Which of the following best describes intermittent asthma?

• A. Daytime symptoms daily; Nighttime symptoms nightly; FEV1 reduced
• B. Daytime symptoms <2 days/week; Nighttime symptoms ≤2 nights/month; FEV1 normal
• C. Daytime symptoms >2 days/week; Nighttime >2 times per month
• D. No symptoms at all

Answer: (B)

Intermittent asthma is defined by episodic symptoms with normal lung function between episodes. In this pattern, daytime symptoms happen less than twice per week, nighttime awakenings are two or fewer per month, and spirometry shows a normal FEV1 (and normal FEV1/FVC) between attacks. This means patients typically feel well most of the time and only occasionally have symptoms that prompt relief medication. The other descriptions reflect more frequent symptoms or persistent airflow limitation, which correspond to mild, moderate, or severe persistent asthma rather than intermittent.