Types of Asthma
Not all asthma is the same. As with many chronic conditions, asthma develops differently in each person. It’s important to understand the type of asthma you have so you can work with your healthcare provider to keep it under control.
What to Know About Asthma Severity Levels
What is severity? In simple terms, it's the intensity of your asthma. It can also be looked at as the least amount of treatment you need to maintain control. Different levels are determined by the frequency and severity of your symptoms, as well as the results of lung function tests, such as spirometrySpirometry measures how much air you can inhale and exhale from your lungs, as well as how quickly you can exhale air out of your lungs. It’s one of the most common tests for diagnosing asthma and is often done in your doctor’s office. and a peak flow meter test.A peak flow meter measures how fast you can push the air out of your lungs. It’s used to track your daily breathing so you can detect airway inflammation before your symptoms get worse. Consult your doctor before you purchase a device to find the one that’s right for you. Consult your doctor or asthma specialist to be tested and learn more about your severity level.
Severity is based on the level of treatment needed to control symptoms. Your doctor may assign severity level based on the most severe indicator.
A person in any severity level can have severe asthma attacks
Your severity level may change over time
To help determine your severity level, your doctor may ask questions such as:
- How often do you have symptoms?
- How often are you waking up at night?
- How often are you using your rescue inhaler?
- How many normal activities are you missing out on?
Intermittent Asthma
Intermittent asthma is the mildest form of asthma and has very little impact on your daily life.
Severity indicators without treatment:
Daytime Symptoms
Occur no more than 2 days per week
Do not interfere with daily activities
Use a rescue inhaler up to 2 days a week
Nighttime Symptoms
Occur two or fewer times a month
Lung Function Tests
Breathing tests are within normal range
Mild Persistent Asthma
Mild persistent asthma may have a minor impact on your daily life and your physical activity. It can often be controlled by using a rescue inhaler when necessary and with doctor-prescribed long-term controller medication.
Severity indicators without treatment:
Daytime Symptoms
Occur more than 2 days a week, but not more than once on any day
Minor limitations on daily activities
May have asthma attacks
Use a rescue inhaler more than 2 days a week , but not dailyFor ages 5 and up.
Nighttime Symptoms
May be awakened 3 to 4 times a month by asthmaFor ages 5 and up.
Lung Function Tests
Breathing tests are within normal range
Moderate Persistent Asthma
Moderate persistent asthma will likely put increased limitations on your daily physical activity and your lung function tests may show that your breathing is impaired. Your doctor may prescribe a long-term controller medication.
Severity indicators without treatment:
Daytime Symptoms
Occur daily
Increased limitations to daily activities
Some asthma attacks each year
Use a rescue inhaler every dayFor ages 5 and up.
Nighttime Symptoms
Awakening occurs 1 or more times a week but not nightlyFor ages 5 and up.
Lung Function Tests
Breathing tests show some limitations
Severe Persistent Asthma
If you have severe persistent asthma, you experience symptoms every day, may need a rescue inhaler several times during each day, and experience frequent asthma attacks that require oral corticosteroids.
Severity indicators without treatment:
Daytime Symptoms
Throughout the day
Extreme limitations to daily activities
Use a rescue inhaler several times a day, every day
Frequent asthma attacks
Nighttime Symptoms
Awaken every night
Lung Function Tests
Low scores on breathing tests
Find out More About Severe Asthma
Severe persistent asthma affects roughly 5% to 10% of all asthma sufferers and can have a significant impact on daily life. Long-term treatment is necessary, but with the help of your doctor, severe asthma can be controlled. These doctors are specially trained to treat asthma. They can help you find the right combination of medication and self-care to help manage your asthma.
Getting Tested for Your Asthma Severity Level
The best way to find out what type of asthma you have is to consult your doctor. Click the link below to learn more about having your asthma severity level tested.
