flu medications? When you inevitably come down with a hacking cough, myriad aches and pains, and a serious case of the sniffles, what can you take? Here, our guide to navigating cold and flu season with a baby on board.

Get the vaccine

YOURE PREGNANT!Sign up to get weekly email updates on your baby »Influenzaa severe respiratory illness that causes fever, cough and congestionis not something to be trifled with. As Laura Magee, an obstetrician and clinical associate professor at the University of British Columbia, says, women who are pregnant and have the flu are at an increased risk of serious complications. And that list of potential repercussions includes pneumonia, kidney failure, swelling of the brain, premature labour and even death. An estimated 10 to 20 percent of Canadians becomes infected with influenza each year, causing upwards of 12,000 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths.

The good news is the vaccine is safe throughout pregnancy. Be sure, however, to request the injection, which is made from an inactivated virus, and not the nasal-spray vaccine, as thats made from a live virus and not recommended for use by pregnant women.

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When To Contact A Doctor

Home remedies could treat sinuses, but there are times when you may need to see a doctor. A sinus headache during pregnancy could get worse, and even sinus pain during pregnancy could lead to complications. Consult a doctor in the following conditions:

• If you dont seem to make any progress with the OTC medications.
• If you have a fever higher than 101 degrees.
• If you cough up green or yellow mucus.
• If you are not able to eat properly.
• If you are unable to sleep peacefully.

Sinus infections are unpleasant, but there are many ways to fight the symptoms and recover soon. Stay hydrated and follow a healthy diet. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

How Common Is A Sinus Infection Or Sinusitis In Pregnancy

Sinusitis is common during pregnancy however, it is hard to distinguish if it is an actual infection or pregnancy-related. Pregnancy causes the blood vessels and membranes in the nose to swell, which further leads to difficulty in breathing, even if you are not sick. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor to figure out what is causing it.

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Achieve Healthy Sinuses Before And After Pregnancy At Kaplan Sinus Relief

If you or a loved one are planning to get pregnant in the near future, now is the time to address pre-existing sinus problems. Effective treatments like balloon sinuplasty can eliminate sinus issues for years at a time. Similarly, if your sinus issues do not clear up after your pregnancy, it may be time to seek long-term relief.

Whether you are pre-pregnancy, post-pregnancy, or currently pregnant, Kaplan Sinus Relief can help you find true sinus relief right here in Houston. To discover a treatment thats right for you, contact today us to schedule an appointment.

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How To Relieve Headaches And Back Pain Naturally During Pregnancy

Two of the most common complaints during pregnancy are headaches and back pain . Body aches are more common during later pregnancy and can be treated with massage or Tylenol, if needed. For body aches, the most important thing is to try to prevent them by staying active and eating a healthy, balanced diet when you can, says Dr. Yamaguchi.

If youd like to avoid using medication, consider trying these natural ways to ease discomfort:

These home remedies for pain relief can be a big help. But if youre experiencing severe or frequent pain or have a fever, its important to talk to your healthcare provider right away. They can provide pain-relief suggestions and guidance on over-the-counter medications, and be sure that what youre experiencing isnt part of a bigger issue. Plus, being reassured by your doctor that everything youre doing is safe for your growing baby relieves stress, too.

This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babylist may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more abouthow we write Babylist contentand theBabylist Health Advisory Board.

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When To See Your Doctor

A sinus infection can resolve itself with home treatment. But there are times when you should see a doctor.

Make an appointment with your doctor if your symptoms dont improve with OTC medications or home remedies, or if your symptoms worsen.

Contact your doctor if you have a fever higher than 101°F , or if you start coughing up green or yellow mucus. Also see your doctor if you have recurrent sinus infections.

Leaving a severe sinus infection untreated increases the risk of complications, such as meningitis. Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes in the brain or spinal cord.

An untreated infection can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, eyes, and skin. It can also affect your sense of smell.

H2o: A Natural Alternative To Sinus Infection Antibiotics

One of the most powerful solvents on earth is nothing more than pure water. Water is used in many applications as a thinner, cleaner, and diluter. When it comes to a sinus infection, water can be used in much the same way to thin mucus, clean the sinuses, and dilute a blockage, which is one of the major sinus infection vs cold benefits. Getting rid of your sinus infection may involve the use of liquid, mist, or vaporized water.

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Essential Oils For Sinus Infection While Pregnant

Certain essential oils that available on market, such as eucalyptus and peppermint oils, can help you to clear the airways and reduce congestion. Essential oils are one of the most common methods of natural therapy.

People are using them to ease inflammation symptoms in the sinus, unblock the irritating stuffed nose and facilitate sinus drainage. However, there is little research that can confirm the usage of essential oils to alleviate inflammation of the sinus.

There is some proof, however, that the essential oils may improve associated symptoms mentioned above, although a number of these studies have been conducted on animals or laboratory experiments, rather than on humans, which is due to an obvious reason.

Some findings show essential oils are capable of doing the following:

• fight bacteria
• relieve pain

The Hot & Cold Compress

For treating sinus headache, the hot and cold compress is the best choice.

When you apply this remedy, it will help to relieve blocked sinuses as well as open them up in order to decrease the inflammation. Thus, if you have sinus headache, lets follow this detailed direction below:

• Now pour warm water into a pad to make hot compress meanwhile wrap some ice cubes to make cold compress
• Then apply the hot compress for 3 minutes
• Next apply the cold compress immediately after taking the hot compress
• Leave it on more than 30 seconds
• Do this process from three to five times a day
• Repeat every day until your condition is better

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How Do I Get Rid Of Pregnancy Rhinitis

You wont be able to make the rhinitis go away on its own, so the best thing to do is address the symptoms. Nasal irrigation and nasal strips can open your passageways and help you breathe easier. Do not use nasal decongestants, though, as they are not safe to use when pregnant.

Drinking lots of water can help. Running a humidifier can help make the air in your home, and thus your nasal cavities, moist. Hot showers can help with this, too.

Try to avoid anything that might aggravate your nose further, like cigarette smoke. If you have allergies, try to avoid whatever triggers them.

Elevating your head at night might help you breathe easier and thus get a full, restful night of sleep.

Fortunately, pregnancy rhinitis symptoms usually disappear within two weeks of your babys birth. Instead of concentrating on pregnancy and a stuffy nose, you can spend your time focusing on the new love of your life.

This blog is forinformational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consultyour physician. Are you looking for an ENT doctor for you or any members of your family? Call 704-295-3000. You can also schedule an appointment online or through myCEENTAchart.

Sneezing Runny Nose And Watery Eyes

These symptoms are the result of histamine release, which isan immune response to an invading virus. Chlorpheniramine, such as TriaminicAllergy, and diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl, are safe to take duringpregnancy. However, both can cause drowsiness, so these are best taken atbedtime. The maximum dosage for chlorpheniramine is 32 mg in 24 hours.

When compared to placebos, antihistamines have the most successful resultswithin the first couple days of treatment. Patients didnt report any relief ofsymptoms between days three and 10. Newer antihistamines, such as loratadine, are approved for allergies, not colds, so there isnt informationabout how well they work for cold symptoms.

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What Are The Different Types Of Headaches

The headaches youre suffering from while pregnant are just like the ones you can get at any other time, so its worth learning about some of the most common types. Heres a short primer to help you figure out what kind of headache you might have:

• Tension headaches: If youre under stress, hungry or feel pain in your neck or shoulders, you could have a tension headache, which feels like a mild to moderate dull ache. Its one of the most common types.
• Migraines: With a migraine headache, you can expect moderate to severe pain that throbs and lasts for hours or even days. Some women with migraines also experience blurred vision, light flashes, numbness and nausea.
• Sinus headaches: Pressure around your eyes, cheeks and forehead plus a stuffy nose may signal a sinus headache. These typically occur with a sinus infection, but theyre also commonly confused with migraines. In both cases, the pain can get worse when you bend forward or lie down.
• Cluster headaches: These head pains are what they sound like headaches upon headaches that start quickly and get worse, lasting for days or longer. The searing pain usually centers on one eye or affects one side of the head. The good news: Cluster headaches are rare, especially in women compared to men.
• Chronic headaches: If youre getting headaches on more than half of the days in any given month, they could be considered chronic. This includes migraines and other headache types chronic just refers to how frequently they happen.

Extract Of Grapefruit Seeds:

How to get rid of a sinus infection and cough? The extract of grapefruit seeds contains a chemical which is antimicrobial and antiviral in nature. This is one of the reasons that many nasal sprays and Sinus infection medication have grapefruit seed extract as an active ingredient. The chemical can destroy the pathogens. You can add it in a spray and take it four times a day.

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When Is A Z

Spoiler alert: its not! Because its so easy to use, the Z-Pak used to be a go-to prescription for sinus infections. But it turns out that only a minority of these prescriptions are appropriate because the majority of sinus infections are viral and not bacterial. In fact, studies have found that about a third of antibiotic prescriptions for sinus infections, sore throats, and ear infections arent even necessary. Overprescribing antibiotics increases the chance that bacteria will become resistant to them and disrupt the gut bacterial flora for months. Indeed, azithromycin is no longer recommended for bacterial sinus infections due to the risk of resistance.

If you have a sinus infection, expect to feel lousy for several days. After all, your body is waging war against an infection. You might experience:

• A runny nose

• A sore throat

Youre also likely to feel more tired and achy and maybe even experience a low-grade fever. Most people improve within a week, but symptoms can last up to 2 weeks. Coughs can linger for a week after that.

Treating a sinus infection boils down to whether its viral or bacterial. Colds, for example, are viral. And antibiotics like the Z-Pak are not effective against viral infections. In fact, viral sinus infections have no cure. Treatment is aimed at managing symptoms and includes:

If you still dont feel better, your healthcare provider may suggest nasal or lung inhalers for other symptoms.

How To Treat A Sinus Infection During Pregnancy

Most sinus infections are viral, so taking antibiotics generally wont help . As with the cold or flu, your best bet for sinus relief during pregnancy comes from managing the symptoms with home remedies, such as:

Nasal irrigation. Using salt water irrigation, like a Neti pot, can help keep the lining of your nasal passages moist, remove backed-up gunk and promote drainage. Studies have shown that rinsing ones nose with saline by itself will improve sinusitis symptoms as well as swelling in the nose, Sedaghat says. Saline is available as normal saline and hypertonic saline both work equally well, but the hypertonic saline is sometimes associated with nasal dryness or nose bleeds.

Salt water spray. While not as effective as irrigating with a Neti pot, a spray will moisten your nasal-passage lining too and some provide relief. Anything thats pushing salt through would be helpful, Mehdizadeh says.

Cool compresses. Applying a cool, damp washcloth over your sinuses can help ease discomfort, says Mehdizadeh, and can also soothe a sinus headache in pregnancy.

Sinus infections typically clear up within two weeks, but call your doctor if your symptoms remain the same or get worse, and especially if you develop a fever, changes in vision or ear or throat pain.

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Be Cautious When Seeking Treatment

Many women use non-prescription, over-the-counter decongestant sprays to open up their nasal passages. Know that these medicines dont work for pregnancy rhinitis. These medicines may give you temporary relief. However, they may actually make your symptoms worse and lead to a complete nasal blockage.

How can you get relief from pregnancy rhinitis? Experts say you can breathe easy with these measures:

• Dont use OTC nasal decongestants.

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Increase the humidity levels in your home. Use a humidifier.

• Dont use nasal irritants, such as cigarette smoke.

• Get moving. Regular, moderate-intensity exercise can reduce congestion. It can also help you sleep better. But first, check with your healthcare provider to see what exercises are safe for you.

• When you go to sleep, raise the head of your bed. For instance, use an extra pillow or a wedge.

• Ask your healthcare provider about using OTC nasal strips and saline sprays or drops.

The good news? Even if you dont do anything, you can expect your stuffy nose to clear up soon after your baby is born. It often goes away within two weeks of childbirth.

Online Medical Reviewer: Bowers, Nancy, RN, BSN, MPH Foley, Maryann, RN, BSN

Date Last Reviewed: 4/12/2016

How Long Does Nasal Congestion Last During Pregnancy

As with many conditions of pregnancy, youll have to get mentally prepared to live with nasal congestion and nosebleeds for a while. Chances are, your case of pregnancy rhinitis will probably get progressively worse as you go through the nine months and your nose wonât know relief until after delivery. For most women, congestion usually clears up in the first week postpartum.

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Ingredients In Sinuvil Sinus Relief

Sinuvil Sinus Relief is a homeopathic medicine that contains active ingredients that are listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States .

Active Ingredients:Apis mellifica, Baptisia tinctoria, Colocynthis, Hepar sulphuris calcareum, Histaminum hydrochloricum, Hydrastis canadensis, Ignatia amara, Kali bichromicum, Lemna minor, Mercurius vivus, Pulsatilla, Rhus toxicodendron, Sabadilla, Thuja occidentalis.

• Temporary relief of symptoms due to inflamed sinuses
• Cold and flu nasal symptoms
• Sinus pain and headache

Is Ethylparaben Safe For Pregnancy

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• Obstetrics
• Medicines That Are Safe for Pregnant Women to Take When Sick

When you are pregnant, your immune system doesnt operate at maximum capacity, which is actually a good thing because it keeps your growing baby protected, and stops your body from thinking the fetus is an intruder. However, this comes with the downside that your body cant ward off the viruses that cause the common cold quite as effectively. This can leave you vulnerable to the symptoms that come along, including a congested nose, cough, and sore throat.

As we move into cold and flu season, you may find yourself coming down with a cold, and while you can rest assured that your baby isnt experiencing any of them, you want to get rid of the symptoms quickly and safely. While colds are mostly an uncomfortable annoyance best managed by a little extra rest, fluids, and patience, you may find yourself seeking out cold medications to alleviate your symptoms. We recommend making a so they can steer you in the right direction in terms of cold medications that are considered safe during pregnancy. Here are our own recommendations on what to do if you get sick while pregnant.

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