Outpatient management of asthma during pregnancy

A descriptive study of women's perceptions of their asthma during pregnancy

PURPOSE

To determine the impact of asthma during pregnancy from the perspective of the pregnant woman.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A descriptive survey using the Internet for subject recruitment and data collection was conducted using an adaptation of the Cancer Survivors Survey Questionnaire. Women with asthma who were pregnant or who had recently given birth (n = 166) were the sample. Women responded from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Physical symptoms, emotional responses, and coping strategies to deal with the asthma were queried.

RESULTS

Women reported a variety of respiratory difficulties including wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. They were concerned about avoiding triggers leading to acute asthma, the effect of the asthma medications on the fetus, and losing their jobs due to absenteeism. They wanted to know more about how to prevent an asthma attack and what effect their disease could have on their unborn infants.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Women need education and support to help them deal with asthma during pregnancy. Nursing can have an important role in teaching these women and helping them monitor their asthma status during pregnancy.