Frequency of asthma as the cause of dyspnea in pregnancy

To estimate the prevalence of asthma among pregnant women with dyspnea.

Pregnant women referred for prenatal care visits who had complaints of dyspnea were included. All pregnant women were evaluated by a respiratory specialist. Spirometry was performed by a single trained physician.

Asthma was diagnosed in 38.8% of participants. Dyspnea was diagnosed as being physiologic in 36.4% of cases, but 24.8% of cases were of probable asthma (spirometric values were within normal range but symptoms and signs were suggestive of asthma). Cough, wheezing, and post-exercise symptoms were significantly more prevalent in asthmatic and probable-asthmatic women than in women without asthma.

Dyspnea in pregnancy can be physiologic, but when it is accompanied by other symptoms such as cough or wheezing it is likely to be caused by asthma. Because of the high prevalence of asthma during pregnancy, it seems logical to evaluate dyspnea via physical examination and response to bronchodilators.