Bronchial asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease. Statistics indicate that approximately half of female patients with a history of asthma experience at least one asthma attack during pregnancy. Pregnancy-related asthma imposes significant mental and psychological burdens on expectant mothers.Pregnancy and asthma influence each other. Due to changes in immune function after conception, susceptibility to external factors increases, particularly in women with pre-existing asthma.
Pregnancy and Asthma: A Mutual Influence
Immune function changes during pregnancy increase susceptibility to external factors. For patients whose asthma was poorly controlled before pregnancy, the condition may worsen further during pregnancy, potentially triggering asthma attacks.
Exacerbated asthma or acute attacks during pregnancy pose significant risks to both mother and fetus. Fetal complications include preterm birth, developmental abnormalities, growth retardation, post-term pregnancy, and low birth weight. Maternal risks encompass preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, toxemia, vaginal bleeding, and difficult labor. Severe asthma attacks may even threaten the lives of both mother and baby.
Prioritizing Safety in Medication Management
The primary goal of treating asthma during pregnancy is to control the condition, enabling the mother to safely navigate pregnancy through delivery while minimizing potential harm to the fetus from medications. Some asthma patients discontinue their medication after becoming pregnant due to concerns about adverse effects on the fetus. However, this often leads to a worsening of asthma symptoms during pregnancy.
Women with a history of asthma should consult a pulmonologist for an asthma assessment before pregnancy, including a pulmonary function test. Treatment medications should be selected based on asthma severity to achieve disease stability.
Primary medications for managing asthma during pregnancy include inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide), inhaled beta-2 agonists (e.g., salbutamol), and oral leukotriene modifiers (e.g., montelukast). These medications are generally considered safe for both the mother and fetus.
Hospitalization is required for acute attacks
Immediate hospital treatment is necessary for acute asthma attacks during pregnancy. Management includes oxygen administration, intravenous methylprednisolone, nebulized short-acting beta-agonists, and intravenous corticosteroids. Mild to moderate attacks may be treated with oral prednisolone and inhaled beta-agonists.
Prevention is also a form of treatment
Pregnant women with asthma should avoid exposure to harmful irritants and allergens such as paint fumes, pollen, animal dander, and dust mites. Stay warm and ensure good indoor air circulation. These measures can effectively prevent asthma attacks during pregnancy and reduce the need for medication.