How asthma is classified

Asthma is divided into four types, based on the frequency of symptoms as well as lung-function studies. Your physician will determine the severity of your asthma based on this information. A person's asthma classification can change over time.

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Mild, intermittent asthma

• Symptoms occur less than two times a week and nighttime symptoms occur less than two times per month.
• Asthma episodes are brief, ranging from a few hours to a few days.
• Performance on lung-function tests is greater than 80 percent of usual.

Mild, persistent asthma

• Symptoms occur more than two times per week but not every day.
• Nighttime symptoms may occur more than two times per month.
• Episodes may affect activity.
• Performance on lung-function tests is greater than 80 percent of usual.

Moderate, persistent asthma

• Symptoms occur daily.
• Asthma episodes affect normal activity, occur more than two times per week, and may last for days.
• There is a reduction in lung function to between 60 percent and 80 percent of usual.
• Patient uses quick-relief medication daily.
• Patient experiences nighttime symptoms more than once a week.

Severe, persistent asthma

• Symptoms occur continuously with frequent nighttime symptoms.
• Normal daily activity is limited.
• Lung function is less than 60 percent of usual.

Though asthma cannot be cured, it can be controlled. Frequent symptoms, trouble sleeping, difficulty completing tasks, and trips to the emergency room can be avoided with preventive steps and appropriate treatment.