Sinusitis during pregnancy

Sinusitis in pregnancy – symptoms of inflammation

The immune system of pregnant women is physiologically weakened. For this reason, many expectant mothers complain of more frequent respiratory infections. One of these is sinusitis. This infection is very annoying and manifests itself through headaches, a blocked nose or, on the contrary, a watery discharge that can cause hoarseness or coughing. Many people also complain of a sore face and disturbances in the sense of taste and smell.

Sinusitis in pregnancy – how to treat it?

In most cases, sinusitis in pregnancy is caused by viruses such as rhinoviruses or influenza and paragrpaviruses. Bacterial infections, on the other hand, are the result of a superinfection of a previous infection. It is therefore very important to choose an appropriate treatment for the pathogen causing the symptoms. The use of antibiotics is rarely necessary. In the vast majority of cases, treatment is symptomatic. It consists of medicines to thin secretions, e.g. sea salt or expectorants, as well as painkillers and inhalation. Paracetamol is safe during pregnancy, but a specialist should always be consulted before resorting to any medication or food supplement.

Adequate humidity in the home, ventilating rooms and avoiding contact with sick people, especially children, play an important role in preventing sinusitis. In addition, natural remedies such as garlic and lemon can also help. In most cases of infection, adequate fluid intake in the expectant mother is taken care of.

Sinusitis in pregnancy – complications

If the symptoms of sinusitis persist in pregnancy despite symptomatic treatment or the fever exceeds 38 degrees, it may be that a bacterial superinfection is present. In such a case, antibiotic therapy – e.g. the administration of amoxicillin – is necessary. Complications of sinusitis, such as orbital inflammation, are extremely rare. In pregnancy, especially at the beginning of pregnancy, it is very important to avoid a high body temperature and, in the case of fever in the course of sinusitis, to reduce this with paracetamol.