Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful moments in every woman's life. Such a time should not be overshadowed by various ailments, however, it is very difficult to protect yourself from such a nuisance as a runny nose. Not all cold drops for pregnant women are beneficial.
It is necessary to know exactly which remedy can be used to eliminate unpleasant symptoms and which cannot. In our article we will talk in detail about all the nuances and draw the necessary conclusions.
Types of rhinitis
Rhinitis is classified depending on what factors are triggering it. There are three types of runny nose, which worries pregnant women:
- allergic rhinitis;
- viral rhinitis;
- hormone.
Allergic rhinitis
Allergic-type runny nose most often affects women in the spring during the flowering period of various plants. The symptoms are very clear: endless sneezing and clear discharge of liquid mucus from the nose are disturbing. It is easy to distinguish allergic rhinitis from colds.
An allergic reaction does not cause headaches or sore throat. In general, all the symptoms that we are used to observing during a cold. This kind of runny nose does not require special treatment, however, it is necessary to consult your doctor.
Viral rhinitis
Colds or viral rhinitis are accompanied by increased body temperature, sore throat, pain in the forehead and temples. There is general weakness of the body.
This disease must be treated if the first symptoms are present. After all, the infection that causes a runny nose can become dangerous for both the expectant mother and her fetus. In such cases, the doctor should prescribe drops for runny nose during pregnancy.
Hormone
Hormonal runny nose is popularly called “runny nose of pregnant women.” Some women suffer from it from the first week of pregnancy until childbirth. Such symptoms appear against the background of the fact that hormonal changes in the body occur, which leads to swelling in the nasopharynx.
Top 10 drops from the pharmacy
Nasal drops for pregnant women contain mainly sea water and ordinary salt. There are no chemicals or preservatives in such products.
Morenasal
Morenasal is a solution of Atlantic sea salt, which includes natural active ingredients that cleanse the sinuses. Morenasal is produced in the form of a nasal spray.
The composition of the medicine includes:
- sodium salts;
- magnesium salts;
- calcium;
- hydrocarbonates.
Morenasal is necessary for the complex treatment of a runny nose and for cleansing the sinuses and moistening them.
Indications:
- chronic diseases of the nasal cavity;
- complex therapy of the nasal mucosa in people who live in poor climatic conditions;
- complex therapy of respiratory infections.
Contraindications:
- age up to 1 year;
- allergy to substances in the product.
The spray is prescribed for daily intranasal use. Pregnant women are prescribed 2-3 injections 4-8 times a day. The medicine is sold in pharmacies without a prescription, price from 260 rubles.
Marimer
Marimer nasal drops are prescribed to pregnant women during sinus congestion. The medicine is produced in the form of an aerosol. The medication contains the active ingredient - a sterile isotonic solution of sea water.
The medicine normalizes the physiological state of the nasal mucosa. It thins mucus and makes it easier to exit the nose.
Microelements found in sea water improve the functioning of the ciliated epithelium, thereby increasing the resistance of the sinus mucosa to viruses.
Indications:
- acute inflammation of the nose;
- allergic rhinitis;
- prevention of infectious diseases of the nose.
Contraindications for the drug include children under 1 year of age. Adults are prescribed medication for prophylactic purposes 4-6 times a day. The product is sold without a prescription, price from 230 rubles.
Nazivin
Nazivin is a vasoconstrictor drug for local use in ENT practice. The active substance of the drug is oxymetazoline hydrochloride. The medication also contains additional substances: citric acid monohydrate, benzalkonium chloride, glycerol.
The medicine reduces the swelling of the sinuses and the amount of discharge. The product begins to act a few minutes after application and retains its therapeutic effect for 10 hours.
Indications:
- acute diseases of the nasopharynx;
- allergic rhinitis;
- vasomotor rhinitis;
- removal of swelling before diagnosis.
Contraindications:
- atrophic rhinitis;
- age up to 5 years;
- allergy to drug substances.
The medication is prescribed 1-2 drops in each nostril 2-3 times a day. Nazivin is sold without a prescription, price starts from 150 rubles.
Pinosol
Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory medicine for local use in ENT practice.
Its active substances:
- Scots pine oil;
- peppermint oil;
- Eucalyptus oil;
- thymol;
- Guiazulene.
The product is produced in the form of drops, spray, cream and ointment.
Indications:
- rhinitis of non-allergic origin;
- nasopharyngitis;
- inflammatory diseases of the nose.
Contraindications:
- allergic rhinitis;
- age up to 2 years;
- allergy to substances in the product.
The drug is prescribed to adults on the first day, 1-2 drops with a break of 2 hours, in subsequent days the number of uses is reduced to 3 times a day. Pinosol is sold in pharmacies without a prescription, price starts from 220 rubles.
Nazik
Nazik is a vasoconstrictor combination drug that is widely used in ENT practice. The product is produced in the form of a dosed nasal spray.
The drug contains xylometazoline hydrochloride and dexpanthenol. Additional components: benzalkonium chloride, potassium dihydrogen phosphate. The drug has anti-inflammatory, metabolic and regenerative effects.
Indications:
- allergic rhinitis;
- sinusitis;
- vasomotor rhinitis;
- Otitis media
Contraindications:
- glaucoma;
- atrophic rhinitis;
- age up to 5 years;
- allergy to substances in the product.
Adults are prescribed 1 drop of medication 3 times a day. Duration of therapy is 3-5 days. The product is sold in pharmacies without a prescription, price starts from 130 rubles.
Vibrocil
Vibrocil nasal drops for pregnant women have an antiallergic effect and are actively used in ENT practice.
The active ingredients of the drug are phenylephrine, dimethindene maleate.
The medication has a moderate vasoconstrictor effect and eliminates swelling of the mucous membrane.
Indications:
- acute and chronic types of rhinitis;
- allergic rhinitis.
Contraindications:
- atrophic rhinitis;
- angle-closure glaucoma;
- age up to 2 years.
Adults are prescribed 3 injections into each nasal passage 3 times a day. The product is sold without a prescription, price from 270 rubles.
Delufen
Delufen is a complex homeopathic remedy that has anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and vasoconstrictor effects.
The product is produced in the form of a spray and contains the following substances:
- meadow lumbago;
- mercury iodide;
- loofah;
- black mustard.
The product normalizes the secretory function of the mucosal glands and destroys harmful microorganisms due to the intensive work of the immune cells of the nasal mucosa.
Indications:
- hyperthyroidism;
- age up to 10 years;
- allergy to substances in the product.
The spray is used 2 doses 4 times a day in each nostril. The product is sold without a prescription, costs from 700 rubles. depending on the region.
Aquamaris
Aquamaris nasal drops for pregnant women are a natural medicine for topical use. The product thins mucus and normalizes its production in the goblet cells of the mucosa.
The medicine removes street and indoor dust from the nasal mucosa and reduces its inflammation. The medicine contains a hypertonic solution of water with trace elements and salts.
How to distinguish hormonal rhinitis
Let us highlight its main features:
- such a runny nose appears at the time of pregnancy;
- the discharge characteristic of this condition is colorless;
- in a horizontal position, the runny nose becomes more intense;
- regular sneezing;
- there are no other symptoms of a cold.
A runny nose in pregnant women can last for nine months. It should not be treated, however, symptoms can be relieved. To do this, use nasal drops, which are prescribed by a doctor.
Nasal drops
Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is nasal drops.
However, do not rush to use them. Often rhinitis is a symptom of a cold or viral infection, and to get rid of it, you just need to cure the disease. If a runny nose is the first manifestation of a disease that has not yet developed, then it should be suppressed as quickly as possible so that difficult nasal breathing does not become a factor that provokes a serious pathology.
If you do not know which nasal drops you can use during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester, consult your doctor.
Vasoconstrictors
vasoconstrictors
The danger of use during pregnancy increases, since the active adrenaline components of vasoconstrictor drops can be absorbed into the blood and penetrate through the placenta to the fetus. Drops pose a particular danger to the development of the baby in the 1st and 2nd trimester, when the formation of the central nervous system has not yet been completed.
In the 3rd trimester, the use of some drugs for single use and in half dose is allowed:
- Vibrocil;
- Tizin;
- Xymelin;
- Galazolin.
It should be remembered that vasoconstrictor drugs do not cure a runny nose, but only temporarily alleviate the manifestations of rhinitis.
Antibiotics
Nasal drops with an antibacterial effect are prescribed only in case of threat of sinusitis: sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, sphenoiditis. When nasal discharge begins to become purulent, this means a bacterial infection has occurred. And in this case, the use of local antibiotics is justified.
Although the drugs Polydex, Isofra, Funentin are local antibiotics that have a local effect on the body, the expectant mother does not need extra medications. And even when these medications are prescribed in some serious cases of prolonged runny nose, their use should only be under the strict supervision of a doctor and with careful adherence to the dosage.
Plant based
The natural basis of the drugs serves as a guarantee of safety for the fetus. However, in case of heavy nasal discharge, oil drops are not recommended. Their action can disrupt the functioning of the ciliated epithelium, and the runny nose will worsen. But when the mucous membrane dries out, these drops are perfect.
Antihistamines
For nasal rinsing, it is recommended to use preparations such as Salin, which ensures the maximum possible removal of the allergen from the nasal mucosa. The use of preventive measures is also effective: maintaining humidity and temperature (70-75% and +20 +22°C), constant ventilation and wet cleaning, frequent walks in the fresh air.
Homeopathic
The most popular remedies of homeopathic origin approved for the treatment of pregnant women are:
- EDAS-131;
- Euphorbium compositum;
- Delufen;
- Larinol Edas-117;
- Asinis.
Is a runny nose dangerous for pregnant women?
The question of the dangers of rhinitis for women who are carrying a child is asked very often. Of course, such a disease carries some danger, but only if it is provoked by viruses. Particular risk occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the foundation for the growth of the unborn baby is laid.
Viruses that lead to a runny nose can enter the uterus through the blood, which sometimes ends in termination of pregnancy.
In addition, the breathing of a pregnant woman is disrupted and the required amount of oxygen does not reach the fetus. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the treatment of a runny nose; further, we will talk about what drops to use for a runny nose, and what is strictly forbidden to use.
Traditional methods
Traditional medicine offers various remedies for the common cold, but not all can be used during pregnancy. So, recipes using black radish and aloe can cause uterine tone.
Camomile tea
The infusion rinses the nose well and is suitable for instillation. To prepare the infusion you will need to take 1 tbsp. l chamomile flowers and pour 125 g of boiled water. Leave for 30 minutes. It is best to use a thermos for such purposes.
Strain the infusion and cool. Drop 6 drops of infusion into each nasal passage. This procedure can be performed up to 6 times a day.
Aloe
The plant has an antiviral effect, therefore it has a positive effect on the nasal mucosa. For the medicine, you will need to take part of the leaf and squeeze the juice out of it with a teaspoon. It is necessary to instill 2-3 drops into each nasal passage, but do not overdo it, 3 procedures are enough.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe is used only fresh. First, the Kalanchoe leaves are crushed, then the juice is squeezed out and diluted with 1 teaspoon of boiled water. Next, the solution must be poured into a glass container and used as drops. It is necessary to bury the nose 3 times a day for 1 week.
Kalanchoe juice is another popular remedy for the common cold.
Kalanchoe juice can also be used to wipe the sinuses. Usually the medicine is used for the onset of a runny nose. Thus, swelling decreases and nasal discharge decreases.
Apple or carrot juice
You can instill carrot or apple juice into each nasal passage, up to 8 drops, at any frequency. The main thing is not to mix these 2 juices together.
Inhalations and nasal rinsing
Methods for rinsing the nose:
- Nasal rinsing can be done with eucalyptus and calendula. You will need to take a wide bowl, pour the infusion into it, bring your face closer and start breathing through your nose. This inhalation must be repeated 3 times a day.
- Baking soda needs to be diluted with water and then a little iodine added. Rinse your nose with this product.
- You can wash your nose with laundry soap. You will need to take a cotton swab, wet it and rub it on a bar of soap. Next, apply the stick to the nasal cavity. After a few minutes, severe sneezing and mucus will begin. This is the effect of treatment. Sneezing removes pathogenic germs from the nose.
- Nasal rinsing can be done with eucalyptus and marshmallow. Eucalyptus has an astringent effect, and marshmallow has an anti-inflammatory effect. To prepare the solution you will need to take 10 g of eucalyptus leaves and 20 g of marshmallow leaves. Next they need to be put in 1 tbsp. boiled water and leave for 5 minutes. The liquid needs to be filtered and rinsed out the nose 2-3 times a day.
Garlic drops
To prepare the drops, you will need to take 1 clove of garlic, chop thoroughly and add cold boiled water, leave for 30 minutes and drop into both nostrils. To boost immunity, you can use beet juice diluted in equal parts with boiled water.
Warming up
Performing the procedure:
- Warming the nose with eggs is done like this: take 2 boiled eggs and while they are still hot, apply them to both sides of the nasal sinuses.
- Heating with salt is carried out like this: take sea salt and pour it into a frying pan, then place the dishes on the stove. As soon as the salt is well heated, you need to pour it onto a cloth, roll it into a ball and warm your nose for 10 minutes.
To warm the nose, use salt, for example, sea salt, which is preheated in a dry frying pan, and then placed in a cloth and applied to the bridge of the nose.
- Honey and flour are mixed in equal proportions, while stirring the dough is heated in a water bath. Next, you need to cool the product a little and put it on your nose.
Massage
A light massage will help relieve congestion without the need to use medications. This massage is quite simple to do. You should gently massage the points that are located at the base of the nostrils with your index fingers.
During the manipulation, you can use some ointments, for example, “Asterisk”. The drug should be applied to the outer corners of the nostrils and other points of the face where discomfort is felt. You need to do this massage several times during the day.
A runny nose during pregnancy must be treated. Otherwise, it will be difficult for the mother and the unborn baby to breathe. You should choose only safe drops and methods for treating your nose.
Allowed means
Let's talk about drugs that are allowed. Treatment of a viral runny nose should begin with the woman contacting her doctor. Self-medication in such a situation is extremely unacceptable. It is worth clarifying that drops are prescribed only in acute cases, especially when we are talking about medications.
Sea water drops
Preparations, the main component of which is sea water, are considered completely natural products. They have sufficient efficiency, which is ensured by salts and minerals from the sea.
Salt is able to cope with bacteria and quickly restore the protective function in the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity.
After using such drops, swelling is relieved, the blood vessels become narrower - this leads to a decrease in the amount of mucus released. In addition, the products lubricate and moisturize the mucous membrane well. The main factor is that they have no contraindications or side effects.
Among the most popular drops based on sea water, it is worth highlighting the following:
- Aquamaris;
- Dolphin;
- Salin;
- Marimer.
Drops with oil extracts
Nasal drops from this category are based on oil extracts of various plants. They are natural and have no side effects. Their action is aimed at relieving nasal congestion and moisturizing the mucous membrane.
One of the most popular drugs that probably every pregnant woman has heard of is Pinosol.
Oil-based drops contain a special substance - guaisulene, in other words, it is an extract from eucalyptus wood. The drug effectively stops excessive mucus discharge from the nose and moisturizes the mucous membrane.
Pinosol has only one contraindication - the presence of an allergic reaction to one of the components of its composition. If your nose is not very stuffy, then it is enough to take the drops once a day. Use in the first trimester of pregnancy is prohibited.
Homeopathic remedies
In some cases, in order to eliminate a viral runny nose, doctors prescribe drugs from the homeopathic subgroup. They are safe for both the expectant mother and her child. However, their action is not emergency; the effect appears after a short period of time.
Such drops effectively eliminate swelling, eliminate inflammatory processes, and reduce the amount of mucus.
Doctors most often prescribe EDAS 131 or Euphorbium Compositum.
After talking about what drops you can use, it’s worth talking about prohibited drugs.
Such dangerous vasoconstrictor drops
One of the most popular remedies for nasal congestion during a runny nose is vasoconstrictor drops for a runny nose. After using them, breathing becomes free within just a few minutes, and the effect of use lasts for up to twelve hours. Convenient, easy and practical, but at the same time dangerous for pregnant women, especially if you slightly exceed the recommended dosage. The fact is that the vasoconstrictor effect of active adrenaline components, which are part of almost all drugs of this class, can act not only locally, but throughout the body, which, in turn, poses a danger to the normal nutrition of the placenta and baby.
What to do in such a situation? Try to choose the safest vasoconstrictor drops - they are, as a rule, much more expensive than the classic Naphthyzin or Sanorin, but they act more gently and, if the dosage is strictly observed, work only in the local area. The most optimal nasal vasoconstrictor drugs for pregnant women:
- Vibrocil is a two-component drop based on phenylephrine and dimethindene. The instructions do not recommend its use during pregnancy, however, half the dosage and rare one-time use of the medicine will reduce the likely risks to the fetus to zero. Try to choose cold drops for children - they contain a lower concentration of active ingredients.
- Tizin is a nasal drop based on tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride. Quickly and effectively relieves swelling, reduces snot secretion and is practically not absorbed into the general bloodstream, which reduces the potential risk to the fetus.
- Vasoconstrictor drops based on xymetazoline - Ximelin, Galazolin.
Do not forget that if you are pregnant, you can use the vasoconstrictor drops described above irregularly, maximum once a day and no more than one week in a row! Also, it is absolutely forbidden to use all of the above drugs before the beginning of the third trimester of pregnancy, when the main formation of the central nervous system of the baby’s brain occurs.
Prohibiting drops
There are a number of types of nasal drops, the use of which is unacceptable during pregnancy. Such products contain the following substances: xylometazoline or oxymetazoline. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to buy drops such as Xymelin, For Nose, Galazolin during pregnancy.
In addition, you cannot use drops based on naphazoline: Naphthyzin or Sanorin.
Such drugs can penetrate the circulatory system and provoke vascular spasms in the body of the expectant mother. In addition, they can increase blood pressure, which negatively affects the condition of the unborn child and his mother.
Another remedy that should be excluded during pregnancy is Vibrocil. This drug is most often prescribed for a runny nose caused by an allergic reaction. If you mistakenly start using them during a viral disease, the opposite effect may begin and your health condition will only worsen.
It is worth noting that women who practice breastfeeding have the same contraindications.
Drop classification
Nasal drops for pregnant women relieve the main signs of nasal congestion. Self-selection of medications in this condition is strictly prohibited.
After all, many types of such drugs have a negative impact on the development of the unborn child. That is why a pregnant woman should visit a specialist to prescribe the correct treatment.
Therapy for nasal congestion includes the following groups of drugs:
- Hormonal agents. Their action is realized with the help of glucocorticosteroids. Such drops include synthetic analogues of human hormones that are produced by the adrenal cortex. The active substances are beclomethasone and mometasone.
They have an anti-inflammatory effect and reduce the likelihood of developing toxic reactions. Also, the products do not cause vasoconstriction and do not have a negative effect on the body.
- Antiallergic drugs. Their action is based on blocking bronchospasm, which is caused by a high concentration of the amino acid histamine.
For rhinitis of an allergic nature, a doctor may prescribe antiallergic drugs
- Herbal preparations. The active ingredient in this group of medicines is essential oils obtained from various plants. Peppermint and eucalyptus extracts are often used. They have an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect and act on receptors that are sensitive to cold, and also relieve swelling.
- Homeopathic medicines. They are quite safe and are recommended for use during pregnancy. The immunostimulating effect in this case is not achieved immediately, but after some time. Therefore, such medications are designed for long-term use.
- Antibacterial drugs. They are mainly prescribed in the second half of pregnancy and only in exceptional cases.
- Antiviral agents. Their effect is based on the launch of antiviral immunity. Some types of drops can be used to prevent viral infections.
In addition, vitamin and mineral supplements are prescribed.
What is the danger of a runny nose in pregnant women?
First, as mentioned above, rhinitis may be evidence of a viral infection. Viruses pose a threat at the early stage of formation of the baby’s internal organs and placenta. Secondly, although a runny nose in pregnant women is the result of hormonal changes in the female body and does not require special treatment, it nevertheless leads to discomfort and certain problems.
For example, when an expectant mother breathes through her mouth, the air does not have time to warm up, moisturize and purify, as with nasal breathing. This means that the health of the pregnant woman and her fetus may be at great risk.
Another important factor can be considered difficulty breathing, which can cause the development of hypoxia, and this is dangerous for both the mother and her child.
