Asthma A to Z - Asthma Classifications

The results of your physical exam and diagnostic tests can help your provider classify the severity of your asthma. There are two general classifications of asthma. The first is called intermittent asthma and is considered the mildest form of asthma. When uncontrolled, this type of asthma causes symptoms up to two days a week, and up to two nights a month. These symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Night symptoms also include night waking.

The second classification is called chronic asthma. Patients with asthma that falls under this classification experience the symptoms of coughing, wheezing or chest tightness at least two to four times per week.

Chronic asthma is further categorized based on the number of times per week and per month that symptoms are experienced. For example, mild persistent asthma is characterized by symptoms occurring more than two to four times per week, with night symptoms occurring two to four nights per month.

Moderate persistent describes the subcategory of chronic asthma where symptoms are experienced every day or more than one night a week.

A final subcategory of chronic asthma is known as severe persistent asthma. This is the most severe form of asthma, causing symptoms throughout the day on most days and frequently at night.

The classification of your condition helps your provider determine what treatment plan will work best for you.