Pregnancy induced rhinitis

Abstract

Objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the occurrence of nasal congestion during pregnancy. Nasal congestion during pregnancy in 54 patients was evaluated at 12, 20, 28 & 36 weeks and was correlated to age, parity & body mass index. Results were recorded on the basis of subjective experience of patients. The prevalence of nasal congestion increased during pregnancy and occurred in 16% of women at 12 weeks of gestation, in 25% at 20 weeks, in 29% at 28 weeks & in 30% at 36 weeks. It was more common in multiparous women. Age & body mass index were not associated with nasal stuffiness. More than half of the patients reported nasal congestion for more than two weeks during pregnancy. Nasal congestion should be recognized and referred for treatment to improve the quality of pregnancy.