While not life-threatening, PR significantly degrades quality of life. Nasal obstruction forces mouth breathing, contributing to xerostomia (dry mouth) and snoring.
| Feature | Pregnancy Rhinitis | Common Cold | Allergic Rhinitis | |---------|--------------------|-------------|--------------------| | Duration | >6 weeks in pregnancy | 7–10 days | Variable, seasonal or perennial | | Fever | No | Possible | No | | Itchy eyes/nose | Rare | No | Common | | Discharge | Clear, watery or thick | Clear → yellow/green | Clear, watery | | Timing | Second trimester onward | Any time | After allergen exposure | stuffy nose when pregnant
Management follows a stepwise approach, prioritizing fetal safety. While not life-threatening