A woman is at her most sensitive self during pregnancy and hence she suffers a higher risk of common conditions like seasonal allergies. Persistent sneezing, coughing, itching and runny nose are commonly suffered by women due to seasonal allergies.
It is common for a woman to worry about these allergy symptoms during pregnancy. So prior information about potential seasonal allergies and treatments can really help women stay well-prepared for the challenging journey she is about to take.
So are allergies common during pregnancy? What causes them? How these allergies are treated? We identified the most common questions about allergies and asked the lady gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri for answers, read to know them:
What are allergies?
Our body’s natural immune system fights off the virus, bacteria and another disease-causing organisms. But sometimes our body’s immune system may even get triggered when it encounters things that don’t cause harm to the body. When we say a person is allergic to a certain thing, it means that the person’s immune system identifies ‘the thing’ as a potential threat and triggers an immune response which is responsible for the way the body reacts. The ‘things’ that cause allergy are called allergens
What causes seasonal allergies?
The allergens that cause seasonal allergies are pollen, a powdery substance that is made by trees, grass and weed during the spring season when fertilization in plants/trees happens.
“Few people are allergic to this pollen which is released into the atmosphere during the March and April months in India. The immune system of these people mistakes the pollen for a harmful substance and triggers an immune response to get rid of it and this causes runny or stuffy nose, coughing, itchy or watery eyes.” says the best gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri.
Are allergies common during pregnancy?
Allergies are very common during pregnancy, especially when the woman has a history of seasonal allergy conditions prior to pregnancy. However, they are only temporary and can be easily treated with medications. Protective filters when outdoors, nasal strips at night, nasal sprays and limiting outdoor activities are some of the most common tips suggested to cut down the risk of seasonal allergies.
How are season allergies treated? Are medications safe during pregnancy?
Season allergies are being safely treated by gynaecologists using medications for decades now. A gynaecologist may recommend nasal steroid spray, saline rinses to ease congestion, and antihistamines to ease sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose. Some of the most common OTC medications suggested for allergy include but are limited to Zyrtec, ChlorTrimeton, Benadryl, and Claritin – subject to availability.
“However, every woman is unique and so is their allergy condition and treatment that is recommended. So one must always consult a certified gynaecologist to get rid of these seasonal allergies”, says leading gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri.
If you are in Mumbai and are suffering from persistent seasonal allergies that don’t seem to go away, you can contact a lady gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri here: https://www.drneelimamantri.com/