Differences from 1991 Expert Panel Report Severity classifications were changed from mild, moderate, and severe to mild intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent, and severe persistent. Examples of questions to use for diagnosis and initial assessment of asthma were added. Information on wheezing in infancy and vocal cord dysfunction was expanded in the differential diagnosis section. Criteria for referral were refined with input from specialty and primary care physicians. The guidelines to help establish a diagnosis of asthma presented in this component are based on the opinion of the Expert Panel.
Airflow obstruction is at least partially reversible.
Alternative diagnoses are excluded. Each of these methods of assessment is described in this section. Clinical judgment is needed in conducting the assessment for asthma. Patients with asthma are heterogeneous and present signs and symptoms that vary widely from patient to patient as well as within each patient over time. Additional Studies Differential Diagnosis of Asthma General Guidelines for Referral to an Asthma Specialist Box 1.