Risk Factors for Death From Asthma

History of Severe Exacerbations

• Prior history of sudden severe exacerbations
• Prior intubation for asthma
• Prior admission for asthma to an intensive care unit

Asthma Hospitalizations and Emergency Visits

• 2 or more hospitalizations in the past year
• 3 or more emergency care visits in the past year
• Hospitalization or emergency visit in the past month

Beta₂-agonist and oral steroid usage

• Use 2 or more canisters per month of short-acting inahled beta₂-agonist
• Current use of oral steroids or recent withdrawal from oral steroids

Complicating Health Problems

• Comorbidity (e.g., cardiovascular diseases or COPD)
• Serious psychiatric disease, including depression, or psychological problems
• Illicit drug use

Other Factors

• Poor perception of airflow obstruction or its severity
• Sensitivity to Alternaria (an outdoor mold)
• Low socioeconomic status and urban residence