What are the different levels of asthma? These guidelines were established by the National Institutes of Health so that physicians can determine the extent of your child’s asthma.

Step 1 – mild intermittent asthma

Symptoms fewer than two times a week
Does not have problems between flare-ups
Only has short flare-ups from a few hours to a few days
Experiences nighttime symptoms fewer than twice a month

Step 2 – mild persistent asthma

Symptoms more than two times a week, but no more than once a day
His or her activity levels may be affected by the flare-ups
Experiences nighttime symptoms more than twice a month

Step 3 – moderate persistent asthma

Symptoms every day
Uses his or her rescue medication every day
Has flare-ups twice a week or more
His or her activity levels may be affected by the flare-ups
Experiences nighttime symptoms more than once a week

Step 4 – severe persistent asthma

Constant symptoms
Has a decrease in physical activity
Has frequent flare-ups
Experiences nighttime symptoms frequently

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Updated 2/7/06