23. Asthma
- John T. Queenan MD2,
- Catherine Y. Spong MD3,
- Charles J. Lockwood MD4
Published Online: 4 JAN 2012
DOI: 10.1002/9781119963783.ch23
Copyright © 2012 John Wiley and Sons, Ltd
Book Title
Queenan's Management of High-Risk Pregnancy: An Evidence-Based Approach, Sixth Edition
Additional Information
How to Cite
Schatz, M. (2012) Asthma, in Queenan's Management of High-Risk Pregnancy: An Evidence-Based Approach, Sixth Edition (eds J. T. Queenan, C. Y. Spong and C. J. Lockwood), Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford, UK. doi: 10.1002/9781119963783.ch23
Editor Information
- 2
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
- 3
Bethesda, MD, USA
- 4
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
Publication History
- Published Online: 4 JAN 2012
- Published Print: 24 FEB 2012
ISBN Information
Print ISBN: 9780470655764
Online ISBN: 9781119963783
- Summary
- Chapter
- References
Keywords:
- asthma, inflammatory disease of the airways;
- asthma in pregnancy, affecting 4–8%;
- maternal asthma, and perinatal mortality, preeclampsia risk;
- pregnancy effect on asthma, optimal intervention;
- airway obstruction in asthma, mucosal edema, bronchoconstriction;
- mechanisms for altered clinical course of asthma, unknown;
- infections in pregnancy, affect on gestational asthma;
- maternal use of bronchodilators, risk of infant cardiac defects;
- steps of asthma therapy, in pregnancy;
- chronic asthma, and acute asthmatic episode prevention
Summary
Recent data suggest that asthma affects 4–8% of pregnant women [1], making it probably the most common, potentially serious medical problem to complicate pregnancy. Moreover, the prevalence of asthma during pregnancy appears to be increasing [1,2]. Although data have been conflicting, the largest recent studies [3-6] have suggested that maternal asthma increases the risk of perinatal mortality, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and low-birthweight infants. More severe asthma is associated with increased risks [3,5], while better controlled asthma is associated with decreased risks [7-11]. The course of asthma may also change during pregnancy; some women improve while others worsen [12]. This chapter reviews the definition and diagnosis of asthma and the interrelationships between asthma and pregnancy as a prelude to discussing the management of asthma in pregnant women.