Severe acute asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by airway hyper-responsiveness to various stimuli, resulting in partially or completely reversible airway obstruction. Pregnancy can affect the course of asthma, and uncontrolled asthma is associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Asthma is an episodic disease, and clinicians should be aware that appropriate assessment includes both subjective and objective measurement of impairment and risk. The goals of asthma management during pregnancy include: the optimal control of asthma symptoms, the attainment of normal pulmonary function, the prevention and reversal of asthma exacerbation, and the prevention of maternal and fetal complications and controlling factors contributing to asthma severity. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) constitute the cornerstone for long-term anti-inflammatory treatment of persistent asthma. Acute asthma exacerbations during labor and delivery are uncommon, but if they occur, they may cause substantial maternal and fetal distress.