Asthma in Pregnancy

Question 1

At what point in pregnancy does asthma most commonly occur?

Answer 1

24-36 weeks

• 3-12% of all pregnancies
  
  • Must exist before the pregnancy

Question 2

What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?

Answer 2

• Polyphonic wheeze
• Breathlessness
• Cough – worse in morning and at night
• Precipitating factors – e.g. cold, drugs (beta blocker, NSAIDs), exercise
• Atopic history
• Tachypnoea
• Use of accessory muscles
• Prolonged expiratory phase
• Hyperinflated chest

Question 3

What are the signs and symptoms of a severe asthma attack?

Answer 3

• PEFR 33-50%
• Pulse >110
• RR > 25
• Inability to complete sentences

Question 4

What are the signs and symptoms of a life threatening asthma attack?

Answer 4

• PEFR <33%
• Bradycardia
• Hypotension
• Silent chest
• Cyanosis
• Confusion
• Coma