(LifeWire) - Moderate persistent asthma is one of the four types of asthma. People suffering from moderate persistent asthma have daily asthma symptoms and nighttime symptoms more than once a week. Asthma attacks may affect the daily activities of people with this type of asthma.
How Asthma Is Classified as Moderate Persistent Asthma
According to the National Guidelines for managing asthma, severity of asthma is classified as moderate persistent according to the following factors:
- Frequency of symptoms (daily)
- Frequency of nighttime awakenings with asthma symptoms (more than once/week, but not nightly)
- Use of a quick-relief inhaler (daily)
- How much asthma interferes with daily activities (some limitations)
- Peak flow readings (peak flow is 60 to 80% of personal best)
- Whether asthma flares require use or oral steroids (at least twice a year)
Treating Moderate Persistent Asthma
Patients with moderate persistent asthma are generally treated with a combination of asthma medications. The first is a long-term control medicine, such as an inhaled corticosteroid, that reduces inflammation of the airways to prevent asthma symptoms and asthma attacks. The second medication, used in combination with the first, is a long-acting bronchodilator (an inhaler that opens up the airways).
People with asthma may find that their severity of asthma fluctuates over the years. That's the reason why the stepwise approach to treating asthma was developed. As severity fluctuates, so does medication and treatment, with the ultimate goal being to keep asthma under control.
Read more about the other types of asthma and their corresponding treatments.
Related Articles
Sources:
The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology Task Force. "Fact Sheet: Treating Asthma." /AAAAI.org./ American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. 12 Dec. 2007 <http://www.aaaai.org/patients/resources/fact_sheets/treating_asthma.pdf>
Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR-3): Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma-Summary Report 2007. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007 Nov;120(5 Suppl):S94-138
"How Is Asthma Diagnosed?" /National Heart Lung and Blood Institute/. May 2006. National Institutes of Health. 12 Dec. 2007 <http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Asthma/Asthma_Diagnosis.html>
Navarro et al. Asthma management guidelines: updates, advances, and new options. J Manag Care Pharm. 2007 Aug;13(6 Suppl D):S3-11.
Peters, Stephen, Jennifer McAllister, and Rodolfo Pascual. "Treatment of Moderate Persistent Asthma in Adolescents and Adults." /UpToDate.com/ 18 Sept. 2007. UpToDate Patient Information. 12 Dec. 2007 <http://patients.uptodate.com/topic.asp?file=asthma/13610>. (subscription)
