Blocked nose and really struggling

[Astronaut1298]

Hi everyone

I've had a blocked nose for the last 4 days now. Initially started off at night, now it's all day and night. I have used Otrivine for 3 days and can't continue to use it now due to the rebound congestion (feels like i've already got it now)

Ive tried Sterimar, NeilMed Nasal Rinse, Vicks Steam, Menthol Crystal Steam, Piriton

There's no mucous, so I guess it's just inflamed and I suppose Sterimar/Nasal Rinse wont help with inflammation

Is there anything else you can suggest that I can try? I know some people said they just used Otrivine throughout but I dont want to become reliant and end up having to use it several times a day and then not be able to give it up due to increased stuffiness

Nasal rinse and saline sprays are the only things to use really unfortunately especially as like you said it’s not blocked or anything it’s inflamed/swollen. I had this for so long on my third pregnancy you have my absolute sympathy.

Thank you Garman! I will stick to the saline sprays and rinse. Sorry you suffered with it too :(

Have you tried Breathe Right nasal strips? They've helped me sleep during pregnancy with my stuffy nose.

Thanks Ireneadler101, i've ordered the BreatheRight Strips from Amazon so will be getting those tomorrow 😀 hopefully will work for me too

https://www.harleystreetent.com/blog/can-breathing-exercises-help-with-nose-blocks
Have you tried thus breathing technique. It works for me when I have colds or blocked nose.

I get horrendous pregnancy rhinitis- it's the first pregnancy symptom I get and it stays until baby is born. My GP px beconase steroid nasal spray. It's safe to use in pregnancy and you can buy it otc. I have admit though I do tend to use a decongestant throughout pregnancy too. It's horrible.

I had this in my last pregnancy it lasted the whole pregnancy. The relief after giving birth was immense. I kept saying I can breathe I can breathe 😂 I’m currently pregnant and it’s happening again. I don’t take medication for it I just put up with it but solidarity OP!

I used Sudafed spray throughout both pregnancies, I couldn't stand not being able to breathe, particularly at night.

I used Piriton - it didn't totally solve the problem but it helped.

Oh no!! I can't even imagine going through this the whole pregnancy. I'm only 12 weeks so a long road lol! I bet the relief is amazing after

Out of curiosity was it hard to come off the nasal decongestants afterwards @lookslikeabombhitit and @slowrunner07 ?

I have been to the GP today who prescribed steroid nasal spray and said to use it for 2 weeks, pharmacist also said to use very sparingly so will try the Breathe Right first and the Sinus excercise suggested here before I use the spray

Steroid nasal sprays are safe to use in pregnancy (I'm a GP myself and also get terrible hay fever so I've experience on both sides) - they do need to be used consistently to work, and it can take a week or two for the full effect to kick in.

Keep steaming 3x a day. You need to do it for weeks not just a couple of times.

Thanks Appropriate Adult. I have been using it every night before bed, and carrying on with the saline spray / Vicks Steam and definitely alot better today than before :)

Thanks all