Is oxymetazoline safer during pregnancy? This is a common question that many people have. Are you pregnant? Nausea, morning sickness, backache, and stretch marks, are some of the common pregnancy symptoms. But, there are also a few lesser-known symptoms that pregnant women often experience. One of these symptoms is allergic rhinitis, also known as ‘hay fever.
Pregnancy rhinitis includes nasal congestion, sneezing, and an itchy or running nose. Around 18 to 24 percent of pregnant women will experience allergic rhinitis during their pregnancy. This condition can occur any time during pregnancy, but it mainly affects the first trimester.
If these allergies become worrisome, you obviously opt for over-the-counter medicine for relief. And nasal sprays are purchased to treat this condition. In most nasal sprays, the active ingredient, oxymetazoline, is used. This ingredient is a nasal decongestant that helps in providing instant, short-term relief of nasal congestion.
Learn more about pregnancy warning signs that are linked with oxymetazoline.
Is Oxymetazoline During Pregnancy Safe Or Not?
Oxymetazoline is used to relieve inflammation in the eyes, skin and nasal congestion. It shrinks the blood vessel and eases breathing. Oxymetazoline is found in most over-the-counter medicines.
Doctors usually won’t prescribe oxymetazoline for pregnant women. They consider this medicine as a second option to treat pregnancy rhinitis. If the first option doesn’t work to treat this medical condition, they will be prescribed because it has side effects that can lead to additional health issues.
However, it’s essential to talk with your doctor about your health condition and get medication. And, don’t take oxymetazoline unless your doctor prescribes you.
Oxymetazoline During Pregnancy Warnings
Remember, it is better not to use oxymetazoline medicine for more than three days. Long-term use of this medication may make your conditions worse. Try to use the decongestants only during nighttime, when it’s hard to sleep.
The common side effects of oxymetazoline include:
- Sneezing
- Nervousness
- Headache
- Nause
- Increased Nasal Discharge
- Stinging In Your Nose
- Trouble Sleeping
Call your doctor for assistance if the nasal congestion won’t go away and become more trouble.
Home Remedies To Treat Pregnancy Rhinitis
During pregnancy, the immune system weakens, resulting in a runny nose, sneezing, and an itchy throat. Rather than reaching for over-the-counter medicines, try some simple do-it-yourself treatments, which are safe and work effectively.
No. 1: Drink More Water
Try to take plenty of fluids. It keeps you hydrated and helps in breaking up the congestion.
No. 2: Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antiviral and antibacterial properties. The lauric acid in coconut oil relieves you from congestion. It is safe to use both externally and internally.
You may add a tablespoon of edible coconut oil to a hot tea and drink it. Also, you can apply warm coconut oil on your nose and inside the nostril to get relief from the cold.
No. 3: Garlic
Garlic helps in getting rid of colds during pregnancy. You can consume a raw clove of garlic or include it in your meal because it has developed antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. The allicin in garlic works effectively in relieving the common cold.
No. 4: Chicken Soup
The anti-inflammatory properties in chicken soup are abundant. Take a hot bowl of chicken soup, as it eases your cold symptoms.
No. 5: Honey & Lemon
Honey and lemon are old remedies that work great in getting rid of cold and flu during pregnancy. Take a glass of warm honey lemon water three times daily. The vitamin C in lemon and antibacterial properties in honey will relieve your cold and sore throat.
Conclusion on Oxymetazoline During Pregnancy
If you have any questions or concerns regarding oxymetazoline, consult your doctor. Don’t take self-medication without doctors’ consultation, as it affects you and your baby.
Try home remedies to get relief from the common cold and flu. Indeed, they cure your cold and make you feel better.
