asthma

noun

asth·​ma ˈaz-mə 

 British  ˈas-

: a chronic lung disorder that is marked by recurring episodes of airway obstruction (as from bronchospasm) manifested by labored breathing accompanied especially by wheezing and coughing and by a sense of constriction in the chest, and that is triggered by hyperreactivity to various stimuli (such as allergens or rapid change in air temperature)

asthmatic

az-ˈma-tik 

 British  as-

adjective or noun

asthmatically

az-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

 British  as-

adverb

Examples of asthma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In high-risk groups, like babies under 6 months and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, HMPV can cause more severe symptoms or complications. —Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 31 Oct. 2024

The American Lung Association (ALA) warned that exposure to volcanic ash can worsen respiratory conditions and trigger asthma attacks. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024

Told through intimate observational scenes that transform into surreal poetic chapters of farm labor, mechanized harvesting, asthma clinics, ambulances and living rooms, the film shows the intimate, everyday reality of environmental change on the body and mind. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2024

Children: While research on the safety of CLA in children is lacking, one clinical trial looked at the effect of using CLA in children with asthma aged between six and 18 years. —Trang Tran, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English asma, borrowed from Medieval Latin asma, asthma, borrowed from Greek ásthma "panting, shortness of breath, asthma (as a medical condition)," of uncertain origin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing asthma

• anti-asthma
• bronchial asthma

Kids Definition

asthma

noun

asth·​ma ˈaz-mə 

: a condition that is marked by difficulty in breathing with wheezing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and coughing

asthmatic

az-ˈmat-ik 

adjective or noun

asthmatically

-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

asthma

noun

asth·​ma ˈaz-mə 

: a chronic lung disorder that is marked by recurring episodes of airway obstruction (as from bronchospasm) manifested by labored breathing accompanied especially by wheezing and coughing and by a sense of constriction in the chest, and that is triggered by hyperreactivity to various stimuli (as allergens or rapid change in air temperature)