Should you use nasal drops for pregnant women?

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During pregnancy, many pregnant women suffer from stuffy nose, runny nose, itchy nose, sneezing, persistent symptoms, easy to recur, especially at night, making sleep not good, causing stress, affecting the health of the baby. mother and baby health. At this time, pregnant women with stuffy nose often worry about what to do to get rid of the disease and be safe for the development of the fetus. Let's learn to know and understand which nasal drops for pregnant women are safe and effective.

1. Common causes of a stuffy nose during pregnancy

Like everyone, colds, allergic rhinitis can cause a stuffy nose during pregnancy. In addition, the cause of a stuffy nose in pregnant women can be due to pregnancy rhinitis.

1.1 Colds

If you have a cold, you have a stuffy nose, runny nose, a lot of sneezing, maybe a sore throat, and rarely a fever. It is usually caused by a virus and goes away on its own after 3 to 7 days. However, pregnant women with stuffy nose also need to be cautious and pay attention if symptoms worsen such as prolonged high fever, loss of appetite or difficulty breathing... to prevent bronchitis, pneumonia...

1.2 Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is caused by allergens such as dust in the air, pollen, grass, house dust or animal hair, molds in the environment that can make a pregnant woman's nose stuffy, itchy. nose, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, sometimes sore throat and ears...

1.3 Rhinitis of pregnancy

Approximately 20% of pregnant women experience gestational rhinitis. This is a form of rhinitis that appears during pregnancy, usually around the last 6 weeks of pregnancy (may occur before) and clears up within 2 weeks of giving birth. Rhinitis of pregnancy is considered a special form of rhinitis because the cause is not due to allergies, bacterial infections or colds.
MORE: Safe nasal drops for pregnant women

2. Should you use nasal drops for pregnant women?

According to research results published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, some nasal drops for pregnant women containing phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine may increase the risk of birth defects. congenital heart disease. Therefore, avoid using nasal drops containing these two active ingredients for pregnant women with nasal congestion, especially during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. Some types of nasal drops for pregnant women that are considered safe include:

2.1 Decongestants containing Oxymetazoline, Xylometazoline

Decongestants containing Oxymetazoline , Xylometazoline can help quickly improve nasal congestion. Pregnant women with stuffy nose can use but should only use decongestants for a short time (no more than 3 days) causing chronic rhinitis.

2.2 Corticosteroid-containing decongestants

Decongestants containing Corticosteroids are highly effective in the treatment of rhinitis, especially for allergic rhinitis. When used for pregnant women with stuffy nose, post-nasal drip causing cough, itchy throat, the drug should be used at the lowest effective dose and limited to the duration of use according to the instructions of the doctor to minimize the risk. risk of side effects from corticosteroids.

3. Some notes when using nasal drops for pregnant women

Pregnant women need to be very careful when taking the drug. When there are symptoms of the disease, pregnant women with stuffy nose should be careful not to buy and use nasal drops for pregnant women on their own, especially drugs of unknown origin, with evidence of effects and safety. whole. Do not give nasal drops to pregnant women on advice, because the medicine may be safe for one person but dangerous for another. To ensure the safety of both mother and baby, pregnant women should be appropriately examined and consulted by a doctor, a specialist pharmacist before taking the drug.
The incorrect use of drugs during pregnancy can have unfortunate and dangerous consequences for the development of the baby. If a pregnant woman has a stuffy nose, the symptoms persist and do not go away even though she has used the usual pregnant women's nasal drops or has other strange symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, rash. ... go to the hospital, medical facilities.

Realizing the importance of pregnant women's health, along with the development of the fetus, Vinmec International General Hospital has been and continues to deploy a package maternity service, this service was born as a solution. The method helps pregnant mothers feel secure because they have the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy from care, monitoring, comprehensive examination, ultrasound testing and health advice to pregnant women. healthy developing fetus. Pregnant women can rest assured and relax during pregnancy, without having to worry about missing appointments and making appointments. In particular, maternity packages also come with many gift programs and free prenatal classes. When going to give birth, a pregnant mother does not need to prepare too many things because Vinmec has already prepared essential items for mother and child during childbirth and convalescence at the hospital.
Currently, to improve service quality, Vinmec is also equipped with a system of ultrasound machines and modern medical equipment. Accordingly, the examination and diagnosis process at Vinmec is carried out by qualified and well-trained doctors, so it will soon detect obstetric problems and pathologies, fetal malformations from early (if any) for prompt examination and treatment right after the baby is born.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: nhs.uk