Asthma and allergies in pregnancy

Jason H. Kwah, Whitney W. Stevens*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Asthma is the most common respiratory disease observed in pregnancy and is estimated to occur in approximately 5– 8% of pregnant women. The course of asthma during gestation may be affected by normal physiologic changes associated with the pregnancy, environmental exposures, and adherence to medical therapy. Uncontrolled asthma poses serious risks not only to the mother but also to the fetus. However, if asthma is controlled, then most women have outcomes at or near that of the general population. Appropriate management of asthma during pregnancy includes evaluation of symptoms, regular monitoring of pulmonary function, and patient education with regard to the risks and benefits of medications. Overall, the advantages of treating asthma in pregnancy markedly outweigh any potential risks of standard medical therapies. Comorbid conditions, including allergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis of pregnancy, should also be managed during pregnancy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)414-417
Number of pages4
JournalAllergy and asthma proceedings
Volume40
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2019

Funding

the Ernest S. Bazley Grant to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern University

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Immunology and Allergy

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