Dismiss Modal

Management

Your Child's Asthma: How Severe Is It?

Choose a preferred language

Asthma can be graded based on symptoms. Those grades are a guideline for treatment. They'll help your child's healthcare provider decide if your child needs to take daily preventive medicine or use rescue medicines as needed. The provider will also treat your child based on their health history and current symptoms. The severity of your child's asthma is likely to change over time. The goal of treatment is always to have as few symptoms as possible.


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.

Featured in

© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Find a doctor that's right for you.

From routine check-ups to groundbreaking treatments and beyond, Crestner Health is here to help you live your healthiest life.

Search our doctors
Related Articles
Read article
Lung Health
Your Child’s Asthma: Taking Control

Asthma can't be cured, but it can be controlled. Get to know your child's asthma triggers and symptoms, and understand your child's treatment plan.

Read article
Lung Health
Your Child's Asthma: Away from Home

Your child will likely spend time at the homes of family and friends, at daycare, or at school. Read on to learn what you can do to make it easier for your child and for those who care for them.

Read article
Lung Health
Your Child's Asthma: Peak Flow Meters, Oximeters, and Spirometers

These 3 types of tools are used to measure how well your child's asthma is under control.

Read article
Lung Health
For Kids: Asthma and Exercise

If you have asthma, you can enjoy sports if you know how to do them safely. Here is how to put safety first.