Overview
Rhinitis of pregnancy, also known as "pregnancy rhinitis," is a condition characterized by nasal congestion and other rhinitis symptoms that occur during pregnancy and resolve postpartum 1. It is thought to be related to hormonal changes during gestation 1.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the onset of nasal symptoms during pregnancy in the absence of other identifiable causes 1.Management
Management focuses on symptomatic relief and may include nasal saline irrigation 1.
Pharmacologic options, if necessary, should be used cautiously and with consideration for pregnancy safety 1.Special Populations
Pregnancy: Rhinitis symptoms typically appear during the second or third trimester and resolve within two weeks after delivery 1.Key Recommendations
Nasal saline irrigation is a recommended first-line treatment for symptomatic relief 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
Pharmacologic treatments should be considered only if non-pharmacologic measures are insufficient and used with caution regarding fetal safety 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
Symptoms are expected to resolve spontaneously postpartum 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)References
1 Yitayih Y, Vanderplasschen W, Vandewalle S, Rita VD, Gilbert L. The effects of khat use during pregnancy on perinatal and maternal outcomes: a meta-analysis. Archives of women's mental health 2023. link