Asthma during pregnancy

Asthma is the most common chronic disease in pregnant women. The severity and control of asthma often evolve during the course of the pregnancy, in variable ways in different patients. Pregnancy, due to the many mechanical, hormonal and metabolic changes, influences the Course of asthma and the occurrence of exacerbations. Conversely, maternal asthma when severe and poorly controlled may increase the incidence of obstetrical and foetal morbidity. The possible mechanisms explaining the complex interaction between asthma and pregnancy, including maternal inflammation and foetal hypoxia, remain unclear, however. The potential implication of asthma medication use remains to be determined. Given the risk of poorly controlled asthma oil the well-being of mother and child, asthma control is a priority. Optimal management can decrease maternal inflammation, prevent exacerbations and improve maternal and foetal prognosis. (c) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.