Enter Assessment Inputs
This page uses a stacked page layout, while the form itself shifts to three columns on large screens, two on medium screens, and one on small screens.
Formula Used
This implementation uses a PAS-style total: Total Score = Respiratory Rate Score + Wheeze Score + Retractions Score + Dyspnea Score + Oxygenation Score. Each component ranges from 0 to 3, so the total ranges from 0 to 15.
| Age Group | RR Score 0 | RR Score 1 | RR Score 2 | RR Score 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 3 years | ≤ 34 | 35 to 44 | 45 to 54 | ≥ 55 |
| 4 to 5 years | ≤ 30 | 31 to 40 | 41 to 50 | ≥ 51 |
| 6 to 12 years | ≤ 26 | 27 to 36 | 37 to 46 | ≥ 47 |
| 13 to 18 years | ≤ 23 | 24 to 30 | 31 to 40 | ≥ 41 |
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the child’s age group.
- Enter the current respiratory rate in breaths per minute.
- Optionally record the current oxygen saturation for charting.
- Choose the best-fit bedside severity options for wheeze, retractions, dyspnea, and oxygenation.
- Click Calculate Score to place the result above the form.
- Review the total score, severity band, component breakdown, and Plotly graph.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to save the assessment summary.
- Reassess serially if your workflow requires repeated scoring during treatment.
Example Data Table
| Case | Age Group | RR | RR Score | Wheeze | Retractions | Dyspnea | Oxygenation | Total | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example A | 6 to 12 years | 32 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | Moderate |
| Example B | 4 to 5 years | 48 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 11 | Severe |
| Example C | 13 to 18 years | 21 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Mild |
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What does this calculator estimate?
It summarizes observed asthma severity signs into a single bedside score. The total can support reassessment, documentation, and communication, but it does not replace clinical judgment, history, examination, or local escalation pathways.
2) Is this score a diagnosis?
No. It is a structured severity estimate based on current findings. A child can have a high or low score while the underlying diagnosis, treatment response, and risk still require full medical evaluation.
3) Why does the age group change the respiratory rate score?
Normal respiratory rates differ by age. The same measured rate may be expected in one age band but abnormal in another, so the respiratory rate subscore is calculated from age-adjusted thresholds.
4) Can I adapt the ranges to my hospital’s protocol?
Yes. Edit the respiratory rate thresholds, score labels, and severity band cutoffs in the PHP section. Many institutions use locally approved descriptors, especially for oxygen need and work of breathing.
5) Is SpO₂ required for the calculation?
No. In this version, SpO₂ is optional for documentation, while the oxygenation score is selected directly. That keeps the form flexible when bedside scoring depends on local criteria beyond saturation alone.
6) How should repeated scores be used?
Repeated scoring can help show improvement, worsening, or incomplete response over time. Trends are often more informative than a single score, especially when paired with treatment timing and repeat examination findings.
7) Can this be used for adults?
It is designed around pediatric-style assessment logic and age-based respiratory rate bands. Adult asthma severity tools and normal vital sign ranges differ, so this form should not be repurposed without modification.
8) What do the export buttons save?
The CSV export saves the assessment summary as tabular data. The PDF export saves the patient label, date, selected inputs, total score, severity band, and component breakdown for quick sharing or chart attachment.
Clinical Use Note
This calculator is intended for educational and decision-support workflows. Any severe respiratory distress, altered mental status, exhaustion, cyanosis, or rapidly worsening symptoms should prompt immediate escalation according to local emergency guidance.