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Asthma and the Menstrual Cycle
Throughout childhood, asthma is generally more common in boys than in girls. This trend reverses during puberty when more girls develop asthma for the first time. Some girls find their asthma is worse around the time their period starts. However, other factors such as the pressures of starting a new school and emotional stress need to be taken into account. Symptoms usually settle down once their menstrual cycle becomes established.
However, some women may find that their asthma worsens before their period.
If you have noticed that your asthma is harder to control at certain times of the month, you are not alone Studies have shown that around one third of women think their symptoms are worse just before or during menstruation. This link seems to be stronger in women with severe asthma.
The following is useful advice:
* Keep a peak flow diary to help you see if your periods are affecting your asthma.
* If over a few months you notice your asthma consistently gets worse before your period, go and see your doctor or practice nurse. They may advise you to take extra preventer treatment during the week before your period.
* Some women who experience very severe premenstrual attacks may benefit from progesterone hormone therapy. Your doctor will be able to advise is this is appropriate for you.
* Aspirin and similar non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-eg Nurofen, Ponstan- used for period pain may induce an asthma attack in some people. Paracetamol is usually safe for period pain. If you take regular medication for period pain check with your doctor.
Asthma and the Contraceptive Pill
Your asthma treatment is just as effective when you are taking the pill. As with all women taking the pill, it is best if you do not smoke and have your blood pressure checked regularly.
Asthma in the Menopause
Your asthma may become troublesome during the menopause. It is important to keep an eye on your asthma at this time and discuss any problems you might have with your doctor or asthma nurse.
For some women with asthma, the chances of suffering from osteoporosis (brittle bones)
are slightly higher than average. Studies have shown that taking steroid tablets continually or high doses of inhaled steroids for a number of years may increase the risk of osteoporosis.
You can reduce the risk of side effects from inhaled steroids by-
* Using a spacer to take your inhaled steroid medication.
* Rinsing your mouth out after taking your steroid inhaler.
In order to prevent osteoporosis you should ensure your diet contains calcium-rich foods such as yoghurts, cheese, bread and milk; take regular weight-bearing exercise such as running, light weight-training or walking; stop smoking, as it can bring on premature menopause and the risk of fractures; and drink alcohol only moderately.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often prescribed for women with the menopause. One of its main jobs is to slow down bone loss and it may even reverse some of the bone changes of osteoporosis. If you and your doctor decide that HRT is not appropriate, ask about other treatments using bisphosphonates, which may reduce the risk of bone thinning.
A recent American study caused alarm by suggesting that women taking HRT are more likely to develop asthma. But this research is not considered conclusive. Most medical experts agree that the health benefits of taking HRT far outweigh the possible risks. Don’t be afraid of taking HRT if your doctor prescribes it. If you already have asthma, your doctor will consider your asthma medication when he or she decides whether or not to prescribe HRT.
Your questions answered:
Will the steroids I take for asthma make me gain weight?
For most people, a regular dose of steroid inhaler , which is all that is needed to control asthma, will not make you put on weight. However, steroid tablets contain a higher dose of steroid than an inhaler. The tablets themselves will not make you put on weight. However, they can make you feel hungry and if you eat more, naturally you will gain weight. Stick to your usual eating habits, take regular exercise, and you should be fine.
Will complementary medicine help my asthma?
Many people find that complementary therapies-e.g. yoga, acupuncture, homeopathy, improve asthma symptoms. However, there is little scientific evidence that complementary treatments used on their own are effective. That is why it is better to regard them as “complementary”, that is additional, rather than “alternative” If you want to try one of the many complementary therapies available tell your doctor but do not stop taking your normal medication.
Should I eat a special diet if I have asthma?
You should not need to follow a special diet if you have asthma. Whether or not asthma is related to food allergy is a controversial issue. Some experts say there is no proven link between asthma and food allergy but others disagree. The foods that may possibly cause a problem are cow’s milk, nuts, and shellfish, fish and yeast products. If you think you have a food allergy, consult your doctor. He or she may ask you to keep a diary of your diet and your symptoms to see if there is as consistent relationship between the two.
Will my asthma interfere with my sex life?
There is no reason why people with asthma should not have a completely normal and healthy sex life. Sex can be strenuous, so you should approach it as you would any other form of exercise. Take a puff or two of your reliever inhaler beforehand. Barrier covers on pillows and bedding will also prevent the house dust mite allergen from irritating your airways.
For more information, contact the Asthma Society of Ireland on freephone, 1850 44 54 64.
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