What is Pregnancy Rhinitis? 

Pregnancy rhinitis is a condition of nasal symptoms during pregnancy. The mucus linings inside the nose get inflamed due to hormonal changes as the pregnant body’s immune system adjusts to how it reacts to foreign bodies. Here are the characteristics of pregnancy rhinitis:

• Not present before pregnancy
• Occurs during the second or third trimester
• Has a duration of six weeks or greater
• Has no signs of allergy or infection in the upper airways
• The symptoms disappear after two weeks after delivery

Continuing below,we answer the common questions of pregnant people as they experience a stuffy nose:

Is Pregnancy Rhinitis Dangerous for My Unborn Baby?

No,pregnancy rhinitis does not affect the developing fetus. But its symptoms,such as congestion,can make it difficult for the pregnant person to sleep. See our Treatment section on addressing symptoms that can affect daily living.  

What Causes Pregnancy Rhinitis? 

It is presupposed that placental growth hormone,estrogen,and progesterone cause nasal mucosa hypertrophy and inflammation.

Risk factors for developing pregnancy rhinitis are smoking and having higher immunoglobulin levels to house dust mites. 

When Does Pregnancy Rhinitis Start?

Pregnancy rhinitis commonly happens in the second or third trimesters (week 13 to the end of the pregnancy).

How Long Does Pregnancy Rhinitis Last?

Pregnancy rhinitis can last for six or more weeks. The symptoms can appear and lessen throughout that duration. It will then clear out within two weeks after delivery. 

Common Symptoms During Pregnancy: Pregnancy Rhinitis vs. Allergic Rhinitis vs. Common Cold 

Pregnancy rhinitis shares symptoms with allergic rhinitis and the common cold,such as:

• Congestion as the primary symptom
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Phlegm in the throat
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Snoring from difficulty breathing during sleep
• Pressure in the ears
• Altered sense of smell due to congestion

Pregnancy rhinitis doesn’t have the following symptoms that allergic rhinitis has:

• Itchy mouth,eyes,or skin

Pregnancy rhinitis doesn’t have signs of virus infection,which common colds have:

• Yellow or green mucus
• Low-grade fever
• Mild body or headaches
• The feeling of being unwell

Safe and Effective Treatment Options 

Careful consideration is vital for the safety of both the parent and the unborn baby. Since pregnancy rhinitis will go away on its own,the goal is to manage the symptoms of congestion and difficulty sleeping for the pregnant person’s comfort.

Gentle exercise

As the body goes through hormonal changes,fluids increase and cause swelling,including in the nasal passages. Low-impact regular exercise (like walking) can encourage the drainage of fluids and regulate sleep.

Positioning

Elevating your sleeping mattress to a 45-degree promotes congestion relief. It decreases fluids pooling in the nose that disturbs sleep.

Steaming

Breathing in steam can promote the loosening of mucus in the throat. It is commonly done by sitting in front of a bowl of steaming hot water and bending over it with a towel draped over the head. But it can also be done by closing the shower area and turning on the hot shower for those who have difficulty bending over while sitting. 

Saline Nasal Lavage

Nasal irrigation or lavage involves emptying the clog into a nostril with saline solution from a neti pot,bulb syringe,or squeezable rinse bottle. The saline solution can be premade or made from salt and sterile water (water boiled for a minute and allowed to cool).

Nasal Valve Dilators

Over-the-counter nasal valve dilators open the nasal passageways so that people with poor nasal breathing can improve airflow and sleep with less snoring. They are called internal nasal dilators because they are inserted inside the nose to open the nostrils. Choose nasal dilators made of medical-grade silicon as they are easy to clean and anti-bacterial.

Drug Use and Precautions for Pregnancy Rhinitis

If conservative treatment doesn’t work,your doctor may consider drug treatment. Medication is used depending on the severity of the pregnant person’s symptoms. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine while pregnant.

Puget Sound Sinus Center: Your Partner in Pregnancy Rhinitis Care 

Pregnancy rhinitis congests your nose and causes difficulty in sleeping. The symptoms can be managed with conservative treatment to make you comfortable. If you have symptoms of allergic rhinitis or a common cold,please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Here at Puget Sound Sinus Center,we ensure holistic and patient-centered care for better health.

Find Relief from Pregnancy Rhinitis

You may have heard the terms “inlays” and “onlays” from your dentist and wondered what they mean. Simply stated,they are a dental care treatment to repair cavities,tooth decay,wear from bite force,tooth trauma,and small fractures. 

Inlays and onlays are similar to filings and crowns,but differ in the following ways: 

• Fillings are used for small cavities and are best for the sides of teeth.
• Inlays are used in place of fillings when only a small amount of tooth structure has been lost to decay. Inlays are used when a cavity requires stronger materials to fortify the tooth.
• Onlays are for substantial cavities that don’t cover the entire tooth surface.
• Crowns are used when there is deeper decay or larger tooth fractures,and tooth reshaping is needed. 

What is an inlay?

An inlay replaces decayed tooth enamel. Once your cavity is removed,your dentist places your inlay on the chewing surface of your tooth. Your inlay is custom designed to fit the area between tooth cusps. Inlays are created using an imprint of the affected areas and are manufactured in a dental lab. This means they provide greater strength because they fit your teeth perfectly. Inlays are also better at preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.

Inlays are made from tooth colored ceramic,porcelain or a composite material that is stronger than traditional fillings. Porcelain in particular can be perfectly matched to the color of your teeth. Porcelain naturally bonds to teeth. This bonding process improves the strength of your tooth.

Inlays vs. fillings 

There are many benefits of inlays compared to fillings:

• Inlays preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. 
• With natural tooth structure in place,it’s easier to clean your teeth.
• Inlays work better than fillings for larger cavities in the center of the tooth.
• Porcelain inlays are more stable than amalgam or composite fillings which can expand and contract,causing cracks. This makes fillings ideal for the sides of teeth,while inlays are more durable for chewing surfaces.
• Porcelain inlays are a biocompatible material. They strengthen teeth and can handle 75% more chewing force.
• Inlays are custom-made by using an impression to fit perfectly to your teeth. 

Inlays have a few disadvantages in comparison to fillings. When choosing between the two,you and your dentist should take the following into account:

• Fillings can be placed in one visit. Lab-manufactured inlays usually require two visits.
• Fillings are less expensive. 
• In the event of damage,repairing an inlays is more difficult.

What is an onlay?

Onlays are recommended when a cavity is too big to fill,but too small for a crown. Onlays are also called partial crowns. This is because they cover a portion of the tooth. Onlays are placed to preserve natural tooth structure. 

Onlays are custom manufactured in a lab. Our onlays are made of porcelain from an exact imprint of your teeth. The porcelain naturally bonds with your tooth to add strength. The porcelain used in both inlays and onlays is perfectly color-matched to your surrounding teeth. 

Onlays vs. crowns

Onlays and crowns differ in size and location. Crowns are an excellent restorative solution when significant wear or decay has occurred. They either extend down the sides of your tooth or cover the tooth. Onlays are smalle. They fit over the biting surface of your tooth and extend to cover the cusps. 

Dental professionals often recommend an onlay to: 

• Preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible.
• Provide additional strength to your tooth. 

If you’re not sure whether you need inlays,onlays,crowns or fillings,we encourage you to reach out to a dental professional for a consultation! Alternatively,click the link below if you’d like to learn more about the services and procedures involving inlays and onlays! 

Dr. Sarah Frahm