Special Considerations in the Treatment of Pregnancy Rhinitis

Pregnancy rhinitis is a common condition that is not yet fully recognized by the public. This form of rhinitis affects approximately one in five pregnant women, can start in almost any gestational week, and disappears after delivery. However, as it reduces quality of life, and also possibly affects the fetus, treatment is often required. Saline irrigations, exercise and mechanical alar dilators are a safe and general means of relieving nasal congestion. Nasal corticosteroids have not been shown to be effective. As nasal decongestants provide good temporary relief, women tend to overuse them. Therefore, to avoid an additional rhinitis medicamentosa, nasal decongestants should be restricted to a few days use. Invasive methods of turbinate reduction may be effective, but are not recommended. The differential diagnosis towards sinusitis is often difficult. Antral irrigation is the ultimate diagnostic for purulent sinusitis and often needs to be repeated for therapeutic reasons. If β-lactam antibiotics are used, an increased dosage is required during pregnancy.