Severe acute asthma

• Published in: Seminars in perinatology Vol. 37; no. 4; pp. 234 - 245
• Main Authors: Alex Racusin, Diana, MD, Anneliese Fox, Karin, MD, Ramin, Susan Marie, MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.08.2013
• Subjects: Acute Disease; Acute exacerbation; Anti-Asthmatic Agents - adverse effects; Anti-Asthmatic Agents - therapeutic use; Asthma; Asthma - complications; Asthma - diagnosis; Asthma - therapy; Female; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Management; Maternal Mortality; Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine; Outcome; Perinatal Mortality; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Outcome; Premature Birth; Risk Factors; Pregnancy; Management; Acute exacerbation; Outcome; Asthma
• ISSN: 0146-0005; 1558-075X
• DOI: 10.1053/j.semperi.2013.04.003

Abstract Asthma is common among women of reproductive age and affects between 4% and 8% of pregnant women. Pregnancy outcomes are correlated to the degree of asthma severity and control. Approximately one-third of pregnant women with asthma remain stable, a third will have improvement of their asthma, and a third will have worsening of the disease. Pregnant women with severe asthma are at markedly increased risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, preeclampsia, low-birth weight infants, and preterm delivery. A severe asthma exacerbation in a pregnant woman may be clinically daunting, however immediate intervention with appropriate supplemental oxygenation, medical therapy, and intubation if necessary can be life-saving. A focus on maternal well-being and pulmonary function in a pregnant asthmatic is essential to ensure optimal outcomes for both mother and her fetus. This article will provide an overview of asthma management, particularly in the acute care setting.