Asthma; What is it?

Asthma is typically a lung ailment that makes it difficult to breathe, by causing narrowing and inflammation of the airways. It can sometimes run in families.

What is Asthma like?

Symptoms of asthma vary from person to person. They can be mild or severe. There could be sudden outbursts of symptoms. The most common symptoms of asthma are:

• Dyspnoea or difficult breathing
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Persistent coughing, more commonly at night. Most commonly cough with mucus or phlegm

It may also manifest as an “Asthma Attack”; with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. It can not only cause you to have shortness of breath, but can also produce noisy breathing/wheezing, coughing, or a feeling of chest tightness. During an Asthma attack, the patient presents below symptoms:

• Very low blood pressure
• Abnormally rapid breathing
• Wheezing sounds may accompany both inspiration and expiration or expiration alone

Planning a pregnancy:

Prior to planning a pregnancy, it is important to have a formal discussion with your doctor. It would focus around an effective control of symptoms, ensuring optimum outcomes for you and your baby.

How would Asthma affect my pregnancy?

Depending upon individual variability, during pregnancy; the symptoms may improve, worsen, or may not change at all. 

Are my usual Asthma medicines safe during pregnancy?

While most of the Asthma medications are safe to consume in pregnancy, your doctor would chalk out a comprehensive plan which benefits an individual’s symptoms, the most. Adherence to the prescribed medications is important, the lack of which can lead to an aggravation in the symptoms and potential health hazards for the baby. 

What can I do to prevent Asthma attacks? 

Avoiding triggers, and having a flu shot administered, are both important in the same way as for non-pregnant individuals. With effective management of Asthma symptoms during pregnancy, the outcomes for both the mother and the baby are favourable. 

The Baby’s Health?

If your asthma is well controlled during pregnancy, chances are good that your asthma will not hurt your baby.

What about Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is nearly always safe with most Asthma medications. However, a consultation with a doctor is important to ensure that the medications being taken are completely safe.