What Makes Asthma Worse When You Are Pregnant?
Asthma Triggers
It is important to know what things may make your asthma worse and how to avoid or cope with them. The environmental triggers, that can make asthma worse, include: irritants, allergens, and weather changes. As can exercise, infection (of the sinuses, for example), gastroeophageal reflux, and also, hormonal and emotional changes.
Irritants
Do not smoke cigarettes and avoid exposure to second hand smoke. Both can make asthma worse. Smoke exposure can also pose major risks for your unborn baby. Read more about smoking and asthma.
Allergies
Avoid things you are allergic to (allergens). Pollen, mold, animal dander, house dust mites and cockroaches are common allergens.
Read more about allergies and asthma.
Exercise
Continuing to exercise while pregnant is most desirable, but if exercise makes your asthma worse, talk with your doctor. Using inhaled medication before you exercise can often prevent asthma symptoms while you exercise.
Read more about exercise and asthma.
Infections
A cold, the flu or other respiratory infection can make asthma worse. Good hand washing is the most effective way to avoid the spread of common cold viruses.
The yearly flu vaccine is strongly recommended for people with asthma. It may be given during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis can make asthma worse, especially at night. Treating the inflammation in the nose and decreasing the post-nasal drip can reduce cough and throat irritation. This can decrease asthma symptoms.
Sinus care includes:
- Nasal wash - A salt water or nasal saline wash helps remove mucus and bacteria from the nose and sinuses. When done routinely, this can also decrease post-nasal drip. The nasal wash should be done before using a steroid nasal spray.
- Steroid nasal spray - This helps to decrease irritation and inflammation in the nasal and sinus passages, so mucus production and swelling decreases.
Read more about:
Emotions
Pregnancy can be an intensely emotional time. Emotions do not cause asthma, but if a person has asthma, emotions can make it worse.
Weather
Your asthma may worsen with changes in the weather, especially when sudden. You should be prepared to dress accordingly and avoid polluted and/or cold air. Work with your doctor on keeping your asthma under good control whatever climate you live in, whatever the season.
Gastrointestinal or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
In some people the muscle between the esophagus and stomach allows some back flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. This can cause heartburn and may also cause constriction of your bronchial tubes, resulting in asthma symptoms. This is more common during pregnancy and is treatable .
Read more about gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Hormone Changes
You will experience a variety of hormonal changes during pregnancy. These hormones can effect both your emotions and your asthma. Your asthma may worsen, improve, or stay the same while you are pregnant. If you are among the 1/3 of pregnant women whose asthma worsens, you may need additional medication.
Read additional information about what makes asthma worse that relates to anyone with asthma, not just asthma during pregnancy.
This information has been approved by Phil Corsello, M.D. (March 2006).
