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Your Child's Asthma: How Severe Is It?

Asthma can be graded based on symptoms. Those grades are a guideline for treatment. They'll help your child's healthcare provider decide if your child needs to take daily preventive medicine or use rescue medicines as needed. The provider will also treat your child based on their health history and current symptoms. The severity of your child's asthma is likely to change over time. The goal of treatment is always to have as few symptoms as possible.

Asthma severity

The 4 asthma severity levels are:

  • Intermittent asthma. Children with symptoms no more than 2 times a week. They don't have problems in between flare-ups. And they only have short flare-ups lasting a few hours to a few days. Nighttime symptoms happen less than 2 times a month.

  • Mild persistent asthma. Children with symptoms more than 2 times a week, but not daily. They may have activity levels affected by the flare-ups. Nighttime symptoms happen more than 2 times a month, but no more than once a week.

  • Moderate persistent asthma. Children with symptoms every day. They use their rescue medicine every day. They may have activity levels affected by the flare-ups. Nighttime symptoms happen more often than once a week.

  • Severe persistent asthma. Children with symptoms multiple times per day. They have a decrease in their physical activity, and often have flare-ups. They need rescue medicine a few times a day. Nighttime symptoms happen often.

Note: Any child with asthma can be at risk for severe problems (exacerbations) no matter the severity of their asthma. Be alert for symptoms getting worse. Always give your child medicines as instructed by their healthcare provider.

Online Medical Reviewer: Amy Finke RN BSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Deborah Pedersen MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Jessica Gotwals BSN MPH
Date Last Reviewed: 4/1/2022
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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