The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued new guidelines for the treatment of pregnant women with asthma. The report reflects new medications and updates treatment recommendations based on a systematic review of data on the safety of these medications. The guidelines emphasize that controlling asthma during pregnancy is important for the health and well-being of the mother and development of the fetus. The report highlights the need for patients with persistent asthma to: have their symptoms checked at least once a month, identify and limit exposure to asthma triggers, have any conditions (e.g., sinusitis) that exacerbate asthma symptoms treated, and adjust medications as needed. The full report, "Managing Asthma During Pregnancy: Recommendations for Pharmacologic Treatment--Update 2004," is available online at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/lung/asthma/astpreg.htm.

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