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September 2015 Moms
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Can't breathe through nose?

MoprathetMoprathet member
in September 2015 Moms
So, I'm completely unable to breathe through my nose--which means I can't sleep, either. I had heard this was a common pregnancy symptom--but I had underestimated how unpleasant it could be. I'm not normally an allergy sufferer.

I've tried saline spray and Benadryl, and even broke down and took a nasal decongestant....but nothing is helping. Desperate for sleep--anyone have experience dealing with this?
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Re: Can't breathe through nose?

  • AmandaNacoraAmandaNacora member
    Have you tried nasal strips? When I'm sick and my nose is stuffed I put Vicks on my chest and use a nasal strip, or put Vicks under my nose. I know a lot of women use neti pots to clear their noses and they say it works but I haven't tried one yet.
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  • MoprathetMoprathet member
    Thanks for the ideas. Good call on the nasal strips--certainly couldn't hurt. And Vick's is always soothing.

    I've never used a Neti pot either. I've heard they work--but I wonder if can you even use them if your nose is completely blocked?

    I'll make a trip to the drugstore when the sun comes up--willing to try anything!
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  • rconrad6714rconrad6714 member
    I would try the Vicks for sure, but make sure to wash it off before you go outside. My mom always told me that if I didn't wash it off that I could get pneumonia. Have you tried sleeping with an extra pillow to keep you elevated a little? That may help some. I have a constant stuffed nose and am blowing it all the time. I haven't had it mess with my sleep yet, but I hope it gets better for you!
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  • JenLovesDesignJenLovesDesign member
    I don't use nasal strips (which I probably should), but when I'm laying down on my side, I put my arm over my face and pull my nasal passages open with the pressure of my arm. This breathing stuff might be my most favorite oregnancy symptom too.
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  • nbuzardnbuzard member
    I completely feel you!! I was there a couple weeks ago, could not breathe or sleep for a solid week straight. About lost my mind. I tried humidifier, Vicks, nasal strips, essential oils, elevated pillows, neti pot (doesn't help when you are completely clogged and nothing can get through), steam...nothing "natural" worked so I broke down and tried the OTC "safe" meds for 2nd tri on my dr's list: sudafed, Tylenol sinus, plain Mucinex, Benadryl....sudafed helped the most of those but it kept me awake and I also ended up sick to my stomach from it. Finally got desperate and went to my OB. She gave me antibiotics and a cough syrup with codeine...finally could sleep, it was glorious. Congestion is all gone now. I hope you find some relief soon, I know how maddening it can be. Prayers for you!!
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  • schwens3schwens3 member
    Sudafed! Although when really clogged up it doesn't always work.
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  • mybabynumber2mybabynumber2 member
    I've had this for weeks now, it's not always when my nose is blocked either? My nose doesn't seem to be able to give me enough oxygen, so I find myself breathing through my mouth, especially at night.

    Pain in the arse though, as I wake up feeling like I've been sucking on Ghandi's flip flop all night!
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  • TechieGirl1TechieGirl1 member
    If you are that congested I did this (while sick a super yucky sinus infection, no breathing with that let me tell you!):

    1- take Sudafed, wait 20 minutes

    2- get a netti pot ready, and turn on shower. Then pit netti pot in shower while a little steam builds.

    3- get in shower, use netti pot (sorry, it will be kind of gross). Make sure to stay in shower for at least about 20 mins.

    4- if you still are slightly stuffy after (I got this oked by my ob) use half a squirt of afrin in each nostril.

    It at least lasted me though the night. Also sleep with 2 pillows under your head or on a recliner.

    Good luck! Hope you have a good night sleep! =)

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  • eyewallseyewalls member
    Mentholated rub - yes!!! I can make out with hubby if I use it! Lol!!! Otherwise smooching is a little challenging!
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  • Willow1400Willow1400 member
    I had to start on the nasal strips before I even knew I was pregnant and they have helped me sleep so much better.
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  • krmicmackrmicmac member

    Sweetie, I can so relate but for different reasons.

    I have had terrible sinus issues my entire life, which only got worse with this pregnancy. Back in early March I probably got my millionth sinus infection which closed me up completely. I took old fashioned single ingredient Mucinex to loosen the phlegm (Sudafed made the situation worse), all my usual allergy meds, and then did a variety of things to help with drainage..... turning my shower into a sauna, using a humidifier at night, nasal irrigation (such as a neti pot), and most of all......sleeping elevated, because otherwise that stuff drains into unwanted parts of the throat. When I went to the doctor I was prescribed a round of antibiotics, which helped some.

    Ultimately, my sinus issues were the result of another cause: nasal polyps, which were just removed surgically less than a month ago. I've lived the sinus infection carousel most of my life because of them, but being pregnant makes our sinuses all the worse.

    Also.....WATER! Drink more water than you think you need while healing. It will help thin the nasty mucous crap. 

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