Asthma is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Environmental factors include exposure to air pollution and allergens. Other potential triggers include medications such as aspirin and beta blockers. Diagnosis is usually based on the pattern of symptoms, response to therapy over time, and spirometry. Asthma is classified according to the frequency of symptoms, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate. It may also be classified as atopic or non-atopic where atopy refers to a predisposition toward developing a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction.

There is no cure for asthma. Symptoms can be prevented by avoiding triggers, such as allergens and irritants, and by the use of inhaled corticosteroids. Long-acting beta agonists (LABA) or antileukotriene agents may be used in addition to inhaled corticosteroids if asthma symptoms remain uncontrolled. Treatment of rapidly worsening symptoms is usually with an inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonist such as salbutamol and corticosteroids taken by mouth. In very severe cases, intravenous corticosteroids, magnesium sulfate, and hospitalization may be required.

Answer this series of questions:

1. Does asthma have a cure?
2. Why not?
3. Can anything be done to help sufferers?
4. Like what?
5. Is that expensive?
6. Is there anything else that can be done?
7. For example?
8. Is there any other known risk conditions for this?
9. Is it a disease?
10. How many people suffer from it?
1. No
2. It's thought to be genetic
3. Yes
4. An inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonist
5. unknown
6. yes
7. intravenous corticosteroids
8. environmental factors
9. unknown
10. unknown