Respiratory Disease in Pregnancy

Question 1

What are the physiological changes in arterial pO2, pCO2, and bicarbonate in pregnancy, and what do they cause?

Answer 1

1. Arterial pO2 increases
2. pCO2 decreases
3. Bicarbonate falls
4. Compensated respiratory alkalosis

Question 2

What happens to PEFR and FEV1 in pregnancy?

Answer 2

Remain unchanged

Question 3

Which respiratory condition is common in pregnancy and how should it be treated?

Answer 3

1. Asthma

2. As normal, safe in pregnancy (do not give LTRA)