Impact of excessive gestational weight gain in first trimester of pregnancy on exacerbation of bronchial asthma

Background: Asthma is a common and potentially serious chronic disease that imposes a substantial burden on patients, their families and the community. Maternal obesity is associated with a higher risk of asthma exacerbation during pregnancy and also with a higher risk of asthma in the offspring. Gestational weight gain during pregnancy may affect maternal asthma through the same pro inflammatory mechanisms that cause childhood asthma. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to determine impact of excessive gestational weight gain in First trimester on exacerbation of asthma. Patients and methods: This study included 100 asthmatic patients who were classified into two groups 50 asthmatic patients with excessive gestational weight gain and 50 asthmatic patients with average weight gain. Results: In the present study, there is statistically significant difference between the studied groups regarding weight by the end of first trimester. Within each group, there is significant increase in body weight. Also, there is statistically significant difference between the studied groups regarding percent increase in body weight (significantly higher in excessive weight gain group). We also found that a substantial weight reduction postpartum is associated with low risk of a postpartum exacerbation. This corresponds to studies finding that weight loss in obese patients with asthma is associated with more than 50% remission of asthma symptoms, improvement in asthma control, together with an increase in lung function. Our findings of an increased risk of an exacerbation depending on GWG or postpartum weight retention suggest a link between fat mass,