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.

[Your Name/Assistant] References: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. runny nose during pregnancy

Medications should be used only under the guidance of an obstetrician. Distinguishing rhinitis of pregnancy from other causes of