The effect of dexamethasone on inflammatory markers of surgical stress: a randomized trial in robotic hysterectomy.

Bronchial asthma is one of the most common chronic illnesses, affecting approximately 300 million people worldwide []. In individuals with asthma, chronic inflammation of the airways leads to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The global prevalence of asthma is estimated to range between 1% and 18% []. Studies conducted in Turkey have reported prevalence rates between 1% and 16.8% [–]. While asthma is more common in males during early life, it tends to become more prevalent in females in later years []. Asthma is the most common pulmonary disease encountered during pregnancy []. Its prevalence among pregnant women worldwide is estimated to be between 3% and 12% []. However, not all cases of dyspnea during pregnancy should be attributed to asthma. Shortness of breath may also occur in non-asthmatic pregnant women, often due to hormonal changes—particularly the effects of progesterone—or mechanical factors. A key distinction between pregnancy-related dyspnea and asthma is the absence of accompanying symptoms such as cough and wheezing. Gestational dyspnea, which is not uncommon, has been reported in up to 70% of pregnant women []. Regarding the course of asthma during pregnancy, approximately one-third of patients show no significant change in clinical symptoms, while another third experience worsening symptoms, and the remaining third report symptom improvement [, –]. Although asthma exacerbations can occur at any stage of pregnancy, they are more frequently observed during the latter part of the second trimester. Fortunately, acute asthma attacks during labor are rare, likely due to the influence of endogenous corticosteroids. As a result, up to 90% of pregnant women with asthma give birth without experiencing asthma-related complications [].