A patient presents with asthma symptoms and a peak flow of 75%. Which classification does this fall under?

The classification of asthma is often based on the frequency of symptoms and the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) readings. In this case, the patient has a peak flow of 75%, which indicates a degree of airway obstruction affecting their ability to breathe effectively.

For asthma classifications, peak flow measurements can help determine the severity:

• Mild persistent asthma generally involves symptoms occurring more than twice a week but less than once a day, and peak flow rates are typically not below 80% of the patient's personal best.
• Moderate persistent asthma shows symptoms daily and affects daily activities, with peak flow readings often ranging between 60% to 80% of the personal best.
• Severe persistent asthma exhibits continuous symptoms throughout the day, frequent nighttime awakenings, and peak flows that are less than 60% of the personal best.
• Intermittent asthma involves symptoms occurring less than twice a week and peak flow readings usually above 80%.

Since the patient's peak flow is at 75%, it indicates a moderate reduction in lung function, which aligns with the criteria for moderate persistent asthma and differentiates it from the other classifications such as mild persistent or severe persistent asthma. The frequency and intensity of symptoms alongside the peak flow result support this classification.