Allergy

As determined by the National Institutes of Health, the following is a guideline used by doctors to help determine the extent of asthma in your child. It is classified as "steps" because each child may step up or step down to different levels at any time.

The steps are as follows:

Step 1 or intermittent asthma: This group of children has symptoms no more than two times a week, do not have problems in-between flare-ups, and only have short flare-ups from a few hours to a few days. Night-time symptoms occur less than two times a month.

Step 2 or mild persistent: This group of children has symptoms more than two times a week, but not daily, and may have activity levels affected by the flare-ups. Night-time symptoms occur greater than two times a month, but no more than once per week.

Step 3 or moderate persistent: This group of children has symptoms every day, use their rescue medication every day, and may have activity levels affected by the flare-ups. Night-time symptoms occur greater than one time a week.
 

Step 4 or severe persistent: This group of children has symptoms multiple times per day, have a decrease in their physical activity, and have frequent flare-ups. Night-time symptoms occur frequently.