title: Pregnancy-induced rhinitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pregnancy-induced rhinitis (PIR) is often misclassified and under-diagnosed. There is currently no cure or optimum symptomatic treatment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To summarize current knowledge of PIR and assess evidence supporting treatment options.
  
  
  METHODS
  Structured literature search. SEARCH STRATEGY AND EVALUATION METHOD: Review of English-language articles addressing evidence for aetiology, classification, differential diagnosis or treatment options for PIR. Comparisons to management of other types of rhinitis in pregnancy are also considered.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Incidence and prevalence of PIR vary widely between studies. Hormonal changes have a presumed aetiological role, although present evidence is scanty. Smoking appears to be the only agreed identifiable risk factor. Distinction between PIR and other types of rhinitis in pregnancy, especially allergic rhinitis, is important as effective treatments differ. Management of PIR focuses on minimal intervention required for symptom relief.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although PIR is temporary, its impact on patients` quality of life can be profound. Advice and conservative treatment provide the mainstay of clinical management. None of the currently available medical options offer an ideal solution. Any potential benefit gained should be balanced against risks to the foetus. Clarifying the definition of this separate category of rhinitis will lead to better recognition, with prompt and appropriate treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Wexham Park Hospital, Wexham, UK. n_orban@hotmail.com
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Orban
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Maughan
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bleach
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D039981:Pyroglyphidae / Q000276:immunology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D007073:Immunoglobulin E