The several possible triggers of asthma mainly clarify the diverse means in which asthma can be present. In most circumstances, in early childhood, from 2-6 years of age, the disease starts. In this age group, the asthma cause is every so often connected to allergen exposure, such as dust mites, tobacco smoke, and viral respiratory infections.
In very young children, less than 2 years of age, asthma can be hard to diagnose with confidence. Wheezing at this age frequently follows a viral infection and might disappear later, without ever leading to asthma. Asthma, nevertheless, can develop again in adulthood. Adult-onset asthma occurs more often in women, mostly middle-aged, and often follows a respiratory tract infection. The trigger in this group are typically non-allergic in nature.
Classifications of Asthma based on Severity
Asthma Classified based on severity are
- Intermittent.
- Mild persistent.
- Moderate persistent.
- Severe persistent.
Mild Intermittent Asthma
- Symptoms occur less than two times a week, and nighttime symptoms occur less than two times per month.
- Brief Asthma episodes (a few hours to a few days).
- Lung function tests are greater than 80% of expected values. Predictions are often made on the base of age, sex, and height.
Mild Persistent Asthma
- Symptoms take place more than two times per week but not every day.
- Lung function tests are greater than 80% of predicted.
Moderate Persistent Asthma
- A daily occurrence of symptoms.
- Asthma symptoms affect activity, occur more than two times per week, and may last for days.
- There is a reduction in lung function, with a lung function test range of 60% to 80% of predicted.
Severe Persistent Asthma
- Continuous symptoms, with asthma at night frequently.
- Limited activities.
- Lung function is decreased to less than 60% of predicted.