Pregnancy has been linked to worsening asthma symptoms. Moms who exercise little or no control over their asthma symptoms can suffer severe health problems during pregnancy. The signs prove severe in the first and third trimesters. Pregnancy hormones can affect the nose, sinuses, and lungs. Estrogen, a pregnancy hormone, is responsible for causing congestion and a stuffy nose. On the other hand, Progesterone leads to shortness of breath, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.

How can moms manage their asthma symptoms during pregnancy? Read on to find out.

Identify & Avoid Your Triggers

March of Dimes explains allergens as things that trigger an allergy. Allergens can cause an allergic reaction when touched, eaten, or inhaled. Examples include dust mites, cockroaches, pollen, and mold. When a pregnant mom has an allergy, it becomes easier to trigger an asthma attack. Moms should, therefore, aim at avoiding allergens to manage asthma symptoms.

Apart from allergens, irritants too can cause an asthma attack. Irritants are substances in the environment that are injurious to the lungs. These include wildfire smoke, cigarette smoke, strong scents, cold air, and air pollution. Manage asthma symptoms by avoiding these irritants during pregnancy.

Work To Eliminate Heartburns

Most pregnant moms are unaware that heartburns can worsen asthma symptoms. Sleep in an elevated position, have small but frequent meals and eat two hours before sleeping to avoid heartburns. Also, consult your doctor when you need medication to eliminate heartburn. Remember, your goal is to control all triggers that can worsen your asthma symptoms during pregnancy.

Receive Flu Shots

Did you that that contracting flu can alleviate your asthma symptoms? E Medicine Health advises moms to receive a flu shot every year. Not only will you prevent influenza, but also severe asthma attacks, thereby managing the symptoms.

Continue With Allergy Shots

If you started receiving allergy shots before pregnancy and suffered no severe allergic reaction, do not discontinue them. Ensure your doctor learns about your pregnancy. The doctor may opt to reduce the dosage of allergy shots for pregnant moms.

RELATED: Why It's Necessary To Control Your Asthma During Pregnancy

Can one start receiving allergy shots during pregnancy? No, doctors do not recommend this. Allergy shots can lead to severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. Suffering from anaphylaxis during pregnancy can be fatal for a pregnant mom and her baby.

Take Asthma Medication

Do you know why moms have severe asthma symptoms in the first trimester? Because they stop taking their medication once they realize they are pregnant. Would you rather experience severe asthma symptoms than use medication? Mayo Clinic recommends taking medication as the safest alternative. If you are worried about taking asthma medication when pregnant, call your doctor to erase the fears. You will be pleased to learn that most of these drugs are safe to use during pregnancy.

Take corticosteroids, for example. The drug prevents asthma symptoms by inhibiting swelling, inflammation, and mucus. It is efficient when inhaled or ingested. Leukotriene inhibitors, too, are effective and safe to take during pregnancy. They block leukotrienes, which are responsible for nasal congestion, swelling, and inflammation. Moreover, always carry rescue asthma medications. They include inhalers, anticholinergic agents, and oral corticosteroids.

You must take the drugs as per your doctor's prescription. Avoid adjusting, reducing, or stopping the dose. Speak to your doctor when you are unsure of the medication.

Create An Action Plan

Mayo Clinic recommends that moms request their doctor to help them create an action plan. This is an effective way to manage asthma symptoms. The program is tailored to meet your specific needs. You need to track your asthmatic symptoms, your lungs, and medication.

Keep a daily record of how you feel. Take note of the days you experience shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in the chest, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, or color changes. Keeping a written record of your symptoms during pregnancy will help you keep track of well-controlled and poor-controlled days. If your history proves you have two asthma attacks a week, your symptoms are well managed.

Have Regular Check-ups

Asthma and Allergy Foundation in America recommends regular check-ups as another way to control allergy symptoms during pregnancy. Your doctor will monitor your lungs and the severity of the symptoms. They will decide about switching your prescription to inhalers, prednisone, and corticosteroids, depending on severity.

When To Visit A Doctor

Pregnant moms can manage their asthma symptoms during pregnancy. However, if they have any of the following symptoms, they need to visit their doctor.

  • A mom has non-stop coughing.
  • She has difficulty speaking and breathing.
  • Mom has shortness of breath: This means the baby is getting inadequate oxygen too.
  • Her face looks pale and sweaty.

NEXT: Uncontrolled Asthma Is The Most Common Pre-Existing Medical Condition In Pregnancy

Sources: Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Asthma, and Allergy Foundation In America, E Medicine Health, March Of Dimes, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.