[Treatment strategies in rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma during pregnancy].

BACKGROUND

The incidence of asthma is high, especially in young people, a population group that includes women of reproductive age. We reviewed recent publications on asthma control during pregnancy to avoid undesired effects on both the mother and fetus. The prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis is also high, although this disease is often under-treated by physicians. The use of beta2-agonists, corticoids (systemic/inhaled/nebulized), epinephrine and specific allergen immunotherapy is discussed.

METHODS

We reviewed recent publications on asthma during pregnancy as well as other articles of interest. Articles providing data on drug therapy, overall strategies and patient education were selected. Sufficient drugs are available for the management of this disease and under-treatment cannot be justified.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy is not a disease, but constitutes a period when special care must be taken with underlying diseases. The aim of asthma treatment during pregnancy is to prevent fetal complications due to the effects of medication and asthma crises by keeping the mother symptom free and preventing possible exacerbations. Almost all authors agree that asthma crises in pregnant women should be treated no differently from those in non-pregnant women. Treatment of rhinoconjunctivitis should not be stopped during pregnancy since a wide variety of FDA category B drugs is available. Specific allergen immunotherapy should not be suspended during pregnancy as it is not contraindicated. However, this therapy should not be initiated during pregnancy.