Inflammation, and its effects on the airways, leads to the development of asthma. The main component to asthma therapy is, therefore, to limit exposure to triggering factors and to then reduce the inflammatory process using anti-inflammatory agents. Environmental control, particularly avoidance of relevant allergens and respiratory irritants, and proper patient education are essential to achieving adequate control of asthma. If needed, therapies to maintain optimal airway function and to control symptoms may be added on an individual basis to ensure acceptable asthma control and to improve quality of life.