Background: Pregnancy rhinitis (PR) is a common but frequently underdiagnosed condition characterized by nasal congestion during pregnancy, unrelated to allergy or infection. While global prevalence varies between 20-40%, data from the humid coastal regions of India remains scarce. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of PR and evaluate its impact on quality of life (QoL) and sleep patterns among pregnant women in Mangalore.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Srinivas Medical College, Mangalore, from January 2024 to December 2024. A total of 215 pregnant women were screened across three trimesters. Diagnosis was based on the "Kummel" criteria. Participants were assessed using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Statistical analysis was performed using Python (SciPy/Pandas) to compare outcomes between PR and non-PR groups.
Results: The overall prevalence of pregnancy rhinitis was 22.8% (n=49). Symptom onset was most frequent in the second trimester (46.9%). Women with PR had significantly higher mean SNOT-22 scores (42.5±12.1) compared to controls (14.2±5.3; p<0.001). Sleep quality was markedly poorer in the PR group, with a mean PSQI score of 8.4±2.6 versus 4.9±1.8 in the non-PR group (p < 0.001). Nasal obstruction was the predominant symptom (92%), significantly worsened by the high humidity index of the coastal setting.
Conclusion: Pregnancy rhinitis is a prevalent condition in coastal Karnataka, significantly impairing sleep and quality of life. The study highlights the need for routine ENT screening in antenatal care to manage nasal symptoms effectively and improve maternal well-being.
International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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