Congested. Can't breathe

BrandalynE

anyone else have nasal and throat congestion? At first I thought it was just the extra mucus our bodies are producing but now I'm starting to worry if I have a sinus infection or its allergies. I've never had issues with allergies before so that would be a first! I cannot breathe out of my nose and have to sleep sitting up. It's awful!

dramaphile

Mine is really bad, post/nasal drip has me coughing. Probably related to my seasonal allergies, the season is horrible here in PA. My midwife has me taking nasalcrom nasal spray, which helps dry it out. That, and a humidifier in the bedroom.

babypeach15

I was told by my OB that I can take Claritin or Zyrtec, it helped but did give me a mild tummy ache. I am fine though. 

VexyMommy

You could try saline sprays, neti pots, steamy showers or baths (be careful about the bath temp.)  Certain oils and scents are helpful too such as Eucalyptis or mint to help clear your sinuses. 

lbrooke27

Yes. At night I get stuffy and have a little trouble breathing. Not super concerned but a for sure noticeable new set of symptoms. 14 weeks.

alishanbragg

Sneezing. Coughing. Extra mucus in throat...difficulty swallowing/ clearing. Sounds like I'm not alone (10 weeks).

VexyMommy

And for those of you who have to sleep sitting up (either for congestion or heartburn) those "boyfriend pillows" with the little arms on the sides are awesome to stick in a corner with pillows on either side to make almost a fort with to make sleep more comfortable.  If you don't have a recliner. 

cherthompson

This is me every day for the last two weeks. I've haven't had any relief. I literally feel like the baby is sucking the life out of me.
My dh woke me in the middle of the night to tell me to blow my nose because I was snoring so loud. I feel bad for the guy.

Elyse1384

Bumping this thread to see if anyone who was/is sick found an approach that worked for clearing the congestion.  I'm in complete hell with a lovely summer virus DS shared with Mommy.  Saw my PCP today and he said (thankfully) I'm not at the point of needing antibiotics, but he sent me home with instructions for what to watch out for.  He can definitely see that everything is quite irritated and backed up.  My nose is blocked up, my sinuses are screaming for relief (headache, sinus pressure, pain in the jaw) and I have that annoying water in the ear sensation 24/7.  I feel claustrophobic in my own head!  I haven't been able to get a solid night's sleep in almost a week even when propped up.  I've tried tea, hot showers (for the steam), tons of fluids, sudafed and soup.  NOTHING is getting me relief.  Anyone find a remedy that worked?  

RNmommy13

Don't be shocked if it is allergies, after my son I am now allergic to cats and have a milk intolerance

makeoutside7

Hi,

I have been sick with the exact symptoms for over 2 weeks now. I saw my OB last Tuesday and was put on amoxicillin twice a day for 14 days. It's been a week and I am finally beginning to be able to breathe. I was given a list of "okay" medicines to take. I have been taking robuttissen for my hacking cough along with Luden's cough drops. Saline spray was not effective for me and my doctor said I can use Afrin, and it is the ONLY way I have been able to sleep! I woke up in a panic on Sunday morning at 5am cuz I couldn't breathe and drove straight to the 24/7 Walgreens for Afrin. She also said I can take sudafed, mucinex, and Tylenol. It has been awful and I feel like I'm constantly taking meds, but only as needed. I won't take sudafed unless I am absolutely miserable. Can't wait to feel like myself again, get better soon. Drink fluids and get some rest and antibiotics. It really broke down my cold and as nasty as it sounds, expelled it from my body. Coughing it all up was disgusting to see all the phlem and infection that was in my chest. Glad it's all coming out and not staying in. Good luck.

ColoradoHiker

I have allergies all year round and normally I take Allegra d for the congestion. Which unfortunately, we can't take while pregnant. I'm using regular claritin right now, and when my nose is really bad I use Afrin severe congestion nose spray. If I can't breathe at night, I can't sleep!

VexedMommy

makeoutside7 said:

Hi, I have been sick with the exact symptoms for over 2 weeks now. I saw my OB last Tuesday and was put on amoxicillin twice a day for 14 days. It's been a week and I am finally beginning to be able to breathe. I was given a list of "okay" medicines to take. I have been taking robuttissen for my hacking cough along with Luden's cough drops. Saline spray was not effective for me and my doctor said I can use Afrin, and it is the ONLY way I have been able to sleep! I woke up in a panic on Sunday morning at 5am cuz I couldn't breathe and drove straight to the 24/7 Walgreens for Afrin. She also said I can take sudafed, mucinex, and Tylenol. It has been awful and I feel like I'm constantly taking meds, but only as needed. I won't take sudafed unless I am absolutely miserable. Can't wait to feel like myself again, get better soon. Drink fluids and get some rest and antibiotics. It really broke down my cold and as nasty as it sounds, expelled it from my body. Coughing it all up was disgusting to see all the phlem and infection that was in my chest. Glad it's all coming out and not staying in. Good luck.

Have you talked to your Dr. about Vicks VaporRub?  It always helps me and my children.  They even have a baby safe version that doesn't smell quite as bad.  I rub some on my chest, around my nostrils and just under my nose.  It helps loosen the congestion in my head and chest.  You just end up smelling quite strongly for a few hours/days. 

You can also ask your SO or friend to give you a head/facial massage. 

Yoganinja

I have this and had it with my first pregnancy too. It's awful when you are trying to eat or sleep!!! The breathe right strips saved my life!!

makeoutside7

@VexedMommy, yes she did! I will have to try that next time. Along with the breathe right stripes. I am still feeling so awful and am taking a half day from work today. Thanks for the suggestions!

Ceridwen77

makeoutside7 said:

Hi,

I have been sick with the exact symptoms for over 2 weeks now. I saw my OB last Tuesday and was put on amoxicillin twice a day for 14 days. It's been a week and I am finally beginning to be able to breathe. I was given a list of "okay" medicines to take. I have been taking robuttissen for my hacking cough along with Luden's cough drops. Saline spray was not effective for me and my doctor said I can use Afrin, and it is the ONLY way I have been able to sleep! I woke up in a panic on Sunday morning at 5am cuz I couldn't breathe and drove straight to the 24/7 Walgreens for Afrin. She also said I can take sudafed, mucinex, and Tylenol. It has been awful and I feel like I'm constantly taking meds, but only as needed. I won't take sudafed unless I am absolutely miserable. Can't wait to feel like myself again, get better soon. Drink fluids and get some rest and antibiotics. It really broke down my cold and as nasty as it sounds, expelled it from my body. Coughing it all up was disgusting to see all the phlem and infection that was in my chest. Glad it's all coming out and not staying in. Good luck.

I was sick earlier in my pregnancy. Drink a lot of fluids (decaf tea was my go-to) because that will help thin out the mucus. Also avoid dairy products as that can thicken mucus. I also breathed steam and put hot washcloth compresses over my sinus area. Definitely helped but really you just need to rest and take the time to heal. Hope you feel better soon.

DAnglen

I can't stop the cough. I've been waking up in the middle of the night hacking up my lungs. Inevitably, I pee on myself. Um, yay. Coughing spells at work are fun too. Ugh!

I can't find a suitable cough suppressant. I can deal with it while I'm awake, but waking up multiple times in the middle of the night is going to be the death of me.

makeoutside7

@DAnglen, me too! lol. Robuttissen helps but it's short term. The mucus needs to come out for us to feel better! It's just gross when you're at work and in trainings all day and your entire department has to witness you being super pregnant and sick. My boss told me to go home today. Feel better soon! Thank you so much, @Ceridwen77! I have been downing water like crazy, I guess being up every hour peeing still beats being sick...