Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, is one of the most common lung diseases during pregnancy. Severe attacks during this period, if left uncontrolled, can cause serious problems for both mother and baby. However, thanks to advances in medicine and increased awareness regarding pregnancy, asthma can now be easily controlled with proper and careful treatment.
Symptoms of Asthma During Pregnancy
- Cough
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- A whistling sound while breathing.
- Mucus Production
Asthma Treatment During Pregnancy
If asthma is left untreated during pregnancy, it can cause serious problems for the baby. However, well-controlled asthma will reduce the likelihood of problems for both the mother and the baby. When asthma is not well-controlled, it can cause the following problems in the expectant mother: ;
- Increased vaginal bleeding,
- Increased risk of developing hypertension due to pregnancy,
- Increased nausea and vomiting,
- There is an increase in maternal deaths.
In infants with poorly controlled asthma cases:;
- Death in the womb,
- To premature birth,
- Lack of oxygen in the womb (chronic hypoxia),
- It can lead to growth and developmental delays.
Asthma follows a different course during pregnancy. Studies of pregnant women show improvement in one-third, worsening in another, and no change in the remaining one-third. Asthma generally tends to improve towards the end of pregnancy, with a decrease in acute attacks.
Precautions to Take for Asthma During Pregnancy
There is not much difference between asthma treatment during pregnancy and normal asthma treatment, so generally the same types of medications are used. The goal here is to optimize respiratory function and ensure a pregnancy free of attacks. When it comes to asthma during pregnancy;
- If you smoke, you should quit immediately. Avoid environments where there is cigarette smoke.
- Pollen, pet dander, dust, and mold should be avoided.
- Allergens such as food additives should be avoided.
- Measures should be taken to avoid catching illnesses such as the flu, colds, and other respiratory infections that can trigger asthma.
- If the expectant mother has a pre-existing asthma, it should be brought under control from the moment she plans to conceive.
Only a pulmonologist can provide you with the most accurate information and treatment methods regarding asthma during pregnancy. Therefore, if you have asthma and become pregnant, you should definitely remain under the coordinated care of a pulmonologist and an obstetrician/gynecologist.
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