Calculators & Tools

PASS — Pediatric Asthma Severity Score

Three-item bedside severity score for an asthma exacerbation.

1 What is the PASS — Pediatric Asthma Severity Score?

The PASS — Pediatric Asthma Severity Score is a respiratory scoring tool used in paediatric practice. Three-item bedside severity score for an asthma exacerbation. It scores 3 criteria and interprets the total across 3 bands, so the number always arrives with the severity it implies rather than on its own. In PediAid each criterion is shown as a labelled option with the weight it carries, so the total can be checked rather than taken on trust.

2 When to use it

  • Grading severity at the bedside in respiratory
  • Recording an objective severity band in the case notes
  • Deciding when a total crosses the threshold for escalation
  • Re-scoring to track whether a child is improving or deteriorating
  • Checking the exact criteria of a score used infrequently

3 Formula & method

The score sums 3 criteria: Wheezing; Work of breathing / retractions; Prolonged expiration. Totals are then banded: any score - Mild: pASS 0-1 - mild exacerbation. Short-acting beta-agonist and reassess; 2 points or more - Moderate: pASS 2-3 - moderate exacerbation. Bronchodilators plus systemic corticosteroid; 4 points or more - Severe: pASS 4-6 - severe exacerbation. Intensive bronchodilator therapy, steroids, oxygen, consider magnesium and admission.
  • Total range 0-6.
  • Source: Gorelick MH et al. Performance of a novel clinical score, the Pediatric Asthma Severity Score (PASS). Acad Emerg Med 2004;11:10-18.

4 Frequently asked questions

How many criteria does the PASS — Pediatric Asthma Severity Score use?

3. They are Wheezing; Work of breathing / retractions; Prolonged expiration.

What do the bands of the PASS — Pediatric Asthma Severity Score mean?

The total is interpreted as: any score - Mild: pASS 0-1 - mild exacerbation. Short-acting beta-agonist and reassess; 2 points or more - Moderate: pASS 2-3 - moderate exacerbation. Bronchodilators plus systemic corticosteroid; 4 points or more - Severe: pASS 4-6 - severe exacerbation. Intensive bronchodilator therapy, steroids, oxygen, consider magnesium and admission.

Does the score replace clinical judgement?

No. It is a structured way to record and communicate severity. A clinician concerned about a child should act on that concern regardless of the total.

Where does this score come from?

Total range 0-6.

Does it work offline?

Yes. Score definitions are bundled with the PediAid app, so the score computes without a connection.

For qualified clinicians. This page and the PediAid app are a clinical aid only. Calculations and reference data must be verified against the patient's clinical context, the source guideline and your local protocols before any treatment decision is made.