Mild Persistent Asthma-- Do You Know What It Means?
Updated December 21, 2014.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Question: What Is Mild Persistent Asthma?
Answer:
Mild persistent asthma is a level of asthma severity as outlined in the NHLBI's Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma, which doctors use to make management decisions for asthma. Your asthma severity will be classified in one of the following categories, based on your symptoms.
After assessing asthma severity, your asthma doctor will likely recommend a treatment based on it.
You will need a daily asthma medication with anti-inflammatory properties. In general, a low-dose inhaled steroid is the recommended first line treatment in mild persistent asthma, but Cromolyn, Nedocromil and Theophylline are possible alternatives.
If your asthma severity is worsening, it may be time to step up your asthma treatment. This is not uncommon, and asthma control may fluctuate over time.
If you found this article helpful please consider sharing it to your preferred social network with one of the social sharing buttons above or signing up for our free asthma newsletter to receive the latest asthma content.
Sources:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed: May 20, 2010. Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR3): Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Question: What Is Mild Persistent Asthma?
Answer:
Mild persistent asthma is a level of asthma severity as outlined in the NHLBI's Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma, which doctors use to make management decisions for asthma. Your asthma severity will be classified in one of the following categories, based on your symptoms.
- Intermittent
- Mild Persistent
- Moderate Persistent
- Severe Persistent
After assessing asthma severity, your asthma doctor will likely recommend a treatment based on it.
Asthma Classification: How Is Asthma Classified As Mild Persistent Asthma?
People with mild persistent asthma typically have asthma symptoms that occur almost weekly, but a single controller medication is usually sufficient to gain control. Your asthma severity is classified as mild persistent asthma when you:- Have asthma symptoms more than 2 days per week, but not daily
- Wake up from your asthma 3 to 4 nights per month
- Use your rescue inhaler more than 2 days per week, but not daily
- Have only minor interference with your daily activities
- Have a FEV1 greater than 80% of predicted or normal lung function most of the time
Treating Your Mild Persistent Asthma
You will need a daily asthma medication with anti-inflammatory properties. In general, a low-dose inhaled steroid is the recommended first line treatment in mild persistent asthma, but Cromolyn, Nedocromil and Theophylline are possible alternatives.
If your asthma severity is worsening, it may be time to step up your asthma treatment. This is not uncommon, and asthma control may fluctuate over time.
If you found this article helpful please consider sharing it to your preferred social network with one of the social sharing buttons above or signing up for our free asthma newsletter to receive the latest asthma content.
Sources:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed: May 20, 2010. Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR3): Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma
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