1. Severe acute asthma.
- Author
-
Racusin DA, Fox KA, and Ramin SM
- Subjects
- Acute Disease, Anti-Asthmatic Agents adverse effects, Anti-Asthmatic Agents therapeutic use, Asthma diagnosis, Female, Humans, Infant, Low Birth Weight, Infant, Newborn, Maternal Mortality, Perinatal Mortality, Pre-Eclampsia, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Outcome, Premature Birth, Risk Factors, Asthma complications, Asthma therapy, Pregnancy Complications
- 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., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF