Asthma and reproductive medicine

Asthma is a common disease affecting approximately 5 percent of the population and is a major cause of disability. Research interest in the condition is high because of frequent reports that the incidence, prevalence, severity, and mortality rates have been rising in recent years. Although the etiology remains elusive, knowledge about its pathophysiology is extensive and detailed, which in turn has spawned an impressive array of effective and safe drugs to prevent and treat acute exacerbations. Pharmacotherapy is enhanced by appropriate environmental control measures and immunotherapy for the significant number of asthmatics with an allergic component to their disease. The pregnant asthmatic may pose special requirements for the small minority with severe corticosteroid-dependent disease or those subject to frequent attacks. However, the great majority of asthmatic women need not face much risk of adverse effects on the course of the pregnancy or significant fetal or perinatal abnormalities, as long as appropriate preventive measures and monitoring are taken.