Asthma Classifications Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following are classifications of severity in asthma? (Select all that apply)

Mild persistent (correct)
Moderate persistent (correct)
Intermittent (correct)
Severe persistent (correct)

What are the domains in asthma severity classifications?

Impairment and risk

What does impairment refer to in asthma?

The impact of asthma on quality of life and functional capacity in the present.

What does risk refer to in asthma?

Possible adverse effects in the future, such as exacerbations and progressive loss of lung function. Signup and view all the answers

How often do intermittent asthma symptoms occur?

2 or less days per week Signup and view all the answers

How often do people with intermittent asthma experience nighttime awakenings?

2 or less times per month Signup and view all the answers

How often do individuals with intermittent asthma use SABA to control symptoms?

2 or less days per week Signup and view all the answers

What impact does intermittent asthma have on normal lung activity?

None Signup and view all the answers

What are the lung function test results for someone with intermittent asthma?

FEV/FVC normal (B), Normal FEV between exacerbations (C), FEV greater than 80% of predicted (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended step for initial treatment of intermittent asthma?

Step 1 Signup and view all the answers

How often do symptoms occur in mild asthma?

More than 2 days per week but not daily Signup and view all the answers

How many nighttime awakenings are typical for mild asthma?

3-4 times per month Signup and view all the answers

How often do individuals with mild asthma use SABA to control symptoms?

More than 2 days per week but not daily and not more than once on any day Signup and view all the answers

What are the lung function test results for someone with mild asthma?

FEV more than 80% of predicted (A), FEV/FVC normal (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended step for initial treatment of mild asthma?

Step 2 Signup and view all the answers

How often do symptoms occur in moderate asthma?

Occurs daily Signup and view all the answers

How often do individuals with moderate asthma experience nighttime awakenings?

More than once a week but not nightly Signup and view all the answers

How often do individuals with moderate asthma use SABA to control symptoms?

Daily Signup and view all the answers

What are the lung function test results for someone with moderate asthma?

FEV/FVC reduced by 5% (B), FEV of more than 60% but less than 80% of predicted (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended step for initial treatment of moderate asthma?

Step 3 Signup and view all the answers

How often do symptoms occur in severe asthma?

Multiple times throughout the day Signup and view all the answers

How often do individuals with severe asthma experience nighttime awakenings?

Often nightly Signup and view all the answers

How often do individuals with severe asthma use SABA to control symptoms?

Several times per day Signup and view all the answers

What are the lung function test results for someone with severe asthma?

FEV of less than 60% of predicted (A), FEV/FVC reduced by 5% (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended step for initial treatment of severe asthma?

Step 4 or 5 Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Classifications of Asthma

Four primary classifications: Intermittent, Mild persistent, Moderate persistent, Severe persistent.
Classifications assess Severity based on two domains: Impairment and Risk.

Impairment

Measures asthma's current impact on quality of life and functional capacity.
Reflects how symptoms affect daily activities and normal lung function.

Risk

Addresses potential future complications from asthma, including exacerbations and progressive lung function decline.

Intermittent Asthma

Symptom frequency: Occurs 2 or fewer days per week.
Nighttime awakenings: 2 or fewer times per month.
SABA (Short-Acting Beta-Agonist) use: 2 or fewer days per week.
Impact on normal lung activity: None experienced.
Lung function tests:
- Normal FEV (Forced Expiratory Volume) between exacerbations.
- FEV greater than 80% of predicted values.
- Normal FEV/FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) ratio.
Initial treatment recommendation: Step 1.

Mild Asthma

Symptom frequency: More than 2 days per week but not daily.
Nighttime awakenings: 3 to 4 times per month.
SABA use: More than 2 days per week but not daily, with a maximum of once per day.
Lung function tests:
- FEV greater than 80% of predicted values.
- Normal FEV/FVC ratio.
Initial treatment recommendation: Step 2.

Moderate Asthma

Symptom frequency: Experiences symptoms daily.
Nighttime awakenings: More than once a week but not every night.
SABA use: Required daily to manage symptoms.
Lung function tests:
- FEV between 60% and 80% of predicted values.
- FEV/FVC ratio reduced by 5%.
Initial treatment recommendation: Step 3.

Severe Asthma

Symptom frequency: Symptoms present multiple times throughout the day.
Nighttime awakenings: Often occurs nightly.
SABA use: Several times per day to maintain control.
Lung function tests:
- FEV less than 60% of predicted values.
- FEV/FVC ratio reduced by 5%.
Initial treatment recommendation: Step 4 or 5.