Prognosis

The risk is increased if the patient has

• three or more emergency department visits within the last 6 months ^a   
• difficulty performing work or other activities due to physical health within last 4 weeks ^a  
• left hospital within 24 hours without achieving 50% predicted PEFR ^a  
• hospital admission within 12 months ^b  

• The more risk factors present, the greater the risk of relapse. ^a  

The risk is increased in patients attending hospital with ^b  

• ≥1 life-threatening asthma attacks 
• psychosocial problems 

The risk is increased in patients in the community with    

• non-compliance with treatment  ^b  
• ≥1 life-threatening asthma attacks  ^b  
• ≥1 previous respiratory arrests  ^b  
• ≥1 hospital admission with asthma in last year  ^b   
• ≥1 attendance to an emergency department with asthma in last year  ^b  
• ≥3 categories of asthma drug prescribed in last year  ^b   
• regular beta-agonist use ^b