After the initial visit, asthmatics will be given oral prednisone for 1 week and patients will return for the spirometry assessment. Patients will be defined as CR if <10% improvement in FEV1 % predicted is observed and as CS if >12% improvement in FEV1 % predicted is observed. If at least 2 fold increase in p-p38 MAPK expression in CD14+ cells of CR asthma patients is demonstrated when compared to CS asthmatics, Part B will be triggered. If no difference in p38 MAPK phosphorylation will be observed in monocytes of CR and CS asthmatics by flow cytometry assessment, the study will be terminated.