Why Allergies and Asthma in Pregnancy?
Pregnancy comes with physical and emotional changes. It is mild for some women, while for others, it is a little more to tolerate. A lot of women face allergies and asthma, while it is common it needs immediate attention and solutions to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. In this blog, we will discuss everything about allergies. We will also discuss the causes, symptoms, and solutions and the role of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) in managing these conditions. With this comprehensive guide, we wish to support pregnant mom on their journey of motherhood by offering insights and advice to overcome the challenges
Allergies During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can trigger your allergies as they influence your immune system and enhance existing allergies or cause new ones. Sudden and increased shifts in hormones, increases in estrogen, and progesterone can affect how your immune system responds to allergens. With this, some mothers face severe allergic reactions with symptoms like sneezing, congestion, itching, or even rashes. If you already have a history of allergies, there is a chance that you won't face any in the pregnancy and the pregnancy remains smooth and easy.
Allergies usually get triggered if you are exposed to pollen, dust, certain foods, or any other allergens. The symptoms may vary but often include nasal congestion, sneezing or runny nose, itchy eyes or skin, and rashes and hives.
Asthma During Pregnancy
Asthma is a chronic long-term condition that creates difficulty in breathing because the airways become inflamed and narrow. In pregnancy, hormonal changes can trigger and affect how the lungs work which makes asthma worse and results in frequent asthma attacks. Also when the baby grows your uterus gets bigger which pushes your lungs makes it harder to breathe and worsens asthma symptoms.
Asthma symptoms in pregnancy can include chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. It is crucial to get a cure or at least control asthma symptoms during pregnancy to avoid complications. Make sure to discuss with your doctor to manage the asthma symptoms.
Managing Allergies and Asthma During Pregnancy
There are several safe and effective strategies that you can opt for in your pregnancy to manage the symptoms. The first thing you can do is to avoid allergens and to do that you can stay indoors when you see that the pollen levels are high, use an air purifier, and avoid foods that cause you allergies. Nasal sprays also help with the symptoms and are safe to use as well. Use medications like loratadine or cetirizine as they are safe but always consult your doctor first. For skin use gentle hypoallergenic products to cure itching.
Managing asthma is equally important to ensure a healthy pregnancy. You need to regularly manage your symptoms by measuring your breathing with a peak flow meter. Avoid cigarettes, strong smells, and cold air, and continue using your prescribed medicine as directed by your doctor. For severe asthma, a nebulizer machine may needed for quick relief.
Ornavo offers personalized support and advice for managing allergies and asthma during pregnancy, helping to ensure a safer and more comfortable journey for you and your baby.
What are Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICSs)?
Understanding ICSs
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are popular medicines used to treat asthma. They reduce irritation and swelling in the airways which result in ease of breathing and prevent asthma attacks. People usually take ICSs through an inhaler or nebulizer as it is the best and easy method to deliver the medicine directly to the lungs.
Benefits of ICSs During Pregnancy
ICSs are considered safe and very helpful for expecting mothers as they prevent asthma symptoms from getting worse. Uncontrolled asthma may lead to issues like high BP or premature birth.
ICSs are considered safe for use during pregnancy. Studies show that the benefits of controlling asthma with ICSs outweigh any potential risks. Consult with your doctor and he or she will prescribe the lowest effective dose to manage your symptoms while minimizing side effects.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey but there are some challenges that women face like asthma and allergies. These symptoms are something you can take care of but you need to learn about them first and then find ways to manage them. Ornavo is here to support you in your journey as we offer pieces of advice, tips, and tricks on our social media. Make sure to follow us on our social platforms to stay updated with the latest tips and tricks