A 26-year-old pregnant woman in her second trimester develops persistent nasal congestion and rhinorrhoea without sneezing or itch. She has no allergy history. The mechanism of this rhinitis is best attributed to:
- A Oestrogen-mediated nasal mucosal vascular engorgement ✓
- B IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation
- C Alpha-adrenergic receptor upregulation causing vasoconstriction
- D Atrophy of the seromucinous glands
Correct answer: A. Oestrogen-mediated nasal mucosal vascular engorgement
Explanation
Hormonal rhinitis of pregnancy results from high oestrogen levels producing venous engorgement and oedema of the nasal mucosa, typically appearing after the first trimester and resolving after delivery. Treatment favours saline irrigation and exercise, with intranasal steroids only if needed. Mast cell degranulation would cause sneezing and itch, which are absent, ruling out an allergic process.
Reference: Scott-Brown's Essential Otorhinolaryngology, 2nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.