Diagnosis, treatment and control of asthma in pregnant women

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Nguyen Thi Minh Tuyet - Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

Asthma in pregnant women is a fairly common respiratory disease. Having asthma during pregnancy if not well controlled can be dangerous for both mother and baby. Treatment of bronchial asthma in pregnant women is mainly to ensure adequate oxygen supply to the fetus.

1. Having bronchial asthma during pregnancy

Having bronchial asthma during pregnancy is a common respiratory disease. Each pregnant woman will have asthma during pregnancy to different degrees. Typically, asthma attacks occur most between the 17th and 24th weeks of pregnancy.
Having asthma during pregnancy, if not controlled and treated, can lead to dangerous complications of pregnancy such as high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, cesarean section, premature birth, low birth weight babies.
However, most pregnant women with bronchial asthma are well controlled and have almost no complications. Appropriate treatment of asthma during pregnancy will help ensure an adequate supply of oxygen for both mother and baby, a healthy pregnancy, and a safe, normal delivery.

2. Diagnosis of asthma during pregnancy

2.1 Symptoms of pregnant women with bronchial asthma

Diagnosis of asthma during pregnancy is based on the following clinical symptoms:
Shortness of breath, wheezing Persistent and persistent cough Shortness of breath, shortness of breath, chest tightness, pain

2.2 Diagnostic methods for bronchial asthma during pregnancy

In addition to the above clinical symptoms, a number of measures and tests are indicated to diagnose asthma during pregnancy, including:
Lung capacity measurement: This is a common technique for exploration and evaluation. lung function. In pulmonary capacity measurement, measuring peak flow with a meter is the appropriate technique to perform. Ultrasound: Ultrasound to check fetal status before delivery is indicated for pregnant women with moderate and severe asthma. Measurement of forced vital capacity and peak expiratory flow: These are two indicators that are performed to diagnose pregnant women with mild asthma, and at the same time monitor throughout pregnancy to control the condition. Pulmonary function measurement: If a pregnant woman has persistent, persistent and often recurrent asthma, pulmonary ventilation function should be measured during pregnancy to assess the severity of the disease.

3. Treatment of bronchial asthma in pregnant women

During pregnancy, pregnant women with bronchial asthma are advised to be treated with medicine to be safe, if not taking medicine and just suffering from symptoms can make the condition worse and can lead to pregnancy complications.
The goal of asthma treatment in pregnant women is to ensure adequate supply and maintenance of oxygen to the fetus by preventing deficiency or hypoxia in the mother's tissues. Depending on the severity of the asthma attack, the pregnant woman will be adjusted to the appropriate dose, specifically:
Pregnant women with intermittent bronchial asthma: No need to use asthma medication every day, when needed, albuterol should be used. Pregnant women with mild and persistent bronchial asthma: Low-dose inhaled corticosteroids are indicated. As an alternative, cromolyn or theophylline is used to achieve plasma concentrations between 5 and 12 micrograms/mL. Pregnant women with moderate and persistent bronchial asthma: Indications for use of low-dose inhaled corticosteroids and salmeterol; or moderate-dose inhaled corticosteroids; or moderate-dose inhaled corticosteroids and salmeterol if needed. As an alternative, low-dose or moderate-dose (when needed) inhaled corticosteroids are used in combination with either an antagonist or theophylline to achieve plasma concentrations in the range of 5-12 micrograms/mL. Pregnant women with severe and persistent bronchial asthma: Use high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and salmeterol, supplement with oral corticosteroids if necessary. As an alternative, high doses of inhaled corticosteroids and theophylline are used to achieve plasma concentrations of 5 to 12 micrograms/mL, with oral corticosteroids added as needed. In the treatment of bronchial asthma in pregnant women, the following information should be noted:
Avoid oral corticosteroids because they can cause cleft palate and low birth weight in infants. Coordinate and follow your doctor's treatment to make sure you take the right dose. Compared with oral corticosteroids, inhaled corticosteroids are safer.

4. Controlling bronchial asthma in pregnant women

Pregnant women with asthma, if their asthma is well controlled, can ensure a healthy pregnancy, the fetus is not affected.
Similar to treatment, the goal of asthma control in pregnant women is to ensure that the fetus is provided with enough oxygen for development. Pregnant women with asthma should pay attention to asthma control as follows:
Measure peak flow at home twice a day in the morning when you wake up and then measure again 12 hours later. A decrease in the peak flow index can indicate that the disease is progressing badly, and the pregnant woman needs emergency treatment. Avoid contact with potentially irritating substances such as pet dander, pollen, dust, cigarette smoke, Flu shots. Control and treat bronchial asthma in pregnant women by preventing oxygen deficiency or hypoxia, helping to ensure oxygen supply for the developing fetus and healthy pregnant woman.
Asthma is not a contraindication of pregnancy, the mother and the fetus can be completely healthy if:
Plan to become pregnant and notify the doctor in advance to determine the appropriate pregnancy time depending on in stable medical condition. Equip yourself with basic knowledge about risks during pregnancy, measures to prevent asthma attacks, the process of raising children and proper nutrition. Compliance with treatment, examination and monitoring of bronchial asthma as well as during pregnancy, absolutely do not quit to avoid unnecessary danger to mother and fetus. When symptoms worsen at home, in addition to management of the relief, immediate hospitalization is required for close monitoring and appropriate care.

To ensure a healthy pregnancy as well as manage medical problems during pregnancy, pregnant women can choose a Package Maternity Care Program right from the start of pregnancy, from the first months First of all, pregnant mothers will be able to fully participate in antenatal check-ups, periodical 3D and 4D ultrasounds and routine tests to ensure that the mother is healthy and the fetus develops comprehensively.
In addition, pregnant women will be consulted and checked for health, if there is a medical history such as asthma, they will be closely monitored from experienced and specialized obstetricians to help mothers have more knowledge to protect their health during pregnancy as well as minimize complications affecting mother and child.

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