How would you classify a 15-year-old male with worsening asthmatic symptoms and an FEV1 at 70% of predicted?

The classification of asthma severity in a patient is based on symptom frequency, lung function, and the need for medication. In this case, the 15-year-old male presents with worsening asthmatic symptoms and an FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in one second) at 70% of predicted.

A FEV1 of 70% indicates that the individual's lung function is reduced, which is a clear sign of obstructive airway disease. According to asthma classification guidelines, moderate persistent asthma is characterized by daily symptoms, nighttime awakenings occurring more than once a week (but not nightly), and an FEV1 between 60% and 80% of predicted values. This aligns with the patient’s symptoms and percentage of FEV1, confirming that he fits within the criteria for moderate persistent asthma.

In contrast, conditions like intermittent asthma would feature much less frequent symptoms and normal lung function, while mild persistent asthma involves symptoms more than twice a week but not daily, along with having a higher FEV1. Severe persistent asthma is marked by continual symptoms throughout the day, nighttime awakenings frequently, and an FEV1 less than 60% of predicted—criteria that are not met in this scenario.

Thus, the classification of moderate