This document discusses the pathogenesis of asthma. It describes that asthma involves both acute and chronic inflammation. The early phase response occurs within minutes and involves mast cell degranulation releasing histamine and leukotrienes, causing bronchoconstriction. The late phase response occurs 4-8 hours later involving the influx of neutrophils and eosinophils. Chronic inflammation leads to remodeling of the airways over time through processes like increased smooth muscle thickness and fibrosis.