Asthma Management During Pregnancy

Abstract

Background Asthma is one of the leading chronic medical problems exacerbated during pregnancy, and this condition affects approximately 3% to 8% of the pregnant population. The health care team needs to be educated on factors that may trigger an exacerbation of asthma in pregnancy, appropriate management, treatment techniques to share with their patients, and the complications that an exacerbation of maternal asthma may pass on to the newborn. The goal for all asthmatic patients is to remain asymptomatic during pregnancy to assist in improving maternal and newborn outcomes. Case A 30‐year‐old, G4P1 woman at 27 weeks gestation was transported by air to our large Level‐III Mid Atlantic trauma center from a satellite medical emergency department with status asthmaticus for further management. Presenting with possible influenza virus, her history included asthma, positive cigarette use, and a recent respiratory infection. Her respiratory status worsened upon arrival, and she exhibited severe hypoxemia and required intubation. Deterioration in maternal and newborn status prompted obstetricians to make the decision to deliver the infant via cesarean to improve the outcomes for mother and newborn. Unfortunately, the mother did not survive the recovery phase. This event indicated a need for the health care team to refresh their knowledge on current triggers, treatment and management techniques, and the neonatal complications related to exacerbation of asthma during pregnancy. Conclusion Asthma is a chronic medical condition that complicates pregnancy. Roughly one third of the symptoms of pregnant women improve, one third remain the same, and one third worsen. Health care providers need to diligently monitor their patients for signs and symptoms of exacerbation. Management strategies should focus on identifying risk factors, educating the patient and the health care team, and improving communication skills to guarantee successful outcomes for mother and fetus. Asthma is one of the leading chronic medical problems exacerbated during pregnancy, and this condition affects approximately 3% to 8% of the pregnant population. The health care team needs to be educated on factors that may trigger an exacerbation of asthma in pregnancy, appropriate management, treatment techniques to share with their patients, and the complications that an exacerbation of maternal asthma may pass on to the newborn. The goal for all asthmatic patients is to remain asymptomatic during pregnancy to assist in improving maternal and newborn outcomes. A 30‐year‐old, G4P1 woman at 27 weeks gestation was transported by air to our large Level‐III Mid Atlantic trauma center from a satellite medical emergency department with status asthmaticus for further management. Presenting with possible influenza virus, her history included asthma, positive cigarette use, and a recent respiratory infection. Her respiratory status worsened upon arrival, and she exhibited severe hypoxemia and required intubation. Deterioration in maternal and newborn status prompted obstetricians to make the decision to deliver the infant via cesarean to improve the outcomes for mother and newborn. Unfortunately, the mother did not survive the recovery phase. This event indicated a need for the health care team to refresh their knowledge on current triggers, treatment and management techniques, and the neonatal complications related to exacerbation of asthma during pregnancy. Asthma is a chronic medical condition that complicates pregnancy. Roughly one third of the symptoms of pregnant women improve, one third remain the same, and one third worsen. Health care providers need to diligently monitor their patients for signs and symptoms of exacerbation. Management strategies should focus on identifying risk factors, educating the patient and the health care team, and improving communication skills to guarantee successful outcomes for mother and fetus.