Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the body's bronchial (airway) tissues. People with asthma experience shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), asthma affects up to 8 percent of pregnant women and approximately 30 percent experience a worsening of asthma during pregnancy.

Asthma can decrease the amount of oxygen in a person's blood. Because the fetus depends on oxygen, uncontrolled asthma can lead to low birth weight. Women who properly manage their asthma during pregnancy, however, are not believed to have an increased risk for maternal or infant complications.

Because past research has shown a direct correlation between uncontrolled asthma and pregnancy complications, the AAAAI is recommending that pregnant women with asthma consult an allergist/immunologist as soon as possible to discuss the best way to manage their asthma.

Specialists will work with a mother's obstetrician to prescribe medications that are safe to use during pregnancy. They can also monitor the patient throughout the pregnancy to ensure that the treatments are effective and not causing undesired side effects. Most inhaled asthma medications are thought to be safe for use during pregnancy. However, oral asthma medications should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

The AAAAI is also encouraging pregnant women with allergic rhinitis (an inflammation of the inner lining of the nose that occurs when an allergic individual encounters an airborne allergen), sinusitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the paranasal sinuses) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, a chronic condition that results when acid in the stomach moves backward into the esophagus) to have these conditions treated as well. These conditions often worsen during pregnancy and can aggravate asthma. Allergists/immunologists can help patients manage these conditions, as well as asthma.

Asthma symptoms intensify during an asthma attack, which occurs when exposure to allergens or other stimuli further inflame the airways, leading to an inability to expel trapped air from the lungs. Therefore, the AAAAI are also reminding pregnant women to avoid asthma triggers such as allergens (e.g., dust mites, animal dander) and irritants (e.g., cigarette smoke).

These recommendations were released by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) in a recent press release.

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