What is Asthma?
Asthma is an acute reversible narrowing of the air passages in the lung due to inflammation, airway muscle spasm and excessive mucus production. It is estimated that at least 10% of the population suffers from asthma, with a proportionate number of pregnant women.
Asthma attacks can be triggered by:
What are the symptoms of Asthma?
What happens to Asthma during pregnancy?
Asthma is not necessarily affected by pregnancy. The usual triggers still dictate the course of the illness.
Does Asthma affect the baby?
Yes. Uncontrolled asthma that results in low oxygen during acute attacks can be harmful to the fetus.
How do we treat Asthma during pregnancy?
It is treated the same way as asthma in any other patient. Many asthma medicines are reasonably safe to use, particularly the older drugs with which we have many years of experience. Also, we try to give most of the bronchodilators in the inhale forms to minimize systemic side effects.
If steroids or antibiotics are needed, can they be used?
Yes. Penicillins, Sulfa, and Erythronmycin are safe. Tetracycline is not. The safety of some of the newer antobiotics has not yet been proven. Steroids should be used only if under the close supervision of a physician.
Remember the principles of Asthma Therapy in Pregnancy!
