Asthma is a very common chronic respiratory disease which, in its most severe forms, can have negative effects on pregnancy. Fortunately, “to date we know that many of the treatments we have available to treat asthma can be used during pregnancy. They have been shown to have a good safety profile in treating the patient without leading to major complications, and this is also true for the most severe forms of asthma. More and more robust data support the use of some of the new biological therapies as an effective, safe and targeted option against the inflammatory processes underlying asthma, even at this stage of life ”. Like this Manuela Latorre, Medical Director Uo Pneumology at the New Apuane hospital in Massa, in an interview published on the website of ‘Allies for Health’ (www.alleatiperlasalute.it), the portal dedicated to medical-scientific information created by Novartis, underlines the importance of continuing treatments, carefully evaluating which ones are the most adapted to each specific situation.
In Europe it is estimated that asthma affects 4 to 8% of women during gestation, involving, when not adequately controlled, also very serious risks for the mother and the child such as preeclampsia (development or worsening of hypertension), childbirth preterm and low birth weight. “The state of pregnancy – affirms Latorre – is precisely one of those conditions that can most cause changes in the course of disease control. This phenomenon is explained both by purely physical causes and by psychological factors, determined by the particular moment that the woman lives, amidst uncertainties and fears that often end up influencing the therapeutic continuity “.
About 20% of women report – according to a survey conducted through the ‘Sani’ network (which groups together the Italian centers of excellence for the treatment of severe asthma) with the support of the Patient Associations Respiriamo Insieme and Federasma – concerns relating to possible harm to the fetus and worsening of asthma symptoms during pregnancy.
“There is certainly a strong fear that is that of being able to harm the child – confirms the pulmonologist -. For this reason, in many cases, patients abandon treatment without consulting the doctor, a decision that can have serious consequences for the health of the mother and, consequently, of the child.. It is now well known that an inadequate treatment of asthma can lead to exacerbations of the disease with episodes of respiratory crisis that can severely complicate the natural course of pregnancy. On the contrary, as defined by the international guidelines and recommendations regarding the optimal management of asthma in pregnancy, the therapies must absolutely be continued “.
The patient should not feel alone in planning and managing a pregnancy, even on an informational level. The survey shows, in fact, the need for the notions to come from a doctor, as stated in 98% of cases, with a key role recognized as an asthma specialist for 90% of the interviewees. “Following the patient effectively means involving her in therapeutic choices – concludes the expert – resolving doubts and preventing her from turning to social and similar channels as a source of information on the disease. From this perspective, therefore, it is essential that the doctor is able to establish an adequate relationship of trust with the patient, also seeking collaboration with other health professionals “, such as the gynecologist, the medical doctor general and obstetrician. Objective: to keep asthma symptoms under control and, at the same time, to facilitate a pregnancy that is as safe and peaceful as possible.
The full intervention of the expert is on: https://www.alleatiperlasalute.it/benessere-donna/la-gestione-dellasma-e-la-gravidanza