The Effect of Asthma on Fertility
The Effect of Asthma on Fertility
Mouse studies have shown that systemic inflammation caused by asthma altered vascular reactivity elsewhere. A link between asthma and fertility has also been identified in women with endometriosis. Women with this disorder have a higher rate of asthma and allergy. In women with endometriosis, the precursors of leukotrienes are elevated in the uterus, and leukotriene receptor antagonists have proven effective in alleviating the dysmenorrhea of endometriosis. (Despite this link, the association between leukotrienes and premenstrual asthma flares remains unclear).
The authors of the present study suggest that the increased TTP is due to more spontaneous abortions among asthmatic women, as Blais and colleagues observed.
This study from Gade and colleagues suggests that treated and untreated asthmatics are at higher risk for subfertility (>1 year to pregnancy). It is not clear why, of the treated asthmatics, the subgroup treated with inhaled steroids is at even higher risk. Is that simply a marker for asthma severity?
It remains unclear whether treating asthma increases fecundity, but it is certainly standard to optimize asthma care for a patient who may soon be pregnant.
Abstract
How Could Asthma Affect Fertility?
Mouse studies have shown that systemic inflammation caused by asthma altered vascular reactivity elsewhere. A link between asthma and fertility has also been identified in women with endometriosis. Women with this disorder have a higher rate of asthma and allergy. In women with endometriosis, the precursors of leukotrienes are elevated in the uterus, and leukotriene receptor antagonists have proven effective in alleviating the dysmenorrhea of endometriosis. (Despite this link, the association between leukotrienes and premenstrual asthma flares remains unclear).
The authors of the present study suggest that the increased TTP is due to more spontaneous abortions among asthmatic women, as Blais and colleagues observed.
In Conclusion
This study from Gade and colleagues suggests that treated and untreated asthmatics are at higher risk for subfertility (>1 year to pregnancy). It is not clear why, of the treated asthmatics, the subgroup treated with inhaled steroids is at even higher risk. Is that simply a marker for asthma severity?
It remains unclear whether treating asthma increases fecundity, but it is certainly standard to optimize asthma care for a patient who may soon be pregnant.
Abstract