Which SALSA pattern indicates severe persistent asthma?

Which SALSA pattern indicates severe persistent asthma?

• A. Symptoms all day with severe activity limitation, daily medication use, and nighttime awakenings one night per week or more
• B. Symptoms only with exercise
• C. Symptoms that occur only at night
• D. No symptoms

Answer: (A)

In SALSA patterns for asthma, severity is determined by how often symptoms occur, how much they interfere with daily life, nighttime awakenings, and need for medications. The description that says symptoms are present all day, there is severe activity limitation, daily medication use, and nighttime awakenings at least weekly best fits severe persistent asthma. That combination shows continuous symptoms with significant impact on daily function and a need for frequent treatment, which is the hallmark of the highest severity level. Descriptions of symptoms only with exercise point to milder, activity-related issues; symptoms only at night suggest nocturnal symptoms with little daytime impact (a milder form); and no symptoms indicates well-controlled asthma.

In SALSA patterns for asthma, severity is determined by how often symptoms occur, how much they interfere with daily life, nighttime awakenings, and need for medications. The description that says symptoms are present all day, there is severe activity limitation, daily medication use, and nighttime awakenings at least weekly best fits severe persistent asthma. That combination shows continuous symptoms with significant impact on daily function and a need for frequent treatment, which is the hallmark of the highest severity level.

Descriptions of symptoms only with exercise point to milder, activity-related issues; symptoms only at night suggest nocturnal symptoms with little daytime impact (a milder form); and no symptoms indicates well-controlled asthma.