Monitoring Asthma in Pregnancy: Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Asthma is one of the most common problems that complicate pregnancy. Several maternal and fetal complications make it difficult for the physician to treat asthmatic pregnant women. Asthma not only affects the maternal quality of life but also increases the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Managing asthma along with proper diagnosis should be given special emphasis during pregnancy. Pregnant asthmatic patients are at an increased risk of preterm birth, congenital malformations, respiratory disorders, and other complications. Thus, optimum management of asthma along with appropriate pharmacological therapies during pregnancy helps in improving asthmatic exacerbations. This review provides insights with regard to the diagnosis, management, and safety of commonly used medications of asthma during pregnancy.