Asthma affects about 3 to 4 percent of the general population, while about 1 to 4 percent of pregnancies are complicated by asthma. By definition, asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder with a significant hereditary component. It is triggered by tightening of muscles near the airways associated with inflammation of the airway lining and increased mucus production.
A lot of asthmatics can go asymptomatic for prolonged periods of time. They commonly get asthma attacks only when they are exposed to stimuli such as known allergens (e.g. dust, peanuts, change in environment temperature, and many others.) or exercise-induced. When this happens, asthmatics experience difficulty of breathing, coughing, wheezing, very rapid respiration, chest pain or pressure, tightening of neck and chest muscles, pale sweaty face, and bluish discoloration of lips and nails.
The question of whether pregnancy might make asthma even worse has not been satisfactorily countered. Until this date, there is no clear answer to this question. For many females their asthma improves, for most it stays the same, although other people, their asthma get worse. But in general, females beginning pregnancy with severe asthma are more likely to experience worsening of asthma signs and symptoms compared to individuals with mild disease.
Now, simply because you have asthma does not indicate that you can’t have a normal pregnancy, much more a healthy baby. Health professionals concur that great asthma management is the key to a successful pregnancy. And great asthma control may be attained if pregnant asthmatics see their health professionals (both internist and obstetrician) routinely throughout the duration of pregnancy. Here is what you should do:
1. Work with your asthma doctor (allergist or internist). Doing so is essential so that your doctor can analyse how severe your asthma is, and he can give therapy suitable for you even though you are expecting. If you are presently using an asthma controller medication, it is best to tell your physician regarding it so necessary changes may be done.
2. Determine your asthma triggers. Always keep a note of what causes your asthma attack and keep away from those triggers as much as you can. This is the best prevention for asthma attacks.
3. Ensure your asthma physician and your obstetrician coordinate your care. In this way, double medication for asthma is avoided.
Many medical studies have proven that if your bronchial asthma is not managed throughout pregnancy, both you and your little one may be harmed. You may suffer from life-threatening complications similar to high blood pressure, eclampsia, preterm labor, pneumothorax, acute cor pulmonale, cardiac arrythmias, and muscle fatigue with respiratory arrest. Your baby, on the other hand, may be born prematurely, with a low birth weight, and increased risk for perinatal mortality.
In summary, being an asthmatic does not mean you should be deprived of the opportunity to experience a normal and healthy pregnancy. More than that, asthma is practically never a reason not to get pregnant. It must constantly be remembered that it is medically feasible for any expecting asthmatic to have a healthy pregnancy, as long as she has excellent management of her asthma throughout the pregnancy.
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