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Asthma in pregnancy — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateRespiratory TherapeuticsAsthma in pregnancyGPhC CRA

A 35-year-old woman with well-controlled asthma on beclometasone 200 micrograms twice daily and salbutamol as needed attends the pharmacy. She mentions she has just found out she is pregnant. She is concerned about continuing her inhalers during pregnancy. What is the most appropriate advice?

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Correct answer: A — Continue both inhalers as uncontrolled asthma poses a greater risk to the pregnancy than the medications

Inhaled corticosteroids and short-acting beta-agonists should be continued during pregnancy. Poorly controlled asthma poses a greater risk to the mother and foetus than the medications themselves, including risks of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight. The BNF confirms that inhaled corticosteroids are not known to be harmful in pregnancy. Switching or stopping treatment could lead to loss of asthma control.

Reference: BNF; BTS/SIGN Guideline 158