asthma

[ az-muh, as- ]

noun

1. Pathology. a paroxysmal, often allergic disorder of respiration, characterized by bronchospasm, wheezing, and difficulty in expiration, often accompanied by coughing and a feeling of constriction in the chest.

asthma

/ ˈæsmə /

noun

1. a respiratory disorder, often of allergic origin, characterized by difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and a sense of constriction in the chest

asthma

/ ăz′mə /

1. A common inflammatory disease of the lungs characterized by episodic airway obstruction caused by extensive narrowing of the bronchi and bronchioles. The narrowing is caused by spasm of smooth muscle, edema of the mucosa, and the presence of mucus in the airway resulting from an immunologic reaction that can be induced by allergies, irritants, infection, stress, and other factors in a genetically predisposed individual. Common symptoms of asthma include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

asthma

1. A chronic disease of the respiratory system , characterized by sudden, recurring attacks of difficult breathing, wheezing, and coughing. During an attack, the bronchial tubes go into spasms, becoming narrower and less able to move air into the lungs . Various substances to which the sufferer has an allergy , such as animal hair, dust, pollen , or certain foods, can trigger an attack.

Word History and Origins

Origin of asthma¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Greek: “a panting,” akin to aázein “to breathe hard”; replacing Middle English asma, from Medieval Latin, from Greek ásthma

Word History and Origins

Origin of asthma¹

C14: from Greek: laborious breathing, from azein to breathe hard

Example Sentences

A new study from researchers at Kumamoto University sheds light on a potential link between exposure to certain everyday chemicals during pregnancy and the development of asthma in children.

From Science Daily

Sexyy Red turned up for a rowdy take on the marching-band jam “Sticky” and playfully spanked Tyler after he did the same to her; Tyler took a hit from his asthma inhaler after that one.

From Los Angeles Times

At the top of her priority list is trying to find a pediatrician; Ken suffers from asthma and his health is put at risk by the thick wildfire smoke.

From Los Angeles Times

Breathing in fine particles, such as those from burning wood, can cause respiratory problems, air quality officials said, including asthma attacks.

From Los Angeles Times

It is also linked to other serious conditions, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, asthma and dementia.

From BBC