Definition:chronic inflammatory disease of the airways

Has 3 characteristics:
airflow limitation reversible spontaneously or with treatment
airway hyperresponsiveness to many stimuli
bronchial inflammation
Attacks of wheezing, cough, dyspnea
Classification
extrinsic
intrinsic
 Extrinsic asthma
Definiteexternal cause
Occurs in atopic patients who show positive skin prick
reactions to common inhaled allergens (dust, animal
danders, pollens, fungi)
Onset in children and young adults generally before age
40
Childhood asthma is often associated with eczema