Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Asthma although it is common in clinical practice and GINA guidelines are available for the management of the disease, an overview of the disease and current knowledge regarding literature is helpful. The management of more complicated asthma cases is based currently on the identification of different phenotypes and endotypes. Questions and answers regarding asthma are structured. METHODS: A critical review of the relevant literature in PubMed. CONCLUSION: Asthma is a disease with a high prevalence, morbidity and mortality. New data in the literature based on the mechanisms of development of asthma lead on a more systematic approach and management of the disease to the already established practice. The definition, phenotypes and endotypes of asthma and relevant biomarkers, genetic predisposition and the role of the environment as well as prevention measures and treatment of asthma are discussed.