How is asthma managed in pregnancy?

How is asthma managed in pregnancy?

• A. Continue controller medications (ICS, LABAs), treat exacerbations with beta-agonists and systemic steroids
• B. Discontinue all controller medications
• C. Only treat with antibiotics
• D. Use only antihistamines

Answer: (A)

Keeping asthma under control during pregnancy is essential to prevent fetal hypoxia and obstetric complications. The best approach is to continue controller medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, and use a long-acting beta-agonist if it’s part of the regimen, to maintain baseline control. When symptoms flare, treat with inhaled short-acting beta-agonists and, if needed, systemic corticosteroids to prevent deterioration. Inhaled corticosteroids have a favorable safety profile in pregnancy, and LABAs are considered safe when used with ICS; stopping controller therapy increases the risk of exacerbations and poor outcomes. Relying on antibiotics alone or antihistamines does not address the underlying airway inflammation or provide adequate asthma control.

Keeping asthma under control during pregnancy is essential to prevent fetal hypoxia and obstetric complications. The best approach is to continue controller medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, and use a long-acting beta-agonist if it’s part of the regimen, to maintain baseline control. When symptoms flare, treat with inhaled short-acting beta-agonists and, if needed, systemic corticosteroids to prevent deterioration. Inhaled corticosteroids have a favorable safety profile in pregnancy, and LABAs are considered safe when used with ICS; stopping controller therapy increases the risk of exacerbations and poor outcomes. Relying on antibiotics alone or antihistamines does not address the underlying airway inflammation or provide adequate asthma control.