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. QUESTIONS:

Q1:
1. Can a person with asthma cure it?
2. Is there a way to completely rid people of their asthma?
3. 
Q2:
1. Why can't asthma be cured?
2. What is the reason that one can never be fully rid of their asthma?
3. 
Q3:
1. Can anything be done to help those with asthma?
2. Is there a way to make asthma easier on those who suffer from it?
3. 
Q4:
1. How can the symptoms of asthma be eased?
2. What can be done to make asthma easier to live with?
3. 
Q5:
1. Is an inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonist expensive?
2. Do inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonists cost a lot of money?
3. 
Q6:
1. Is there anything else that can ease the symptoms of asthma besides inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonists?
2. Do treatments other than inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonists exist for asthma?
3. 
Q7:
1. How can the symptoms of asthma be eased, other than a inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonist?
2. What can be done to make asthma easier to live with, besides inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonists?
3. 
Q8:
1. Are there environmental factors that can contribute to asthma?
2. Can the environment contribute to having asthma?
3. 
Q9:
1. Is asthma a disease?
2. Does the medical community consider asthma to be a disease?
3. 
Q10:
1. How many people suffer from asthma?
2. What amount of the population lives with asthma?
3. 
