3a. Evidence of persistent asthma as defined by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) of the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Expert Panel Report 2: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma (1997), which includes: asthma symptoms 3 or more days per week during the last two weeks, sleep disturbed due to asthma at least 3 times in the past month, or albuterol use (Metered Dose Inhaler or nebulizer) for quick relief at least 8 times in the past two weeks, not including use as a preventive for exercise.