Nasal Congestion...CAN'T BREATHE and SOO frustrated!

Shannon227

Hi Ladies!

 

  I am currently 28weeks and have been having the WORST nasal congestion on the planet (or at least I'm convinced it is lol).  Has anyone else been experiencing this and what have you found for relief?

   From everything I've read it sounds like this could be a common symptom of pregnancy due to the increase in blood flow and hormones swelling the nasal membranes, but after having dealt with this for about 3-4 weeks non-stop now I'm at my witts end!

  I have tried breathing over steaming water, Vicks, a humidifier, Nasal Washes (ie: Neti Pot), my Doc recommended Zyrtec or Sudafed (neither of which worked), Breathe Right Strips, and saline nasal sprays (which provides relief for about 2 minutes and then its back to blockage city).  Tonight I'm so desperate that I'm actually trying the old wives tale of putting a cut onion in your room to help catch bacteria (I told you I was desperate LOL).

  Please, please tell me one of you guys figured out some awesome, unconventional way to deal with this nuisance!  Should I stop blowing my nose and just let it be/sit?  Should I consult with an ENT?

  This is extra frustrating for me because I'm a singer and music teacher and it's really hard to teach the kiddos or perform when I can't breath through my nose (and breathing is already difficult because of the pressure baby girl is putting on my diaphragm) or my throat is sore from breathing through my mouth 24/7. 

  Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!!!

  Thanks Mommas!

  

jvaeth2012

Sorry wish I had an answer but I'm right there with you. Last week it was so bad that I called the dr and asked if I could use phenylephrine. It's another nasal decongestant but wasn't listed on my cheat sheet they gave me. Sudafed if a no go for me because I have a bad reaction with it. They told me it was a cat c drug and ok for short term use and if it was that bad it was considered safe. I took it that day only and it seemed to help a tad bit. Otherwise I just use alot of paper towels to blow my nose because Kleenex just doesnt hold up to what's coming out. My morning shower is my favorite time of day because the steam also helps.

ninambutler

I have had this problem since the beginning of second trimester. Honestly, I haven't found any real solutions. I use a vaporizer at night and blow my nose in a steamy bathroom after a shower. Nothing really helps much though. Just one of those things we have to deal with!

bfrisella12

Totally and completely understand what you are going through.  I am also 28 weeks and had very bad congestion just after Christmas through New Years.  It is just now that it's starting to resolve itself.  I read the same thing about congestion and pregnancy, and I do know women who have had congestion throughout most of their pregnancy.  It will go away after you give birth, but I know that doesn't help you now.

 I'm a massage therapist, and my best suggestion that you may not have tried yet would be to receive massage for nasal congestion - perhaps that can offer you some relief.  Just make sure you OB clears you for massage, not all pregnant women are candidates for massage.  And you can ask a massage therapist to spend the whole time on your face and forehead if you'd like.  

 Not sure where you live, but I found the best relieve breathing in cold air, with winter here now in New York - I got all the cold air I could use.   

 I hope you find relief very fast!  It most definitely is annoying and frustrating..... 

Abeja1226

I just breathe through my mouth now, and have a sore throat because of it. Lose lose! I had DH turn our humidifier up in our house and that helped!

lenya_35

Ugh I'm right there with you.  I've been battling a terrible cold for over a week now and I can't get any decent sleep at night 'cause I'm so congested.  The only thing that I've found helps just a little is Benadryl right before bed.  It doesn't work great, but it helps clear me out a little.

Amandastrea

O yeah I hear ya! Congestion accompanied with bloody mucus and lots of sneezing. I'm 30 wks and have been suffering since week 8! Benadryl helps a little and was recommended by my OB but other than that I've kinda gotten used to it

Shannon227

I'm relieved to hear that I'm not the only one experiencing this!  When you all say that you had congestion how bad was it?  Mine is to the point where I literally can't even breathe in or out the TINIEST amount of air!  Was/Is yours this bad too?  I'm considering making an appointment with an Ears, Nose, & Throat specialist if I still can't even slightly breathe by Wednesday evening.

evasitoe

hang in there u not alone! i have been blowing my nose so hard that its bleeding now! i am breathing with the mouth and cannot even enjoy eating anymore....