a noun suffix having properly a diminutive force (now lost in many words): islet; tablet; midget; plummet. Compare -ette.
Pregnancy rhinitis is congestion or a stuffy nose during pregnancy. It may feel similar to the nasal congestion you get when you have a cold, but this condition is partly caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. For example, a higher level of estrogen during pregnancy can cause the lining of the nasal passages to swell, producing more mucus. You also have more blood circulating during pregnancy, which can make the tiny blood vessels inside your nose swell and lead to nasal congestion.
Cold viruses attack the lining of the nasal passages causing swelling and increasing mucus production. This results in nasal congestion or stuffiness, and a runny nose. Clogged nasal passages interfere with normal breathing and can also affect your sense of taste and smell. Sometimes the channel (Eustachian tube) to the ear also becomes congested or clogged by mucus, creating pressure or discomfort in the inner ear.