GINA Asthma Control Classification
Classifies asthma control over the past four weeks with four questions.
When to use
Adults and adolescents with asthma at follow-up, to classify control over the past four weeks.
Pearls and pitfalls
- The four questions are daytime symptoms, night waking, reliever use and activity limitation.
- No criterion present means controlled asthma; one or two mean partly controlled; three or four mean uncontrolled.
- The classification guides treatment adjustment but does not replace assessment of exacerbations and risk factors.
- Ask about actual inhaler use and technique, not only the prescription.
0/4 criteria present
Asthma controlled
Keep treatment and reassess control periodically.
Formula
Count how many of the four criteria are present; 0 controlled, 1 to 2 partly controlled, 3 to 4 uncontrolled.
Evidence
Classification adopted by the Global Initiative for Asthma to assess control and guide treatment adjustment.
References
- Global Initiative for Asthma. Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention, 2025 update. https://ginasthma.org/reports/
Frequently asked questions
What is GINA Asthma Control Classification?
Classifies asthma control over the past four weeks with four questions. Adults and adolescents with asthma at follow-up, to classify control over the past four weeks.
How is the result calculated?
Count how many of the four criteria are present; 0 controlled, 1 to 2 partly controlled, 3 to 4 uncontrolled.
How should the result be interpreted?
Classification adopted by the Global Initiative for Asthma to assess control and guide treatment adjustment.
What are the sources?
Global Initiative for Asthma. Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention, 2025 update.