Persistent Nasal Mucus and Sinus Discomfort with No Improvement
At 26 years old, I am a 105-pound woman standing 5 feet 3 inches tall and currently around 11 weeks pregnant. For approximately 18 months, if not longer, I have been experiencing chronic nasal drainage and excessive clear mucus production. My sense of smell has diminished significantly; it occasionally returns briefly, only to disappear again. I’ve consulted an ENT specialist on two occasions. During my first appointment, I was given a prescription for general allergy medication—advice to choose whichever one I preferred—but it provided no relief. On my second visit, a different doctor recommended using a NeilMed nasal rinse along with Flonase. After a week of adhering to this regimen, I have seen no noticeable improvement and, in fact, the problem seems to intensify during the night. The constant mucus production leads to discomfort, especially when I have to swallow it while sleeping, and I am exhausted from frequent nose blowing and inadequate rest. I seldom sneeze and do not experience other allergy-related symptoms like itchy or red eyes. We've owned a dog for three years, so I don’t suspect any new pet allergies. Occasionally, I also experience wheezing in my chest—not in my throat—which worsens in colder weather. Breathing often feels restricted, as though I'm inhaling through a coffee straw, and at least one nostril is typically blocked, even after rinsing. The only instances when I can breathe easily seem to coincide with adrenaline spikes. Symptoms are more pronounced indoors, regardless of the environment—whether I’m at home, in a car, or shopping. I can recall a few potential triggers: 1. In late summer of '24, I endured walking pneumonia, which resulted from an antibiotic taken during my trip to Poland. 2. That winter, I lived in an extremely cold region with temperatures dropping to -20°F at night, characterized by damp, slightly moldy conditions. 3. We relocated to coastal Georgia in spring '25, yet the nasal issue predates this move. During my ENT evaluation, a nasal scope revealed only mild inflammation. My only known allergy is shellfish, which affects me only through direct contact or consumption; I do not react to live shellfish.
Answers (1)
2/14/2026, 8:50:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your ongoing nasal mucus and sinus discomfort—this can be very frustrating, especially during pregnancy. It sounds like you've been dealing with this for quite some time, and your symptoms haven't improved with the treatments you've tried. Let’s explore a few potential approaches that can help you manage your symptoms more effectively.
Main Points:
- Persistent nasal drainage and reduced smell could be due to underlying factors such as chronic rhinitis or sinusitis.
- Your history suggests a possible environmental or non-allergic component.
- Addressing self-care and environment modification are key first steps.
Explanation:
Chronic nasal drainage with excessive mucus production can be attributed to several causes, including chronic rhinitis (which can be either allergic or non-allergic), sinusitis, or even anatomical factors. Given the lack of allergy symptoms beyond the mucus, it may be that your nasal passages are inflamed due to past infections or environmental conditions rather than traditional allergies.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Steam Inhalation: Since you mentioned wheezing and a sensation of tightness, inhaling steam may alleviate some of your discomfort. Try taking a hot shower or using a bowl of hot water—lean over it with a towel covering your head to trap the steam. This can help hydrate your nasal passages and reduce mucus.
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Saline Rinse Adjustment: Continue using the NeilMed nasal rinse but consider using it more frequently (up to 2-3 times a day) to help clear mucus and reduce inflammation. Ensure you’re using sterile or distilled water for the rinse.
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Humidity Control: Analyze the humidity levels in your living area, especially indoors, where you experience more symptoms. Using a humidifier can keep nasal passages moist and help with mucus production. However, avoid excessive humidity, as it can promote mold growth, especially in coastal regions.
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Monitor Triggers: Keep a diary of when and where your symptoms worsen. This may help identify specific triggers, whether they are environmental (like mold or cold air) or related to specific activities.
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Breathing Exercises: Incorporating gentle breathing exercises, especially when you feel tightness in your chest, may improve lung capacity and relaxation. Consider practicing deep, slow breathing to ease discomfort.
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Avoid Irritants: Stay away from strong odors, smoke, and dust, as these can aggravate your symptoms. Make sure your living space is well-ventilated and try to minimize exposure to potential indoor allergens.
If you don’t see improvement within the next couple of weeks or if your symptoms worsen, consider reaching out to your healthcare provider again to discuss your current regimen and explore alternative treatments, especially since you are pregnant. Some additional considerations could be allergy testing for less common allergens or a review of other potential medications that are safe during pregnancy.
I hope you find relief soon! Please feel free to ask if you need more specific advice or tips.
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