Asthma and allergies in pregnancy.

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.