Moderate asthma in adolescents and adults means the presence of the symptoms of asthma on an everyday basis. The inhaler needs to be used often to relieve shortness of breath. The normal daily activities are affected by the tautness of the chest and persistent wheezing. Worsening of symptoms lead to heightened flare-ups which can affect sleep also if they happen more often at night.

The presence and extent of moderate persistent asthma are ascertained by the healthcare provider by enquiring about the family history, allergies, frequency and amount of symptoms, and their hindrance in normal daily activities and listening to the lungs.

• A chest X-ray to check infection and the condition of the lungs.
• Lung function tests such as spirometry to gauge the working capacity of the lungs.
• Allergy tests to find triggers of asthmatic attacks which could be pollen, dust mites, molds, or other things are carried out.

Persistent asthma treatment involves working out the best strategy to manage the symptoms and subsequently asthma. Persistent asthma treatment includes the following:

• Medications: The medicines can be injected, inhaled or taken orally as a pill. They are given to reduce inflammation in the lungs, clear the blockage in the airways and eventually making it easier to breathe. Medicines are required to ease the symptoms and to prevent future asthmatic attacks.
• Treatment for allergy: Exposure to pollen, dust, and other allergens generally triggers an attack of asthma. Medicines or shots are prescribed to control these.
• Follow an action plan: A plan for persistent asthma treatment is worked out in consultation with the healthcare provider which lists the medicines to be taken, the need to change the dosage when necessary, how to monitor the symptoms and how to use a peak flow meter which measures the ease of air flow in and out of the lungs.
• Identification and evading triggers: Abstaining from coming in contact with triggers such as dust, molds, and others.
• Managing health issues: Keeping a check on other problems which are likely to aggravate asthma-like sinus infections, sleep apnea, and others.

Persistent asthma treatment requires the patient to stay away from areas which are exposed to chemicals and passive smoke from cigarettes and they themselves also need to quit smoking.