One measure of asthma severity has been the number, type and frequency of medications used to control symptoms. The Medication Use Index was developed in Canada and can be used for population research.
Number of Drugs
Description
Asthma Severity
1
inhaled bronchodilator <= 4 puffs per day during period
mild
1
inhaled bronchodilator > 4 puffs per day during period
moderate
1
inhaled anti-inflammatory drug with dosage not exceeding (<=) the equivalent of beclomethasone 800 µg per day
moderate
2
neither an oral corticosteroid; if one or both medications is an inhaled anti-inflammatory agent, the combined dose did not exceed the equivalent of beclomethasone 800 µg per day
moderate
1
inhaled anti-inflammatory drug with dosage greater than the equivalent of beclomethasone 800 µg per day
severe
2
at least one is an inhaled anti-inflammatory drug; dosage greater than the equivalent of beclomethasone 800 µg per day
severe
>= 3
one was an inhaled anti-inflammatory agent
severe
>= 1
oral corticosteroids
severe
Inhaled anti-inflammatory agents include:
(1) budesonide
(2) beclomethasone
(3) flunisolide
(4) triamcinolone
(5) fluticasone
(6) cromolyn
(7) nedocromil.
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