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Morbidity in asthma in relation to the menstrual cycle
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Asthma symptoms, including wheezing and chest tightness, worsen in one-third of women during their menstrual cycle, particularly the premenstrual phase. This subgroup also experiences more severe asthma and higher hospitalization rates.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Women's Health
- Reproductive Endocrinology
Background:
- Asthma exacerbations can be severe and recurrent.
- Menstruation is a significant physiological event in women's lives.
- A potential link between asthma and the menstrual cycle warrants investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between asthma symptoms and the menstrual cycle in women with asthma.
- To identify characteristics of asthma patients whose symptoms are affected by menstruation.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among 57 women with asthma.
- Participants reported on asthma symptom severity in relation to their menstrual cycle.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to compare groups.
Main Results:
- 33% of women reported significant worsening of asthma symptoms during the premenstrual or menstrual period.
- Symptom exacerbation was most pronounced during the premenstrual phase, with increased dyspnea, wheezing, and chest tightness.
- Women with menstruation-related asthma worsening had more severe general wheezing and higher hospitalization rates.
- Dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome scores correlated with asthma symptom severity.
Conclusions:
- A subgroup of women with asthma experiences significant symptom exacerbation linked to their menstrual cycle.
- Menstrual cycle-related asthma exacerbations are associated with more severe asthma and increased healthcare utilization.
- Further research into hormonal influences on asthma is indicated.
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