Asthma and/or allergy shots?

Question

I have had allergy and asthma troubles since so was a teen. The past 2 years have been worse and I started allergy shots. My allergist says to not advance my dosage, but I've read several places that allergy shots were fine as long as they aren't started. Plus, my ob says use of my asthma medicines are ok, but I've read that it's not so good for baby. I take singular, zyrtec, pulmicort Inhaler, ventolin Inhaler, and duoneb with a nebulizer as needed. Should I get a second opinion? Anyone else on any of these asthma meds or allergy shots?

Answer

I do allergy shots and have occasional asthmatic flares due to my allergies. My allergist is fine with me getting shots as long as I stay at the current dose. I take singulair and Allegra for my allergies and I also have my ventolin to take as needed. Most of those inhalers you listed are category c and if your OB said they are okay I would still take them. You need those medications to breathe and take in enough oxygen for the baby's health as well as your own. Your OB has already done the research and the benefits outweigh the risks (if any) to your baby. But with that being said another doctor may have a different opinion entirely so it's a tough call to make.

Answer

I was diagnosed with severe persistant asthma just before getting pregnant and it was severely uncontrolled.. I wasn't eating any sleep at night and if I did I woke up not breathing and then coughing to catch my breath until I puked. It's still not quite under control but better. They told me it's more damage not getting enough oxygen than the asthma meds are. There is a slight chance (like 1 in 240 or something) of effects on baby but the risks to baby are much higher if you were to have an attack and cut off precious oxygen. Knowing that, I don't feel as scared anymore taking my massive amount of pills and inhalers everyday. I currently am taking Dulera, Spireva, 1 week of prednisone, Zyrtec, Flonase. I also have to use my rescue inhaler 3-4 times a day. Oh and I flush my sinuses..which is nasty and no fun at all!!

Answer

I am a severe asthmatic and have extensive allergies.  I've taken Xolair injections for 3.5 years and my doctor said the risk of going off of them is greater than the risk of being on them, during pregnancy.  There still isn't a lot of research so I am participating in a monitoring program from the company itself.   I also had to start Theophylline after finding out I was pregnant because my asthma flared.  It would be be great to not have to increase or be on meds while pregnant but I've had to come to terms that if I can't breathe then my baby can't either.   If you have to increase, follow your doctors guidance.  Those of us with chronic medical conditions sometimes have to make tough decisions.   I also have rescue meds (albuterol-neb, pro-air inhaler and Qvar preventive inhaler).  For the record, the Xolair injections changed my life.  On them I have been the heathiest I have been in my entire life.  Really a life altering medication for asthmatics and severe allergies.

Answer

I'm an LPN at an allergy office, and it is our practice protocol to not advance the dose while pregnant. We tell our patients that when they find out they are pregnant to let us know and we will remain at the same dose until delivery. Hope this helps :)

Answer

I was told to only use ventolin when absolutely necessary. My asthma has been horrible. I take my nebulizer when it gets really bad

Answer

I had to stop and my allergies are bad I love my shots they helped so much.

Answer

I use albuteral and ipratropium bromide mixed 2x a day until I feel like my asthma is under control.

Asthma and/or allergy shots?

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