Re: Pill Causing Asthma?

[brn-eyd-grl.livejournal.com]

For disclaimher, and anyone else who is interested:

I emailed my professor (I'm studying to become a Respiratory Therapist) about the question of hormonal birth control possibly causing asthma (She has asthma, is always talking about asthma, and is an asthma educator, so I figured she would know.)



I would stand to reason that with hormone replacement therapy (estrogen
and progesterone) there might be an increase in asthma symptoms, since
these hormones mimic pregnancy. In many women when pregancy occurs their
asthma worsens. There is not a lot of literature as it relates to birth
control pills. However, I found a few references for the MD.

Haggerty CL, Ness RB, Kelsey S, Waterer GW: The impact of estrogen and
progersterone on asthma. Annals of Allergy and Immunology. 2003
Mar;90(3):284-91. This article concludes that both estrogen and
progesterone modify airway responsiveness.

Derimanov GS, Oppenheimer J: Exacerbation of premenstrual asthma caused
by an oral contraceptive. Annals of Allergy and Immunology. 1998
Sep;81(3)243-6. This article suggests that in some premenopausal women
contraceptive pills may, contrary to expected, produce exacerbations of
asthma.

Prof.K


Hope that helps!