Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

Risk of Future Asthma Exacerbations

People with asthma have a higher risk for more severe exacerbations in the future if they have or have had the following:

  • Current uncontrolled asthma;
  • Severe exacerbations ≥ 1/year;
  • Exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids ≥ 2/year;
  • Emergency care visits for asthma ≥ 2/year;
  • Any hospitalization for asthma in the past year.

If any one of the above parameters is met, then the person is at an increased risk of experiencing an asthma exacerbation. The greater the number of parameters that are exceeded, the greater the risk that the person will experience a severe exacerbation in the future. Therefore, closer monitoring and regular follow-up care is required.

Chronic Disease
Adult Asthma Care Guidelines for Nurses: Promoting Control of Asthma
Point of Care Resources