Having a sinus infection is no fun at the best of times. Your head is stuffy, your sinuses burn, your nose is runny, your ears are stopped up, and you have a gazillion different aches and pains. It's a terrible way to feel, and generally a dose or two of some antibiotics will clear it up in a week or so. However, when a person is pregnant, there are many medications that are off the table. So, what should you do when you get a sinus infection while pregnant?
Of course, before you embark on any sort of treatment for any ailment while in this delicate condition, you should consult your doctor. That is the only way to make sure that both mom and baby are safe. However, there are ways to find relief from a sinus infection while pregnant, and we will outline those for you here.
Make Sure To Stay Hydrated
One of the most important things to do when you have a sinus infection while pregnant is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, juice, and, of course, hot broth. The steam from hot liquids should also have a soothing effect on your sore throat. It might even help alleviate the pressure around your sinuses, as well as help with your stuffy nose.
Another important thing is food. When we feel sick, we might not want to eat. However, if you have a sinus infection while pregnant, food is of the utmost importance. You have to make sure to eat well. If you cannot handle a large meal, perhaps try to have some small, healthy snacks on hand. Forego the chips and dip, and instead have some fruit or almonds. Also, a few small, simple meals might prove to be less of a challenge.
Natural Remedies To Alleviate Symptoms of a Sinus Infection While Pregnant
Natural remedies are always a good idea before we go running to the nearest pharmacy when we aren't feeling well. This is especially true for pregnant women. After all, the fewer artificial toxins put into your body, the better it will be for you and your baby. So, here are a few ideas to help you feel better if you happen to have the misfortune of getting a sinus infection while pregnant.
- Take a hot shower or bath and breathe in the steam. This will help open up your nasal passages. Not too hot, though - just enough so that it creates steam for you to breathe in. You can also put a towel on your head, and breathe in the steam from a pot of boiling water for a similar, passage clearing effect.
- Another great, natural idea is to keep a humidifier around. This is especially good to use at night for better, more restful sleep.The moisture in the air will help clear the stuffiness, and you will be able to breathe through your nose better. You also might want to prop yourself up a bit while sleeping, so that you are not lying down flat. That can also aide in breathing at night.
- Gargle with salt water to soothe a sore throat. This is a long- trusted remedy for throat pain, and will provide almost immediate relief.
- Get lots of rest. I know that this might seem like common sense, but as women, we often tend to neglect ourselves when caring for others. Getting sleep and rest is an immensely important part of healing.
If The Condition Persists or Worsens, See Your Doctor
We all hate the idea of seeming paranoid or overreacting when it comes to medical treatment. However, if you develop a sinus infection while pregnant, your body is a uniquely delicate situation and position. You don't want to take any chances. Your first line of defense in this situation is prompt medical care. Your doctor can tell you if there is anything to worry about. It is essential that you seek medical treatment right away if you suffer the following symptoms, though:
- Persistent high fever. Anything that hits 101 or above could be very dangerous.
- Vomiting or diarrhea. These are especially worrying, since they can be major culprits of dehydration.
- Inability to hold food down, or inability to sleep. Since food, sleep, and hydration are essential to your health and your baby's health, losing too much of any of those things is bad news.
- If the condition does not begin to clear up within a week, or it worsens, definitely seek the attention of your healthcare provider.
The Bottom Line On Getting A Sinus Infection While Pregnant
Getting a sinus infection always stinks. It especially stinks to get a sinus infection while pregnant. However, if you play your cards right, you might find that you do not have to go reaching for so much as a single bottle of medication. In fact, you might have everything you need right at home - in the form of good, old fashioned natural remedies. There are so many medicines that you have to avoid during pregnancy, that it is best to try not to take them unless absolutely necessary.
However, as always, your doctor knows best. If you are sick at all during pregnancy, you should likely seek the advice of medical professionals at some point, just to be on the safe side. Hopefully, you never get a sinus infection while pregnant, but if you do, these tips should make the recovery just a little bit easier.
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