The diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis during pregnancy and lactation

Nasal and sinus problems during pregnancy are a common event. There are few data regarding the clinical effect of the various forms of rhinitis on pregnancy outcomes; however, gestational rhinitis can have a deleterious effect on maternal well-being during pregnancy. The impact of allergic rhinitis or sinusitis adversely affects the pregnant mother's eating, sleeping, and emotional well-being, and it can aggravate coexisting gestational asthma. Therefore, rhinitis during pregnancy, whatever the cause, should be evaluated and treated to optimize pregnancy outcome. This article details the diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis that is encountered during pregnancy, and lists treatment options that are available to the practicing clinician.