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Your Child's Asthma: How Severe Is It?

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.

Reviewed Date: 04-01-2022

Your Child's Asthma: How Severe Is It?

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.