Asthma, a chronic disease of the respiratory system, is one of the most common lung diseases during pregnancy. Attacks that are very severe during this period can cause serious problems for the health of the mother and baby if not controlled. However, thanks to today’s advances in medicine and the growing awareness of pregnancy, asthma can be easily controlled with the right and careful treatment.
Asthma Symptoms in Pregnancy
- Cough
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Whistling in and out of breath
- Mucus Production
Asthma Treatment during Pregnancy
Asthma during pregnancy can cause serious problems for the baby if no precautions are taken. However, well-controlled asthma will reduce the likelihood of problems in both the expectant mother and the baby. When asthma is not well controlled in the expectant mother;
- Increased vaginal bleeding,
- Increased risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension,
- Increased nausea and vomiting,
- There is an increase in maternal mortality.
In cases of poorly controlled asthma in the baby;
- To death in the womb,
- Premature birth,
- Oxygen deficiency in the womb ( Chronic hypoxia),
- It can lead to growth retardation.
Asthma follows a different course during pregnancy. When pregnant women are examined in general, improvement is observed in 1/3 of the patients, while worsening is detected in 1/3. No change is observed in the remaining 1/3. Asthma usually tends to improve towards the end of pregnancy, with a reduction in acute attacks.
Precautions for Asthma during Pregnancy
There is not much difference between asthma treatment during pregnancy and normal asthma treatment, so the same medicines are usually used. The aim here is to optimize respiratory function and to ensure an attack-free pregnancy. When it comes to asthma in pregnancy;
- If you smoke, you should quit immediately. Avoid environments with cigarette smoke.
- Avoid pollen, pet dander, dust and mold.
- Allergens such as food additives should be avoided.
- Precautions should be taken to prevent asthma-triggering diseases such as flu, colds and colds.
- If the expectant mother already has asthma, it should be under control from the moment she plans to become pregnant.
Only a pulmonologist can give you the most accurate information and treatment for asthma during pregnancy. Therefore, if you have asthma and are pregnant, you should definitely be under the coordinated follow-up of a pulmonologist and an obstetrician and gynecologist.
