Hanh, a 42-year-old woman 35 weeks pregnant, sought medical attention after experiencing shortness of breath and left chest pain. She initially believed these were common pregnancy symptoms. However, Doctor Pham Thi Le Quyen, Deputy Head of the Respiratory Department at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, diagnosed her with pleurisy caused by pneumonia. Imaging revealed a small amount of thin fluid in Hanh's left pleura and a consolidated lesion measuring 13.7 x 7.4 mm at the base of her lung. Doctor Quyen noted that shortness of breath in late pregnancy is often misleading. The enlarging uterus pushes the diaphragm upward, and the body's increased oxygen demand can make pregnant women feel breathless and breathe rapidly. Nevertheless, shortness of breath accompanied by chest pain, especially pain that worsens with deep breaths, can indicate underlying conditions such as: pneumonia, pleurisy, pulmonary embolism, cardiovascular disease, or an asthma attack.

Despite her history of bronchial asthma, Hanh presented with no fever or cough, and her initial symptoms were not severe. Given the minimal pleural fluid, which was not compressing her respiratory function, she received appropriate antibiotic treatment to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.

Doctor Quyen examines Hanh during her treatment. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

After 11 days, Hanh's chest pain subsided, and her health stabilized, leading to her discharge from the hospital. She was instructed to continue maintenance medication for bronchial asthma control, monitor her body's reactions, avoid tobacco smoke, keep her neck and chest warm, and maintain nasal and throat hygiene.

Doctor Quyen strongly advises pregnant women to seek early medical attention if they experience symptoms such as: chest pain, shortness of breath that does not improve with rest, pain increasing with deep breaths, fever, chills, severe cough, or phlegm. Delaying examination can lead to the severe progression of respiratory infections. Pregnant women should not self-medicate with antibiotics, cough medicine, asthma medication, or painkillers without a medical prescription.

Van Anh