Being pregnant with a child and the process of birthing is a mixed experience with the good and the bad. There are days when you’re joyous, thinking of the baby’s appearance and expecting the future. In other times, you may be sick and depressed. One example is having a sinus infection while pregnant.
Sinus infection is one that affects the nasal sinuses that are complications of cold virus and allergies. Some of the symptoms they might induce include uncomfortable nasal congestion (rhinitis).
Having a sinus infection while pregnant may be a cumbersome period, but you can tackle it with these tips. This article covers all the sinus infections, their causes, and how to stop them.
Symptoms of sinus infection
If you have a sinus infection while pregnant, you are likely to experience swelling and/or discomfort in your nose and cheekbones.
The sinuses, which are air-filled spaces behind the cheekbones and forehead, become inflamed as a result of an infection.
The inflammation prevents mucus from draining correctly, which causes discomfort and pressure.
In addition to the above, sinus infections can cause the following:
- Headaches
- a clogged-up nose
- lack of energy due to a sore throat
- Coughing up blood with a toothache
Causes of sinus infection while pregnant
There are several illnesses that can cause symptoms similar to a sinus infection, including allergies and the common cold. As long as four weeks are possible for an acute infection. If an infection is chronic, it might continue longer than 12 weeks. Infections such as viral, bacterial, and fungal can cause sinusitis during pregnancy.
A sinus infection can occur as a side effect of the common cold in some situations. Allergies increase your chances of getting a sinus infection. Swelling and inflammation can occur in both cases when mucus obstructs the sinuses with mucus. An infection may result as a result.
The symptoms of a sinus infection can be quite uncomfortable. Although it can exacerbate your symptoms, there are ways to alleviate them while pregnant.
Does having a sinus infection while pregnant affect your baby?
The fetus is unlikely to be harmed by a sinus infection on its own. Even if its effects can be dangerous in certain situations, it’s best to avoid them.
The severity of sinus infection might also be affected by pregnancy.
According to one study, a pregnant woman’s body mass index (BMI) and stage of pregnancy may have an impact on nasal congestion. Increased BMI and gestational age both have a substantial impact on the amount of nasal congestion during pregnancy, according to the study’s findings.
Women who have gestational diabetes or multiple births (such as twins or triplets) may be at increased risk of developing pregnancy-induced rhinitis, according to the researchers. In the event of numerous pregnancies, an increase in pregnancy hormones may be to blame.
Constant nasal congestion, they say, might harm a developing embryo’s growth and development by reducing the amount of oxygen available to the developing fetus.
With adequate care, the danger to the fetus is quite minimal for complications like these.
Nasal congestion caused by allergens had no influence on the birth outcomes of pregnant women, according to previous research. There was a decreased rate of congenital malformations in the children of women who had experienced these symptoms.
How to treat sinus infection during pregnancy
As a pregnant woman, you need to take sinus infection medication. Pregnant women can take over-the-counter (OTC) drugs without worry.
Acetaminophen, for example, helps alleviate sinus headaches and a sore throat (Tylenol). Make sure you follow the directions on the painkiller bottle.
Pregnant women may be able to use other drugs. Consult your physician before taking:
- Decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Expectorants
- Cough suppressants
Home treatment of sinus infection while pregnant
Cough suppressants, pain medications, and decongestants can help alleviate the symptoms of sinus infection. But if you don’t want to take medicine when you’re pregnant, you can use home remedies to alleviate your symptoms.
When you’re suffering from a stuffy nose or a sore throat, increasing your fluid intake might help relieve these symptoms. Water is one of the best fluids.
In addition to the above, here are some more home treatments that may help alleviate your symptoms:
- To manufacture your own drops, combine 1 cup of warm water, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and a sprinkle of baking soda in a small bowl.
- Keep your nasal passages fresh and mucus-free by running a humidifier at night.
- To keep your head up, use many pillows while you sleep. Using this prevents mucus from building up in your sinuses while you are sleeping.
- Use steam to free the mucus.
- Soothe a sore throat by gargling with warm salt water or sucking on throat lozenges.
- Remain calm and collected. Resting can help you fight off the infection by boosting your immune system.
- Place a hot or cold compress on your forehead, or gently massage your forehead, if you are experiencing face discomfort or headaches due to sinusitis. Take a warm bath to relieve a sinus headache as well. Be cautious not to use too hot of a water temperature. Pregnant women should avoid taking hot baths.