Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis) in Pregnancy – Causes and Treatment

Hay fever in pregnancy is a common seasonal allergy that affects the sinuses during late spring and early summer months. Also known as allergic rhinitis, this condition is often overlooked as a trivial allergy; however, getting hay fever during pregnancy can become a serious problem. This is partly due to exacerbated symptoms and partly because many women are unsure which medications are safe to take while pregnant. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and available options for Allergic Rhinitis in pregnancy treatment is important to help manage discomfort safely and effectively. This article will help you understand all about hay fever and pregnancy, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

What Is Hay Fever?

Hay fever is an allergic condition known as rhinitis; it leads to inflammation in the inner lining of the nasal cavity. Hay fever affects about five to ten percent of Indians every year. It is common enough that many people ignore it entirely when they are affected (1).

Causes of Hay Fever While Pregnant

Hay fever is often caused by exposure to various allergens, such as dust, pollen, fur, and so on. These substances overstimulate the immune system, causing a reaction. This is because the immune system is unable to differentiate between the allergens and actually harmful substances, treating the former as dangerous to the body (2).

Symptoms of Hay Fever in Pregnancy

The symptoms of hay fever depend on the substance the person is allergic too. However, the common symptoms of hay fever are mentioned below (3):

• Flu-like signs such as a runny nose, blocked sinuses, watery eyes, coughing, and sneezing.
• Itching in the throat, ear, mouth, and nose.
• If the condition is severe, you may experience headaches, earaches, and may even suffer from the loss of smell and taste.

Are These Symptoms Any Different in Pregnancy?

The symptoms of hay fever are more extreme during pregnancy as a pregnant woman undergoes a constant hormonal flux. As pregnancy has an effect on the immune system, it is not clear if hay fever symptoms only feel worse or are actually worse during the pregnancy.

Does Hay Fever Have Any Negative Impact on the Foetus?

There is no connection proof suggesting that acquiring hay fever during pregnancy can affect the health and development of the baby (4). However, the symptoms of hay fever, if severe, can affect the pregnancy or the foetus. For instance, excessive sneezing can cause abdominal pain due to the pressure exerted on the belly. Further, the likelihood of nosebleeds increases during pregnancy, which can be worsened by hay fever. This can be problematic as excessive loss of blood can lead to pregnancy anaemia (5).

How Is Hay Fever Treated During Pregnancy?

Treating hay fever when pregnant is not easy because of the fluctuating hormones. And you should never self-medicate during pregnancy. Here are some tips on how to stop hay fever in pregnancy:

• Avoid triggers as much as possible by staying indoors during high-pollen days, keeping windows closed, and using air filters.
• Saline nasal sprays or rinses are often recommended because they help clear allergens without medication (2).
• Some antihistamines, such as Loratadine and Cetirizine, are considered safe during pregnancy under a doctor’s guidance (6).
• Certain corticosteroid nasal sprays like Budesonide are commonly used when symptoms are more severe and a healthcare provider approves them (7).
• Lubricating or allergy-relief eye drops may help relieve itchy, watery eyes, but pregnant individuals should check with their doctor before using medicated eye drops.
• Staying hydrated and using a humidifier can help soothe irritated nasal passages and reduce congestion.

Hay Fever Remedies for Pregnant Woman

There are a few natural remedies for hay fever during pregnancy that you can try on your own:

1. Consume Vitamin A and Probiotics

There is a strong connection between healthy intestinal microflora and the immune system. Basically, the bacteria in our gut are believed to influence symptoms of allergic reactions. Foods like curd and yoghurt are rich in these bacteria (8). Further, eating foods rich in Vitamin A, like carrots, can help strengthen the inner mucous membranes.

2. Reduce Stress Levels

Even if stress does not directly result in hay fever, it is believed to raise the levels of histamines in the blood, worsening the symptoms. So, it is important that you take enough rest during pregnancy and avoid stress at all costs.

3. Avoid Allergen Triggers

As most allergens are present outside the house, it is safe to remain indoors as much as possible during mornings and evenings when pollen levels are at their maximum (9). A humidifier at home which can weigh allergen particles down with water vapour, causing them to fall to the ground is also great.

4. Keep Clean

Remember to clean the dust and pollen off your clothes when you return home from outside. Further, regularly wash and dry your bedsheets and pillowcases for the same reason (10).

5. Apply Cold Compresses for Irritated Eyes

A clean, cool compress placed over the eyes may help soothe itching, redness, and watering caused by hay fever.

6. Try Steam Inhalation

Inhaling steam from a bowl of warm water may help soothe irritated nasal passages and ease blocked sinuses naturally.

How Long Does a Hay Fever Last in Pregnant Women?

Hay fever tends to last around a week to ten days in pregnant women. As you cannot indiscriminately take medications at this time, you might have to endure some discomfort.

When to Call a Doctor?

Pregnancy combined with hay fever can be quite exhausting for your body. While some women feel that their symptoms are mild, others may experience severe symptoms of hay fever during pregnancy. However, chronic stress can result in a separate condition known as vasomotor rhinitis. This condition has the same symptoms as hay fever but is caused by an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system rather than an allergic reaction. If you cannot differentiate between vasomotor rhinitis and hay fever symptoms, please consult your doctor immediately.

FAQs

1. Is hay fever more severe during early pregnancy?

For some women, hay fever symptoms may feel more intense during early pregnancy because hormonal changes can increase nasal sensitivity and congestion. However, the severity can vary from person to person.

2. Are allergies common in pregnancy?

Yes, allergies can be quite common during early pregnancy. Many women experience symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, or nasal congestion due to changes in the immune system and increased sensitivity to allergens.

Hay fever during pregnancy can be quite taxing, but the right treatment at the right time can provide some relief. It is recommended that you do not self-prescribe medicines. Taking preventive measures is the best and if the symptoms tend to get severe, you can always consult a doctor. Also, remember that this allergy is temporary and will pass soon enough. So take precautions and stay safe.

Also Read: 

Typhoid in Pregnancy
Hot Flashes during Pregnancy
Bronchitis in Pregnancy
Torch Infection while Pregnant
Chikungunya Infection in Pregnancy

Sources References

1. Cleveland Clinic – Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

2. RWJBarnabas Health – Hay Fever: What You Need to Know This Allergy Season

3. NHS – Hay fever

4. PubMed -The Influence of Asthma and/or Hay Fever on Pregnancy: Data from the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth

5. Cleveland Clinic – Anemia During Pregnancy

6. PubMed Central – A review of antihistamines used during pregnancy

7. Harvard Health Publishing – Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

8. Cleveland Clinic – Probiotics

9. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology – Hay Fever / Rhinitis

10. NHS – Hay fever