Your Child's Asthma: How Severe Is It?

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.