Quality of life and asthma control in pregnant women with asthma

Abstract

Background Asthma is the most commonly occurring respiratory illness during pregnancy. Associations with complications of pregnancy and adverse perinatal outcome have been established. However, little is known about quality of life (QoL) in pregnant women with asthma and how it relates to asthma control particularly for Iran. Objective To determine the relationship between asthma related QoL and asthma control and severity. Methods We conducted a prospective study in pregnant women with asthma. We used the Asthma Control Questionnaire and the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) and the guidelines of the Global Initiative for Asthma for assessment of asthma severity. Results Among 1603 pregnant women, 34 were diagnosed with asthma. Of these 13 had intermittent, 10 mild, 8 moderate and 3 severe persistent asthma. There was a significant decrease of QoL with poorer asthma control (p = 0.014). This decline could be due to limitations of activity in those with poorer asthma control, which is underlined by the significant decline of QoL with increasing asthma severity (p = 0.024). Conclusion Although the majority of pregnant women with asthma had a favorable score in AQLQ, reduced QoL was related to increased asthma severity and poor asthma control. This underlines the importance of controlling asthma during pregnancy not only for the prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes but also for the preservation of QoL.

Asthma in pregnancy: a review of recent literature

“…In a database review from 2000–2018 of over 2 million deliveries, asthma was associated with severe maternal morbidity (aOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.45–1.55), preeclampsia and gestational hypertension (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.26–1.30), postpartum hemorrhage (aOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.19–1.24), caesarean delivery (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.15–1.18), gestational diabetes (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.18–1.21), venous thromboembolism (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.65–1.95) and preterm delivery (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.25–1.29). In addition to medical complications, a recent prospective study of pregnant Iranian women with asthma established that pregnant women with poorly controlled asthma report a worse quality of life [20].…”

Asthma in Pregnancy: A Critical Review of Impact, Management, and Outcomes

“…These improvements in symptom burden and psychological well-being contribute to a more positive and comfortable pregnancy experience. Pregnant women can engage more actively in their daily routines, enjoy a greater sense of normalcy, and experience reduced disruptions to their daily activities, ultimately resulting in an improved overall quality of life [40].…”

“…On the other hand, optimizing asthma control can have positive implications for long-term well-being. By effectively managing asthma during pregnancy, the mother can improve her quality of life and provide a healthier start for her child [40].…”

O manejo da asma durante a gravidez e suas consequências para a mãe e o infante

“…A asma é uma condição respiratória inflamatória crônica das vias aéreas inferiores que acomete mais de 300 milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo e afeta entre 8 e 13% das mulheres, tornando-se uma das condições crônicas mais prevalentes nesse período (FAZEL N, et al, 2021). A asma pode causar tosse, falta de ar, chiado no peito e dor torácica e essa realidade pode prejudicar significativamente a qualidade de vida, interferindo não só nas dinâmicas familiares e atividades sociais, mas também na capacidade de realizar exercícios físicos.…”