Wednesday, March 27, 2024

What Can I Take For A Sinus Cold While Pregnant

What Causes Pregnancy Rhinitis

How to cure a sinus infection/cold INSTANTLY while pregnant

The root cause of rhinitis can be allergic or non-allergic . However, we are still learning how rhinitis is related to pregnancy.

We know that smoking, as well as having chronic rhinitis before pregnancy, predisposes patients to developing pregnancy rhinitis. Research suggests a few more potential causes:

  • Having extra fluid in the body: During pregnancy, the body makes more blood and fluids, which can cause swelling, even in unexpected places such as the nasal passages. Blood vessels in the nose can swell with this additional volume, causing stuffiness.
  • Higher levels of estrogen: Estrogen in older formulations of birth control pills has been associated with a side effect of nasal obstruction. However, in studies of the menstrual cycle, we dont see congestion with fluctuating estrogen levels. So, the connection remains unclear for now.
  • Creation of human growth hormone: The placenta creates a variant of the human growth hormone , which has been associated with nasal symptoms in other conditions. For example, tumors that grow on the pituitary glands secrete growth hormones, which can cause severe nasal congestion.

Gestational rhinitis is under-researched. Data to date suggest no known association of rhinitis with pre-existing asthma, maternal age, duration of pregnancy, or the number of times a patient has been pregnant. However, a recent study found that patients carrying female babies were diagnosed significantly more often than patients carrying male babies.

Looking For Sinusitis Treatment In The Dallas/fort Worth Area

If youre suffering from sinusitis during pregnancy, take the first step toward finding relief by contacting one of our numerous convenient Dallas/Fort Worth area offices.

At DFW Sinus Select, our sinus doctors provide the highest quality, state-of-the-art specialty medical care in a personalized and compassionate manner.

Contact us to schedule your consultation today.

From Cold And Cough To Hemorrhoid And Nausea We Break Down Safe Otc Medications To Take While Pregnant

Its the dead of winter and you cant sleep, because youre 7 months pregnant and your baby has decided to be nocturnal. You know you need sleep, because lack of good rest inhibits your immune system. This stresses you out, because your spouse has a nasty cold, and youd rather avoid it.

Your spouse is resting peacefully in the guest room because he has a plethora of over-the-counter medications at his disposal.

But not you. Youre pregnant, and your OTC medicine choices are extremely limited. So, you hope to stay healthy amid the stress and discomfort of pregnancy. Not to mention its cold and flu season.

Then, you realize. Your nose is running. Your sinuses feel clogged. Youre getting sick.

Your first instinct is to want to grab those great medications your spouse is taking. But you know you have to be careful.

In no time, youre miserable with symptoms of the common cold. Youre desperate for relief, but you know the safety of your baby is paramount.

Advanced Womens Healthcare is here to help with a comprehensive list of safe over-the-counter medications to take during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor for the best personalized choices for you.

Pregnant women: Dont forget to get your flu shot at AWH Dallas!

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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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Medications To Avoid When Breastfeeding

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Generally, doctors avoid the following medicines for sinus infections when you are breastfeeding, as they could be harmful to the baby.

  • Avoid OTC drugs without consulting the doctor because you should know if these medicines contain compounds that could pass into breast milk and affect the baby.
  • Avoid medicines that contain naproxen
  • Do not consume any antibiotics for sinus infections, as most sinus infections do not need antibiotics. Viral infections do not need antibiotics. The doctor will prescribe antibiotics if the symptoms are very severe, like, fever over 38.6°C , pain and tenderness in sinuses, and signs of a skin infection, such as a hot, red rash that spreads quickly . The commonly prescribed antibiotics are levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and amoxicillin/clavulanate . If antibiotics are prescribed by the doctor, then the breastfeeding mother can safely consume it as it does not affect her breast milk.

Although some OTC medicines may not cause any potential hazard to the baby, it is suggested to use only prescription drugs.

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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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Home Remedies For Cold And Flu During Pregnancy

  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Gargle with warm salt water if you have a sore throat or cough.
    • saline nasal drops and sprays to loosen nasal mucus and soothe inflamed nasal tissue
    • breathing warm, humid air to help ease congestion a facial steamer, hot-mist vaporizer, or even a hot shower can work
    • chicken soup to help relieve inflammation and soothe congestion
    • adding honey or lemon to a warm cup of decaffeinated tea to relieve a sore throat
    • using hot and cold packs to alleviate sinus pain

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    Can I Take Cold And Flu Tablets When Breastfeeding

    Continuing to breastfeed during a cold or flu will not weaken the mother nor harm the baby, who will receive beneficial maternal antibodies to protect him/her from the infection. Products containing paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken by breastfeeding women.

    Is it OK to take antihistamine while breastfeeding?

    All antihistamines are considered safe to use during breastfeeding, as minimal amounts are excreted in the breast milk and would not cause any adverse effects on a breastfeeding infant.

    Is The Fetus Affected

    Pregnancy FAQs : How to Treat a Sinus Infection During Pregnancy

    A sinus infection by itself has a low chance of harming the developing fetus. It is worth noting, however, that in rare circumstances, symptoms can result in complications.

    Being pregnant may also impact how severe the sinus infection symptoms are.

    For instance, one studyobserved the effect that a pregnant womans body mass index and stage of pregnancy could have on nasal congestion. The researchers discovered that both enhanced BMI and gestational age have a significant influence on the degree of nasal congestion throughout pregnancy.

    They claim that women with gestational diabetes or several pregnancies may be more at risk of getting pregnancy-induced rhinitis. This could be because of a rise in pregnancy hormones.

    The researchers also state that recurring nasal congestion could come with risks for a fetus development and growth due to a gradual drop of oxygen.

    Complications like these are quite rare, and with the right treatment, the threats to the fetus are rather low.

    Another study came to find that nasal congestion from allergies had nothing to do with birth outcomes. In fact, there was a less frequent occurrence of congenital abnormalities in the babies of women who had faced these symptoms.

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    Acetaminophen / Phenylephrine Pregnancy Warnings

    This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.AU TGA pregnancy category: B2US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned:-There is no data on use in pregnant women to know this drugs risks, including the risk of fetal harm or reproductive effects.-Acetaminophen is commonly used during pregnancy and has been assumed safe recent data questions the safety, especially with routine use or varying genetics. -Routine use of acetaminophen during pregnancy is not advised.-Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic used in emergencies to treat hypotension and alleviate eye and ear allergic symptoms.-Phenylephrine could cause constriction in uterine vessels , reducing uterine blood flow, potentially causing fetal hypoxia.-Phenylephrine may interact with oxytocic or ergot derivatives to cause persistent maternal hypertension cerebral vessel rupture is possible.-Sympathomimetic amines are teratogenic in some animal models, but are not suspected to cause human teratogenicity.-First trimester exposure to phenylephrine may be linked to fetal abnormalities.-Patients with a preeclampsia history should use phenylephrine with caution due to its vasoconstrictive properties.-Phenylephrine may reduce placental perfusion.

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    How To Safely Take Antibiotics In Pregnancy

    The best way to take your antibiotics is to follow your doctors instructions. Because antibiotics have been used too much in the past, your doctor might be careful about what they give you.

    Your doctor will choose the best type for you. They might think about other factors before giving you antibiotics. These might include:

    • Avoiding antibiotics in the first trimester
    • Testing to confirm the type of infection
    • Giving the smallest dose possible
    • Giving antibiotics for the shortest time possible
    • Using only one type of antibiotic
    • Only giving antibiotics when necessary

    Antibiotics can interact with other medications or over-the-counter drugs. Your doctor might tell you not to take antibiotics with any other medicine.

    Take as directed. Sometimes when you take antibiotics you start to feel better right away. Its important to take your medicine until its finished and the way your doctor says. This might help stop the bacteria from becoming resistant to the medicine.

    Use other safe remedies. If you have a common cold or other minor conditions, your doctor likely wont give you antibiotics. Instead, ask about other over-the-counter medicine that is safe for you to take when youre pregnant. Other self-care practices for the common cold might be helpful, including:

    • Saline nasal spray
    • Warm salt water gargle

    If you dont get better or you have new symptoms, make sure to talk to your doctor to rule out more serious conditions.

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    What Are The Different Types Of Sinus Infections

    Sinusitis is divided into two types according to its severity and progression. They are :

    • Acute sinusitis: It is also called sinus infection or rhinosinusitis, a short-term inflammation of the sinuses. It can result from a common cold, bacterial infections, or viral infections in the upper respiratory tract.
    • Chronic sinusitis:Acute sinusitis takes the form of chronic rhinosinusitis when the inflammation continues for more than three months. This can be due to underlying conditions such as asthma, allergy, or nasal polyps.

    Can Having A Sinus Infection While Pregnant Hurt The Baby

    Can I Use Decongestant Nasal Spray When Pregnant?

    Can a sinus infection cause miscarriage? On its own, a sinus infection while pregnant is not likely to harm your unborn baby. However, in rare cases, the symptoms of a sinus infection can lead to complications during pregnancy. Pregnancy can also worsen the severity of sinus infection symptoms.

    While sinusitis can be more common during pregnancy due to a suppressed immune system, it is difficult to distinguish between an actual infection and pregnancy-related congestion.

    Pregnancy hormones increase circulation to all of the blood vessels and membranes in the body, causing them to swell. This includes the mucous membranes in your nose. Such swelling leads to nasal congestion, and sometimes even postnasal drip. Unfortunately, this may last the length of your pregnancy and worsen toward the end. Experiencing a sinus infection while pregnant can further worsen the swelling.

    It is important to stay vigilant and notice if your symptoms worsen, as this is a sign that you are suffering from more than pregnancy-related congestion symptoms.

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    Pregnancy Rhinitis: Relief For Ongoing Nasal Congestion Is Possible

    If you’re expecting a baby, you may be dealing with a stuffy nose that doesnt seem to go away. This hassle is called pregnancy rhinitis. The cause of this condition isnt really clear. However, it may be caused by hormonal changes.Having a history of allergies or asthma does not raise your risk of getting pregnancy rhinitis.

    How Can I Treat The Flu Naturally While Pregnant

    For symptoms, try these four natural flu remedies:

  • Use sugar- or honey-based lozenges to relieve sore throats and coughs.
  • Get plenty of bed rest.
  • Drink lots of fluids, like water, juice, and caffeine-free tea.
  • Put an air humidifier in your room to provide extra moisture, which can help ease congestion.
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    How Do I Know If I Have A Cold During Pregnancy

    Symptoms of a cold during pregnancy are no different than the usual cold symptoms. These include:

    A cold can be easily confused with the flu because the two infections share many of the same symptoms. But unlike a cold, the flu can also cause more serious symptoms. These include:

    Having a fever in early pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. If you notice a fever at any time during your pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider to see if treatment is needed.

    Is It Safer To Skip Allergy Medication Altogether When Im Pregnant

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    If your symptoms arenât bad, your doctor may suggest other treatments instead. You could allergy-proof your home or rely on saline nasal sprays.

    But if allergy symptoms are a big problem â making it hard to sleep, for instance â taking medication may be better for your health and your babyâs.

    If you have allergic asthma, you need to take the medication as prescribed. Uncontrolled asthma can cause serious problems during pregnancy.

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    A Word About Antibiotics

    So many patients call asking for antibiotics for a cold,usually when theyve had symptoms for several days. There are a few times whenantibiotics are appropriate, for instance, strep throat or sinus infectionscaused by bacteria. But antibiotics simply dont work against viruses thatcause the common cold. Overprescribing antibiotics for viral illnesses leads toantibiotic resistance, which means the bacteria grow stronger over time andbecome tougher to beat with antibiotics.If a doctor prescribes an antibiotic for cold symptoms, its usually a short,three-day round of drugs. The patient often feels better after finishing themedication but probably would have recovered in that timeframe anyway withoutthe drug.

    Why Get A Flu Shot

    • Pregnant women who get the flu are at higher risk of hospitalization, and even death, than non-pregnant women.
    • Severe illness in the pregnant mother can also be dangerous to her fetus.
    • When you get your flu shot, your body starts to make antibodies that help protect you and your baby against the flu.
    • Antibodies can be passed on to your unborn baby, and help protect the baby for up to six months after he or she is born.

    See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention flyer on why pregnant women need a flu shot.

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    Pain Due To Headaches Or Sore Throat

    Acetaminophen

    Acetaminophen is a first-choice medication for pain relief in pregnant people. Some researchers suggest that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy might not be as safe as previously thought. But ACOG still recommends it as one of the only safe pain relievers expectant mothers can take.

    Congestion And Allergy Symptoms

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    For congestion issues, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and loratidine appear to be safe during pregnancy. Avoid pseudoephedrine , since it may be associated with birth defects involving babys abdominal wall. Also, decongestants may affect blood flow to the placenta and should generally be avoided throughout your pregnancy.

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