DIAGNOSIS
Asthma is diagnosed based on symptoms, a physical examination, and lung function tests. Your doctor will get some information about the type and recurrence of your asthma symptoms and attacks. Tell your doctor if you have had skin inflammation, food hypersensitivities, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), nasal congestion, heartburn, or reflux before.
These tests may be requested:
- Spirometry
- Allergy testing
- Complete blood count, with eosinophils count
- Nitric oxide testing
TREATMENT
Treatment of asthma during pregnancy involves the following:
- Short-acting inhaled beta2-agonists are used to control acute symptoms, such as salbutamol
- Long-acting inhaled beta agonists, salmeterol and formoterol may be recommended during pregnancy for patients who not controlled on inhaled corticosteroids
- Budesonide is recommended as the inhaled corticosteroid of choice for use during pregnancy
- In some cases, oral or injectable corticosteroids, may be needed for severe asthma attacks