Asthma is a frequent chronic inflammatory disease which is often mistaken for simple bronchitis. The diagnosis is based on the association of symptoms and excessive airway calibre variability. When symptoms are present more than once a week, it is recommended to give low dose inhaled corticoids as a maintenance treatment together with, as needed, rapid acting beta2 agonist. In addition it is crucial to provide the patient with an education on the disease to reinforce adherence to the treatment.