Nasal Congestion

[Nicnax]

Hello all,

Just wondering if anyone else on here is suffering from nasal congestion? It is, apprently, very common in pregnancy, because of the exatr blood flow causing blood vessels to enlarge.

I don't want to moan, I am 18 weeks, & I think I have generally been very lucky so far with symptoms, but I am really suffering with congestion. My nostrils literally feel like they have closed up! I can deal with it 90% of the time, but I ahve not slept properly for 3months, & it is starting to get me down. As I am having to breathe through my mouth, I am waking up 5/6 times a night, having to drink, & with a constant sore throat. I am drinking about a litre of water in the night, which is obvsiouly making me pee constantly as well! I ahve tried the whole head over a bowl of water, & also the Breathe Right nasal strips, but nothing is working.

I wonder if anyone has any tips, of something else I can try? Next stop is the docs, but I hate bothering them with small things. I am just getting desperate, as everything I have rea suggests that this porblem will persist until after the baby comes!!

 

[klferrin]

I get nasal congestion at the mo. I don't think mine is as severe as yours. The breathe right nasal strips and olbas nasal stick work for me when I go to bed! I would prob sleep well without them but oh insists I use the strips!!

 

[jennilisanne]

I've had a cloggy throat which I've had since October, and been pretty bunged up in the nose recently too. Went to the drs the other day and she said there's nothing they can do until the baby's born Other than the vapour stuff. But maybe you have a better dr!!

 

[Nicnax]

I'm expecting the same sort of verdict, to be honest, but I shall go anyway, in case they have a good suggestion. Husband is moaning as his beaty sleep is being disturbed, but I did have to point out to him that I have been listening to him snore for 10yrs without complaint!!

Probably a coincidence, but I was on antibiotics for tonsillitis & a sinus infection at the time we conceived- I had antibiotics, but maybe it didn't entirely clear it. We shall see- I'll let you know if they come up with any great ideas!

 

[Lynds77]

I have had this since about 6 weeks. It was really bad in 2nd Tri, and has eased off a little now. My Doc said only to use steam, with no oils or anything in it.

what I did find helpful was blowing my nose in the shower, and TMI coming up, it REALLY got rid of all the goo! was totally minging to do, I used to get big long strands of clear snot but my goodness i could breathe afterwards!! I would just use my hand, close one nostril and blow like buggery through the other one. Then repeat on the other side

be careful about bleeding though, I made mine bleed a few times.

 

[Sammyxo]

I've had this too it comes and goes but I feel like I've got a full on cold at times and wake up with a horribly dry throat and can't sleep. Just looks like it's something I'll have to deal with I guess!x

 

[PyscoFalcon]

Vics vapour rub!
I put some on my pillow at night and it really helps enougth to get you asleep.
Of course when you wake up you want to inhale the whole pot hehe.

Perfectly safe in pregnancy if you put it on pillow or a tissue etc

 

[Jem1]

Mine is driving me mad! I've got a blocked nose all the time and my OH said I'm snoring now and I don't snore! Poor man! I'm not sure what to do about it as you can't really take anything. Rubbish. Xxx

 

[Aimee lou]

I've had it really bad.....i suffer with hayfever and really bad sinuses .......I've been signed off work for two weeks because I've got a sinuses infection and upper respiratory tract infection and can't shake it off. My ears nose and throat have been terrible since being pregnant . I got a nasal spray from docs and use steam and vicks vapour rub and if pain is too much i have a paracetomal xxx my bags under my eyes are massive!!!!x

 

[jennilisanne]

Ok this is getting silly now, was just nearly sick at my desk cos my throat is so clogged up I refuse to believe there's nothing that can be done till February!

 

[Asd1]

I'm all blocked up too at work I have to walk up three flights of stairs several times a day and where I used to run up them im now stopping half way to catch my breath lol! Iv also started to snore now

 

[Nicnax]

Hubby was moaning about me snoring (as I never have before), & ws even making noises about sleeping in the spare room so he could 'get a decent nights' sleep'!!! The cheek! So I took ret pleasure in recording him snoring & playing it back to him the next day- he was very sheepish, as he insisted that he only snored when he had a drink! Haha!

I ahve a docs appoitnment on Tuesday, so will update here what he says.

 

[Nicnax]

Saw a veryunderstanding doc this morning, who has pescribed me a steroid nasal spray, which should reduce the nasal swelling, & allow easier breathing (fingers crossed!!). It's prescription only & is perfectly safe for the baby, so no worries about taking it. She said it was better to deal with it, as it is likely to get worse, & will not clear up until after the baby is born.

I will let you know how I get on!!

 

[Jem1]

Ohh you will have to let us know what it is called so I can ask my drs about it! Xxx