The prognosis for asthma is generally good, especially for children with mild disease. Mortality has decreased over the last few decades due to better recognition and improvement in care. Globally it causes moderate or severe disability in 19.4 million people as of 2004 (16 million of which are in low and middle income countries). Of asthma diagnosed during childhood, half of cases will no longer carry the diagnosis after a decade. Airway remodeling is observed, but it is unknown whether these represent harmful or beneficial changes. Early treatment with corticosteroids seems to prevent or ameliorates a decline in lung function. COUNT 4
QSN1 What is the prognosis for asthma?  ANS1 generally good QSN2 What has caused the mortality rate to decrease? ANS2 due to better recognition and improvement in care QSN3 Worldwide, how many people suffer from asthma? ANS3 19.4 million people as of 2004 QSN4 How many cases that are diagnosed in childhood make it past 10 years with asthma? ANS4 half of cases will no longer carry the diagnosis after a decade