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Pediatric Asthma Score (PAS)

Five-domain severity score used to guide asthma pathway treatment.

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1 What is the Pediatric Asthma Score (PAS)?

The Pediatric Asthma Score (PAS) is a respiratory scoring tool used in paediatric practice. Five-domain severity score used to guide asthma pathway treatment. It scores 5 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 5 criteria: Respiratory rate (for age); Oxygen requirement; Auscultation; Retractions; Dyspnoea (speech). Totals are then banded: 5 points or more - Mild: pAS 5-7 - mild. Short-acting beta-agonist, reassess; usually suitable for discharge with a plan; 8 points or more - Moderate: pAS 8-11 - moderate. Frequent bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroid, observe; 12 points or more - Severe: pAS 12-15 - severe. Continuous bronchodilators, steroids, oxygen, consider magnesium and critical-care input.
  • Total range 5-15 (each domain scores 1-3).
  • Source: Kelly CS et al. / Pediatric asthma severity pathways - as implemented in paediatric asthma clinical pathways (e.g. Cincinnati Children’s).

4 Frequently asked questions

How many criteria does the Pediatric Asthma Score (PAS) use?

5. They are Respiratory rate (for age); Oxygen requirement; Auscultation; Retractions; Dyspnoea (speech).

What do the bands of the Pediatric Asthma Score (PAS) mean?

The total is interpreted as: 5 points or more - Mild: pAS 5-7 - mild. Short-acting beta-agonist, reassess; usually suitable for discharge with a plan; 8 points or more - Moderate: pAS 8-11 - moderate. Frequent bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroid, observe; 12 points or more - Severe: pAS 12-15 - severe. Continuous bronchodilators, steroids, oxygen, consider magnesium and critical-care input.

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 5-15 (each domain scores 1-3).

Does it work offline?

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

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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.