Runny Nose During Pregnancy [verified] Jun 2026

While pregnancy rhinitis can be uncomfortable, there are several ways to find relief:

The primary driver behind a constant runny or stuffy nose is the significant hormonal shift your body undergoes. Pregnancy Rhinitis: Causes, Congestion & Treatment Options runny nose during pregnancy

Distinguishing rhinitis of pregnancy from other causes of a runny nose is a critical clinical task. The pregnant patient is not immune to the common viral infections that circulate in the community. However, several key features help differentiate the two. Unlike the common cold, which typically lasts seven to ten days and is often accompanied by sore throat, cough, low-grade fever, and systemic fatigue, rhinitis of pregnancy is chronic, lasting weeks or months. The nasal discharge is typically clear and watery, whereas a cold often progresses to thick, yellow or green mucus. Furthermore, the condition is bilateral and non-seasonal, unlike allergic rhinitis, which is triggered by specific allergens like pollen or dust and often accompanied by itchy eyes and sneezing paroxysms. A careful history—noting the timing of symptom onset relative to the pregnancy, the absence of infectious signs, and the lack of response to typical antihistamines—usually provides the diagnosis. While pregnancy rhinitis can be uncomfortable, there are

There are several reasons why pregnancy rhinitis occurs: However, several key features help differentiate the two

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