Asthma is a syndrome characterized by variable and reversible airflow obstruction. It involves chronic inflammation of the lower airways with eosinophilic infiltration. Various risk factors and triggers like allergens, viruses, and irritants can cause an immune response leading to mast cell activation and release of inflammatory mediators. This results in early phase bronchoconstriction and a late phase reaction with recruitment of inflammatory cells. Repeated inflammation causes permanent changes like smooth muscle hypertrophy, fibrosis, and airway remodeling over time.