Levels of Asthma

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