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alternative classification of asthma

Assessment criteria include: 1) assessment of impairment - symptom frequency - frequency of need for short-acting beta-2 agonist (does not include use for prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm) - interference with normal activity - results of validated questionnaires such as ACT - objective measures FEV1 of peak expiratory flow 2) assessment of risk - frequency of exacerbations - progressive loss of function - treatment-related adverse events Classification: 1) well controlled (all of the following) - symptoms occur <= 2 days/week - use of short-acting beta2 agonist <= 2 days/week - nocturnal awakenings <= 2/month - no interference with normal activities - ACT score >= 20 - FEV1 or peak expiratory flow > 80% of predicted (or personal best) - <= 1 exacerbation/year 2) not well controlled (any of the following) - symptoms occur <= 2 days/week, but not throughout the day - use of short-acting beta2 agonist > 2 days/week, but not several times/day - >= 3 nocturnal awakenings/month - some, but limited, interference with normal activities - ACT score of 16-19 - FEV1 or peak expiratory flow 61-79% of predicted (or personal best) - 2-3 exacerbations/year 3) poorly controlled - exceeds criteria of not well controlled (any)

References

  1. Geriatric Review Syllabus, 7th edition Parada JT et al (eds) American Geriatrics Society, 2010