Asthma

Asthma (from the Greek ἅσθμα, ásthma, "panting") is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction and bronchospasm.[2] Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.[3]

Asthma is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.[4] Its diagnosis is usually based on the pattern of symptoms, response to therapy over time and spirometry.[5] It is clinically classified according to the frequency of symptoms, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate.[6] Asthma may also be classified as atopic (extrinsic) or non-atopic (intrinsic)[7] where atopy refers to a predisposition toward developing type 1 hypersensitivity reactions.[8]

Treatment of acute symptoms is usually with an inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonist (such as salbutamol) and oral corticosteroids.[9] In very severe cases, intravenous corticosteroids, magnesium sulfate, and hospitalization may be required.[10] Symptoms can be prevented by avoiding triggers, such as allergens[11] and irritants, and by the use of inhaled corticosteroids.[12] Long-acting beta agonists (LABA) or antileukotriene agents (arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors or CysLT1 antagonists) may be used in addition to inhaled corticosteroids if asthma symptoms remain uncontrolled.[13][14] The occurrence of asthma has increased significantly since the 1970s. In 2011, 235–300 million people globally were diagnosed with asthma,[15][16] and it caused 250,000 deaths.[16]

Daniel Mok, together with Dominique Sarron have asthma diseases.