Asthma Severity

Classify asthma severity (intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent, or severe persistent) when asthma is diagnosed. The severity of asthma can be classified on the presence and/or frequency of: 

• Interference with normal activities

• Interference with sleep from repeated nocturnal awakening

• Need for intervention measures, such as increased use of inhaled bronchodilators and oral corticosteroids

• Urgent care visits or hospitalization

• Lung function

Use the age-appropriate treatment steps presented in the stepwise approach for initial controller treatment options. See:

• GINA 2023, Initial treatment choices by age1

• Box 3-6, 3-7, and 3-8 for presenting symptoms and initial treatment options for adults and adolescents 

• Box 3-9 and 3-10 and 3-11 for presenting symptoms and initial treatment options in children ages 6-11 years

• Box 6-6, Personalized management of asthma in children 5 years and younger (stepwise treatment steps)

• NAEPP 2020, Stepwise Approach for Management of Asthma in Individuals by age: 0–4 years (Figure 1.b), 5–11 years (Figure 1.c), and ≥12 years (Figure 1.d)2