Sinus Infection While Pregnant: Prevent and Treat. When to Call a Doctor?

Pregnancy might be the happiest time for a family. But it comes with its own set of challenges for the mother. A sinus infection while pregnant can be harder to deal with than usual. Sinusitis is a persistent threat for potential mothers. In addition to that, several conventional sinusitis treatments for women are unsafe during pregnancy. You should know how to treat a sinus infection while pregnant, and when to call a doctor if the situation gets out of hand.

The Signs of a Sinus Infection While Pregnant

Sinusitis may differ from mother to mother based on its severity, but the general symptoms are as follows:

1. Pain in part of sinuses: The most obvious symptoms are aches and pains in your forehead, particularly between the eyes, in your teeth, and upper jaw. This is due to inflammation or swelling in parts of your sinuses that create a dull pressure that pushes against your face. This can also cause your face to swell up and persistent throb.
2. Headaches: When a pregnant lady’s air passages get blocked and swelled up, typically associated with sinus infections, it can lead to headaches. Headaches can intensify with a change in the weather accompanied by toothaches, earaches, and throbbing pain in the cheeks and jaws.
3. Fever: A higher body temperature is the body’s natural defense mechanism against any invading element inside the body. If a mother suffers from a sinus infection while pregnant, there is a high chance of her running a fever.
4. Sinus discharge through the nose: Sinus infections lead to the discharge of a greenish-yellow component. This can find its way through the nose or can reroute to the back of the throat.
5. Cough: The irritation caused by the sinus discharge can lead to coughing. This coughing can get worse with time and can be disturbing for the baby in the womb.
6. Sore Throat: The presence of sinus discharge at the back of the throat can lead to irritation. As the mucus further irritates and inflames the lining, the mere tickling in the throat turns into a sore throat leading to a scratchy and tough voice.

Can Sinusitis Affect Your Baby?

This is probably the most disturbing question that comes into a mother’s mind from time to time. She might often wonder if a sinus infection can cause miscarriage, especially in the first and third trimesters. Research and reports have shown that a sinus infection while pregnant is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. It often takes a toll on the baby’s mother. Pregnancy can worsen a sinus infection symptom. It can also lead to a complicated pregnancy. It is important to stay on a constant lookout and ensure that the symptoms don’t worsen.

Home Remedies for Sinus Infection While Pregnant

You might often wonder what to take for a sinus infection while pregnant. There are numerous safe home remedies you can try to treat sinus infections while pregnant. Here are a few tips for such days when your sinusitis gets worse:

• Fluid treatment: Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and never get dehydrated. Drink water, citrus fruits, and broths at regular intervals to stay hydrated and fight a sinus infection.
• Saline nasal irrigation: You can easily make a home formula of saline nose drops. Combine 1 cup of warm water with a pinch of salt or baking soda and take a few drops of it in your nose. It works like magic to provide you relief from a stuffed nose in a matter of time.
• Steam or humidifier: To clear blocked nasal passages lean over a pan of boiling water. Place a towel or a piece of cloth over your head and breathe in the steam. This helps in loosening the mucus in your chest.
• Head elevation: To help alleviate a case of a sinus infection during pregnancy, elevating your head with a couple of pillows while lying down for sleep can make breathing easier and ensure the mother gets a good rest.
• Sore throat: To cure a sore throat, gargle with lukewarm salt water at least twice a day. You can also suck on ice or drink warm fluids frequently.

The most important thing while pregnant is to eat well. A mother may lose her appetite during the first trimester. When a sinus infection hit while pregnant in the first trimester, remember to eat well and nutritious food to help fight sinusitis. Sinus infection treatment while pregnant is possible if done correctly.

When to Call for the Doctor?

A sinus infection while pregnant can give you a good scare. It is not necessary to call for the doctor during every sinus attack. But you must go to the hospital if you face any of the below-mentioned symptoms:

• If you are coughing up green or yellow mucus, it is advisable to visit a doctor.
• If you have a fever exceeding 101F, immediately call the doctor.
• If you have trouble sleeping or have lost appetite for quite a few days, do visit your doctor.

Sinus infection while pregnant can take its toll on a mother’s health. Sinus infection remedy while pregnant includes fluid treatments, nasal drops, head elevation, and proper nutrition.

Conclusion

A sinus infection while pregnant is not something a would-be mother wants. But with good food and adequate sleep, you and your baby need not go through a hard time during pregnancy. If a sinus infection attacks you, follow home remedies and don’t panic. Take your prescribed medicines on time. If the situation gets out of hand, call your doctor and take his advice. A doctor always knows what’s best for you and your baby. A mere sinus infection won’t prevent you from having a joyful pregnancy.

Also Read: How to Treat a Sinus Infection at Home (Sinusitis)