3 Facts You Should Know About Maintenance Treatment Of Your Asthma During Pregnancy
If you suffer from asthma and have recently discovered that you are pregnant or are planning to conceive in the near future, it is important to be aware of appropriate treatment options for your asthma at this delicate time in your life. For instance, you may be surprised to learn that it is generally safer for the baby for you to continue the use of your inhaled corticosteroids than it would be for you to suffer an asthma attack. It is also a good time to discuss the use of a spacer for your inhaled corticosteroids, as their use has been associated with less waste and better use of the drug. In addition, it is important to note that while steroid pills are commonly prescribed to asthmatics after a severe asthma exacerbation or illness, consistent or high doses of oral steroids during pregnancy is rarely the best idea. When you need to safely manage both your pregnancy and your asthma without allowing one to make the other particularly, difficult, the following information will be quite insightful.
#1-Inhaled Corticosteroids Are Usually Safe To Use During Pregnancy
Given the long list of medications that pregnant women are advised to avoid, it is easy to think that corticosteroids are no longer acceptable for you to use. The truth is that in general, it is safer for the baby to not experience the results of your frequent asthma attacks than it would be for you to continue the inhaled corticosteroids. Asthma attacks in a pregnant woman are associated with increased risks of maternal high blood pressure and low birth weight for the baby.
However, since there are a number of different medications that are classified as this type of medication, it is a good idea to discuss recommendations specific to your case. For instance, some prescription medications might be safer for you to use during pregnancy than others, so it is possible that you may be advised to change from the one you use now.
#2-Ask If You Need A Spacer
One of the more unfortunate side effects of using inhaled corticosteroids is the possibility of developing thrush or a sore throat after its use. Fortunately, it is often possible to prevent that issue by using a spacer. The spacer is a small, expandable, piece of plastic that attaches to the mouth portion of your inhaler, which prevents the medication from lodging in your mouth.
Since medication that becomes trapped in your mouth is a common cause of oral thrush and can limit your recovery from asthma attacks since the prescribed amount isn't making it to your lungs, it only makes sense that using a spacer is a good choice. Therefore, you should discuss the use of a spacer with your physician.
#3-It Is Important To Weigh The Risks Of Oral Steroids With Their Benefits
Oral steroids are often provided on a short-term basis to patients following a severe asthma attack or illness, due to the anti-inflammatory properties they provide. However, their long-term use can result in many unfortunate side effects, including weight-gain, sleep disturbances and a perception of the way that food tastes, even when you are not pregnant. Pregnant women and their unborn babies have additional risks from the long-term use of oral steroids, including a higher possibility of facial deformities and breathing challenges for the baby.
As a result, it is best to avoid oral steroids during pregnancy if you can and take it for the briefest time periods that you can, if it becomes necessary. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your physician and never make any changes to your medication without asking your doctor about doing so.
In conclusion, asthma is a serious health issue that can impact your health and quality of life in a myriad of ways. However, the disease has the potential to be even more problematic during pregnancy, so it is a good idea to discuss the above information with your obstetrician or other medical care provider as soon as possible. Click here for more info.
