Sinusitis

If during pregnancy a woman experiences sinus pressure, stuffy nose, and a sore throat, then she is probably experiencing sinusitis. Sinusitis is an infection in the lining of one of the four nasal cavities causing inflammation as well as a nasal obstruction inhibiting proper drainage of mucus. Symptoms may also include painful pressure around one’s cheeks and eyes. These infections are commonly caused by a bacteria, virus or fungus and the cold air may trigger these infections too. Sinus infections during pregnancy should not be treated by quick relief medications or over the counter medications without doctor approval.

Tylenol, acetaminophen, is safe during pregnancy as can cefprozil and amoxicillin-clavulanate to relieve pain and/or headache symptoms or the organisms. In limited amounts, decongestants, antihistamines, expectorants, cough suppressants may be safe in pregnancy. Nonetheless, many over-the counter medications should be avoided. Safe home remedies to improve symptoms and help recovery from a sinus infection are:

• Drink plenty of fluid

  • Water

  • Broth

  • Citrus juice

• Saline nasal irrigation or saline nasal drops

  • Combine a cup of water with a fractional amount of salt with a tiny pinch of baking soda

• Humidifier use at night

  • Alternatively:

    • Lean over a pan of boiling water taken off the stove

    • Place a towel over one’s head

    • Breathe in steam

    • Open nasal passages

    • Loosens mucus in the chest

  • Elevate head with tissues while lying down

  • Gargle salt water, drink warm liquid, suck on ice

    • For sore throat

  • Eat well

  • Headaches

    • Hot or cold packs on shoulders

    • Hot or cold pack on neck

    • Cold pack on forehead

    • Massages

    • Warm bath.

Pregnant women residing in Denver should visit the Denver Holistic Center for more information about sinusitis or other pregnancy related matters. Moreover, pregnant women should visit their doctor when:

• Coughing up green or yellow mucus

• Fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit

• Inability to eat

• Inability to sleep.

Some women have allergies, hay fever, nasal polyps, tumors, a deviated nasal septum, tooth infection, cystic fibrosis, gatroesophageal reflux disease or other autoimmune system disorders which may be the underlying cause of sinusitis as well. Physicians will rule out any fundamental disease which may not have been previously diagnosed as another cause of the sinusitis other than pregnancy itself.