nasal decongestant spray

Is it safe to use nasal decongestant spray while pregnant?

General Health

Having a cold can be very bothersome. Using a nasal decongestant spray can help relieve a stuffy nose. If you are pregnant, you have to be more cautious about your intake of medicines. Read more if you plan on using nasal drops during pregnancy

 

What is a nasal spray?

Nasal spray is a treatment method for stuffy noses. Whether your nose is blocked up by an allergy or because you have a cold, a nasal spray should probably do the trick and you would have relief from the stuffy nose.

 

If an antihistamine does not work to cure your stuffy nose, a decongestant spray might help. It works by shrinking swollen blood vessels and tissues to relieve the congestion. Many of these decongestant sprays are available at any pharmacy or drugstore and can be bought without a prescription. 

 

Is it safe to use during pregnancy?

nasal decongestant sprayMost of these nasal sprays would be safe to use during pregnancy but there would be some that may be harmful. Most nasal sprays, even the ones that have steroid content would be safe for use while pregnant. A study was conducted to prove that there was no adverse effect of these nasal sprays, and it was successfully proven that the sprays did not cause any miscarriages or abnormalities or birth defects with the fetus.

 

Budesonide has been the most tested nasal spray and has been the most recommended first line of defense for pregnant people who would opt to take a nasal spray. Mometasone and fluticasone propionate have also been deemed safe for use by pregnant women without any unwanted side effects. 

 

Are there any harmful nasal decongestants?

While most would be safe, there is just one spray that you have to be wary of. Triamcinolone is the only spray of potential concern. It is also available over-the-counter. This spray has been associated with a slightly increased risk of abnormalities of the respiratory system. This is just a slight risk, and it has not been seen in all the women who have taken a triamcinolone spray, but then just to be on the safe side, do not take any medicines without the advice of a doctor.

 

Alternatives

If you are hesitant to take a nasal decongestant spray, there are other alternatives you can use instead. You can take use water therapy to alleviate your symptoms. Drinking a lot of water would help you stay hydrated and would improve your overall health. Herbal therapies might also be a good solution, boiling oregano leaves and inhaling the steam would help relieve your stuffy nose.

 

Conclusion

Since your body is bringing forth new life, you have to be more careful about what you put into your body while you are pregnant. Consult your doctor anytime you would feel the need to take any medications, have any dietary changes or if you want to take any food supplements. Your doctor is still the best person to advise you on what to take when you are feeling under the weather.

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