Image: iStock The sinuses produce mucus that systematically drains into the nose to keep it clean and free of infections. Sinus infection while pregnant may occur when the inner lining of the sinuses or the nasal cavities become inflamed. This blocks the drainage passages, thus filling the sinuses with mucus. The most common manifestation of a sinus infection is nasal congestion leading to pain and breathing difficulty
(1) (2). Sinusitis or sinus infection is one of the most common complications of rhinitis and a frequent problem during pregnancy. Different factors make pregnant women more
susceptible to sinusitis, with pregnancy hormones being primary (3). Read on to learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments of pregnancy sinusitis. Observational studies show around 20-40% occurrence rate of rhinitis and sinonasal problems in
women of childbearing age and 10-30% exacerbation during pregnancy. The most common cause of sinonasal problems that require immediate medical attention is a bacterial infection or bacterial sinusitis (4). Sinusitis is divided into two types according
to its severity and progression. They are (5): Some possible triggers of a sinus infection during pregnancy
include: Besides a stuffy and runny nose and difficulty in
breathing, other commonly experienced symptoms of sinus infection are (5) (8):
Can Having a Sinus Infection When Pregnant Hurt the Baby?Anecdotal evidence states that sinus infection does not cause complications for the baby. Infections during pregnancy, such as sinusitis, do not transmit to the baby because the placenta protects it by filtering out the toxic substances from the body. When to Contact Your Doctor?Acute sinusitis or sinus infection can last anywhere between seven and 14 days or as long as three months (5). This usually goes away with medications and home remedies. However, if you are experiencing the following symptoms given below, seek doctor’s help (3).
How Is Sinusitis Diagnosed During Pregnancy?Based on the symptoms, the doctor may carry out the following tests for diagnosis of sinusitis (9):
What Is The Treatment For Sinusitis During Pregnancy?Treatment for sinus infection during pregnancy involves administration of medicines including (1) (3):
Note: You should check with your healthcare provider before taking any medicine to avoid adverse outcomes. How To Alleviate Sinus Congestion Naturally?Some home remedies to alleviate congestion include (1) (3):
1. What happens if you let a sinus infection go untreated? Complications of untreated sinus infections are rare but may include (10):
2. Which antibiotics may be prescribed for sinusitis during pregnancy? Antibiotics such as cefprozil (Cefzil) and amoxicillin-clavulanate combination may be prescribed for acute sinus infections in pregnant women. However, you should not self-medicate, especially with antibiotics during pregnancy (1). Sinusitis during pregnancy may be common, but this does not take away from it being equally uncomfortable. Talk with your healthcare provider about the treatment options and try some home remedies to alleviate the symptoms and ease of discomfort. References:MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
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Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. She has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences. In addition, she has an internship experience in Oil India Limited as an R&D project trainee. As a writer at MomJunction, Aneesha ensures her content is engaging and... more Dr. Mona Hardas is a practicing Ob/Gyn from Flint, Michigan, with over 20 years of experience in private practice. She is also actively involved in teaching medical students and residents as an associate clinical professor from MSU College of Human Medicine. Dr. Hardas is interested in minimally invasive gynecology procedures, including laparoscopic hysterectomy, myomectomy, removal of adnexal masses, etc. Having... more How can I treat a sinus infection while pregnant?People can try: using saline nasal irrigation or saline nose drops, which experts recommend as a suitable treatment. using a couple of extra pillows to elevate the head when lying down, which can reduce congestion. getting plenty of sleep to help the immune system fight the infection.
What kind of sinus medicine is safe during pregnancy?If a runny nose is more of a problem than a congested one, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, loratadine or cetirizine are all safe to take during pregnancy.
Can a sinus infection during pregnancy hurt the baby?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.
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