Abstract
Premenstrual asthma (PMA), is a clinical situation that occuring in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, leading to worsening of asthma symptoms. Incidence of PM Syndrome, in women diagnosed with PMA, is significantly higher than the controls. The aim of our study is to determine the prevalence of PMA in women with asthma and to compare the distribution and severity of the premenstrual symptoms of this patients with healthy women.
In our study between the ages of 18-49 years, 30 asthmatic women and 30 healthy women were included. Patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire about the relationship of asthma and the menstrual cycle. Asthma symptom scores and PEF levels of the patients were measured twice a day for 12 weeks. To evaluate PMS, a questionnaire was administered to both groups. In premenstrual period, 33%of the patients define an increase in asthma symptoms whereas 26% of patients which is an increase in symptom score. During this period, only 16% of patients were diagnosed as PMA having 20% lower PEF levels in luteal phase than in follicular phase. PMS severity of the patients uncontrolled asthmatic women in this period was significantly higher than patients whose asthma symptoms do not change. The patients with PMA had significantly higher depressive symptoms and water retention than other asthmatic patients.
As a result, this study showed the importance of questioning the asthmatic women about their symptoms in premenstrual period and also it showed that patients, who are diagnosed as PMA, may need rearrengement of their asthma therapy in this period.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015
