Return to IndexStep 1: Taking Control of Your AsthmaStep 2: What is Asthma?Step 3: Know the SignsStep 4: How Asthma Is DiagnosedStep 5: The Levels of SeverityStep 6: Determine Your Goals and ExpectationsStep 7: Asthma DrugsStep 8: Drug Delivery DevicesStep 9: Understand Your Action PlanStep 10: Make "Peak Flow" a Habit!Step 11: Avoid Asthma TriggersStep 12: Visit Your Doctor RegularlyKey PointsGlossary
*Close Menu*
Return to IndexStep 1: Taking Control of Your AsthmaStep 2: What is Asthma?Step 3: Know the SignsStep 4: How Asthma Is DiagnosedStep 5: The Levels of SeverityStep 6: Determine Your Goals and ExpectationsStep 7: Asthma DrugsStep 8: Drug Delivery DevicesStep 9: Understand Your Action PlanStep 10: Make "Peak Flow" a Habit!Step 11: Avoid Asthma TriggersStep 12: Visit Your Doctor RegularlyKey PointsGlossary
*Close Menu*
| Step 5: The levels of severity |
|
Once the doctor takes a detailed medical history and runs some tests, the doctor can classify how severe your asthma is. This helps your doctor decide which treat is best for you. determine. Your asthma should be classified again at every office visit. There are four levels of severity:
IntermittentMild PersistentModerate PersistentSevere Persistent
| Click the buttons above to see the four levels of asthma severity. Asthma is classified based on how often symptoms occur during the day, how often they occur at night, and spirometry results. |
Take note
Regardless of your asthma's classification, any single asthma episode can range from mild to severe. This is true for anyone with asthma.
References
National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. Rockville, MD. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2007. NIH publications 08-4051.
 |
|
Review Date:
6/18/2008
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Alan Greene, MD, FAAP, Department of Pediatrics, Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief of Future Health, A.D.A.M., Inc. (5/16/2007)
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Alan Greene, MD, FAAP, Department of Pediatrics, Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief of Future Health, A.D.A.M., Inc. (5/16/2007)
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. 1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
