What are the Major Asthma Severity Criteria (MASH criteria)?

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Last updated: March 14, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

The Major Asthma Severity Criteria (MASH criteria) are not explicitly defined in the provided evidence, however, asthma severity can be assessed based on two key domains: impairment and risk, as outlined in the expert panel report 3 (EPR-3) guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma 1. The assessment of asthma severity is crucial for initiating therapy and adjusting treatment plans. According to the EPR-3 guidelines, asthma severity is determined by evaluating both impairment and risk domains, which include factors such as:

  • Impairment: frequency and intensity of symptoms, functional limitations, and lung function
  • Risk: likelihood of asthma exacerbations, progressive decline in lung function, or risk of adverse effects from medication The guidelines provide a stepwise approach for managing asthma, which includes classifying asthma severity based on the impairment and risk domains, and adjusting therapy accordingly 1. Key components of asthma severity assessment include:
  • Symptoms: frequency and intensity of symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath
  • Lung function: forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC)
  • Exacerbations: frequency and severity of asthma exacerbations, including those requiring oral systemic corticosteroids
  • Quality of life: impact of asthma on daily activities and overall well-being The EPR-3 guidelines emphasize the importance of assessing asthma severity and control in a comprehensive and ongoing manner, using multiple measures to evaluate different manifestations of the disease 1. In clinical practice, asthma severity is often classified into several categories, including:
  • Intermittent asthma: symptoms occur ≤2 days/week, and lung function is normal
  • Mild persistent asthma: symptoms occur >2 days/week but not daily, and lung function is slightly reduced
  • Moderate persistent asthma: symptoms occur daily, and lung function is moderately reduced
  • Severe persistent asthma: symptoms occur throughout the day, and lung function is severely reduced It is essential to note that asthma severity can vary over time, and treatment plans should be adjusted accordingly to achieve and maintain optimal asthma control 1.

From the Research

Major Asthma Severity Criteria (MASH criteria)

There are no research papers provided to assist in answering this question about the Major Asthma Severity Criteria (MASH criteria) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Available Information

  • The provided studies focus on various medical topics, including tranexamic acid treatment, airway and ventilation management, pulmonary complications, shared decision making in emergency departments, and multiple criteria decision analysis approach to consider therapeutic innovations in the emergency department.
  • None of the studies mention the Major Asthma Severity Criteria (MASH criteria) or provide relevant information on this topic.
  • Key points from the studies include:
    • The effects of tranexamic acid treatment in severely and non-severely injured trauma patients 2, 4
    • Airway and ventilation management during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and after successful resuscitation 3
    • Barriers, facilitators, and tools to promote shared decision making in the emergency department 5
    • Multiple criteria decision analysis approach to consider therapeutic innovations in the emergency department 6

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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