Dictionary of Allergies .. Asthma and pregnancy

Asthma complicates 1% of pregnancies. Up to 7% of women of childbearing age manifest asthma. Pregnancy may alter the course of asthma. Factors potentially related to increase perinatal mortality and morbidity in the pregnancies of asthmatic women are: Poor asthma control, asthma medication, maternal extrapulmonary autonomic nervous system abnormalities, maternal smoking, black race. The medicolegal implications of treating asthma during pregnancy must be considered[1].

Îœaternal asthma is a source of questions and complications concerning both the progress of the pregnancy itself and the impact on the foetus. In this situation good asthma control is essential as the disease can deteriorate with acute exacerbations, possibly precipitated by reduction or even withdrawal of treatment on account of fear of teratogenicity. Background Even though asthma treatments are not totally harmless during pregnancy, their use has been validated by several studies and guidelines. To help clinicians, we undertake here a review of the complications induced by maternal asthma and its medications, and then suggest management guidelines according to the most recent publications[2].

The risks and benefits of asthma treatments should be explained in a real partnership between the patient and her general practioner and specialists (obstetrician, chest physician or allergist). In order to reduce complications to both mother and child, perfect control of asthma is required and inhaled steroids remain the treatment of choice for partially or uncontrolled asthma in the pregnant woman[2].

References

1.Schatz, M.: Asthma during pregnancy: interrelationships and management. Annals of Allergy, Vol. 68, p. 123, Feb. 1992.

2. Piette V, Demoly P. Asthma and pregnancy. Review of the current literature and management according to the GINA 2006-2007 guidelines. Rev Mal Respir. 2009 Apr;26(4):359-79