Classify Severity of Asthma
Because asthma is characterized by varying signs and symptoms, for appropriate treatment and monitoring, the severity of such signs and symptoms must be classified at the initial and all subsequent visits. Initially and before treatment has been optimized, clinical signs, symptoms, and peak flow monitoring or spirometry are used to classify severity (Table 2)
(Box 2). After the patient’s asthma is stable, severity is subsequently classified according to the level of medication required to maintain treatment goals.
Health-care providers should have the knowledge, equipment, staff or access to needed resources to aid in classification and proper management of all patients with asthma.
Classify Severity of Asthma
