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

Both are harmful to people's health, increasing the risk of respiratory problems like asthma. —Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 24 Apr. 2024

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends people monitor pollen forecasts and check local air quality data to get an idea of what your risk for allergies and asthma will be. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2024

An emergency room physician told her the problem was caused by asthma. —Liz Szabo, NBC News, 22 Apr. 2024

Gabriel had asthma as a child but was all-state, not only in football but basketball and baseball as well, at New Hanover High in Wilmington. —Mike Kupper, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2024

The residents living just outside the refinery’s fenceline, the majority of whom are Black and low-income, suffer from disproportionately high rates of asthma and cancer, according to data from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Medicine. —Rachel Ramirez, CNN, 14 Apr. 2024

In Seoul, South Korea, clean air policies prevented half a million hospital visits for asthma over the course of four years. —Kari Nadeau, STAT, 4 Apr. 2024

Hsu advised that allergy or asthma medication should always be taken as prescribed by your healthcare provider. —USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2024

Some studies have shown fish oil supplements’ potential benefits for autism, ADHD, mental health disorders, allergies, asthma, and elevated triglycerides, says Kristen Smaldone MS, RD, CSP, CD-N, a pediatric dietitian. —Isabel Vasquez, Rd, Ldn, Parents, 4 Apr. 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)