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

The order calls for a national focus on reducing chronic disease rates in the United States, pointing to rising rates of cancer, obesity, diabetes, asthma and autism spectrum disorder. —Aria Bendix, NBC News, 13 Feb. 2025

People with allergies or asthma might want to try hypoallergenic pillows, says Tallavajhula, which resist the growth of bacteria, mold and other allergy triggers. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025

Additionally, his son, then 5, exhibited motor and verbal tics, and was diagnosed with asthma, after living in the apartment. —Elizabeth Hernandez, The Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2025

But chest pain could also indicate a heart attack, or it might be caused by acid reflux, a lung condition, or even asthma, Gee says. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025

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)