Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by:

• Airway obstruction that is reversible either spontaneously or with treatment
• Airway inflammation
• Increased airway responsiveness to a variety of stimuli
• Airway remodeling

Asthma is neither a contagious disease nor a psychological disease. Scientific studies show that bronchial (airway) inflammation is present in all asthmatics, even if they do not have symptoms. Not recognizing the severity of the asthma episode places you at higher risk because treatment is often delayed. Asthma is a chronic disease. People with chronic illnesses are more likely to have problems with depression and despair if they do not learn how to cope effectively. You are at higher risk if you have difficulty accepting your asthma and its treatment. Although asthma is not curable, it usually can be well-controlled.

Asthma types and Classifications:

Mild Intermittent Asthma

• Symptoms of cough, wheeze, chest tightness or difficulty breathing less than twice a week
• Flare-ups-brief, but intensity may vary
• Nighttime symptoms less than twice a month
• No symptoms between flare-ups
• Lung function test FEV1 equal to or above 80 percent of normal values
• Peak flow less than 20 percent variability AM-to-AM or AM-to-PM, day-to-day.

Mild Persistent Asthma

• Symptoms of cough, wheeze, chest tightness or difficulty breathing three to six times a week
• Flare-ups-may affect activity level
• Nighttime symptoms three to four times a month
• Lung function test FEV1 equal to or above 80 percent of normal values
• Peak flow less than 20 to 30 percent variability.

Moderate Persistent Asthma

• Symptoms of cough, wheeze, chest tightness or difficulty breathing daily
• Flare-ups-may affect activity level
• Nighttime symptoms 5 or more times a month
• Lung function test FEV1 above 60 percent but below 80 percent of normal values
• Peak flow more than 30 percent variability.

Severe Persistent Asthma

• Symptoms of cough, wheeze, chest tightness or difficulty breathing continual
• Nighttime symptoms frequently
• Lung function test FEV1 less than or equal to 60 percent of normal values
• Peak flow more than 30 percent variability.

The level of asthma severity will determine what types of medicine you will need to get your asthma under control.