How to manage allergic rhinitis in a woman planning to conceive?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 29-year-old woman who frequently experiences sneezing, itchy eyes, and a stuffy nose, especially in spring and fall. I was diagnosed with allergic rhinitis. I have tried antihistamines, but they make me sleepy. Nasal sprays help a bit, but I am concerned about long-term use. I also suffer from sinus headaches and poor sleep. Could allergies be linked to hormonal changes or diet? I am also curious if there are safe options for women who may want to get pregnant soon. Could allergy shots help? Please explain what truly works and what is safe long-term for women.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

Yes, allergy shot immunotherapy can generally be continued safely during pregnancy, especially if it was already being administered before pregnancy and the dose is maintained. While it is not recommended to start allergy shots during pregnancy, they can help manage existing allergies and asthma symptoms in pregnant women.

Yes, there is a relationship between allergies, hormonal changes, and diet. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can influence the severity and type of allergic reactions, while diet can affect hormone levels and inflammation, which can impact allergies.

For pregnant women, generally, newer antihistamines and corticosteroid nasal sprays work best for long-term use:

Newer antihistamines such as Loratadine and Cetirizine are generally considered safe.
Intranasal corticosteroids such as Beclomethasone or Budesonide are safe options for managing nasal congestion.
Intranasal cromolyn sodium can be used to prevent and relieve nasal allergy symptoms.
If immunotherapy is started before pregnancy, allergy shots can be continued during pregnancy with careful monitoring by your healthcare provider.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.