asthma

noun asth·ma \ ˈaz-mə , British ˈas- \

Updated on: 18 May 2018

Definition of asthma

: 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)

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asthmatic

play \az-ˈma-tik, British as-\ adjective or noun

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asthmatically

play \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

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Recent Examples of asthma from the Web

These include asthma, tuberculosis, diabetes and numerous cancers as well as diseases of the teeth, gut, heart, liver and kidneys.

— richard conniff, Scientific American, "Is Malaria’s Peculiar Odor the Key to Its Conquest?," 14 May 2018
CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports that residents were warned to stay indoors with their windows closed because sulfuric acid in the air can cause headaches, lung irritation and even induce asthma attacks.

— peter martinez, CBS News, "Explosive eruptions, "ballistic rocks" possible from Hawaii volcano," 9 May 2018
Though invisible, ozone smog is linked to worsened asthma and COPD, heart attacks and strokes, and reproductive and nervous-system harm.

— kevin spear, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Lake County has least healthy air in Central Florida, American Lung Association says," 8 May 2018
Officials are warning Londoners of a toxic caterpillar that causes asthma attacks, vomiting and rashes.

— julissa treviño, Smithsonian, "Londoners Beware: These Toxic Caterpillars Cause Rashes and Asthma," 1 May 2018
For months, environmental groups have said the new regulations advanced under former President Barack Obama would save money by reducing health care costs such asthma attacks and heart attacks on days of elevated smog.

— lee bergquist, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "EPA dramatically narrows areas of Wisconsin that will face tougher regulations for smog," 1 May 2018
Complications like asthma attacks induced by pollen have also proven fatal in some instances and lead to more than 20,000 emergency room visits each year in the US.

— umair irfan, Vox, "It’s not your imagination. Allergy season gets worse every year.," 28 Apr. 2018
The 25-year-old Canadian had suffered an asthma attack so severe that he was taken to hospital in Ontario where he was put on a ventilator.

— The Economist, "When death is not the end," 26 Apr. 2018
At high levels, the invisible gas can trigger asthma attacks, aggravate people with lung diseases such as emphysema and heart disease, and cause premature death.

— bruce henderson, charlotteobserver, "Smog rises slightly in NC cities. Here's how Charlotte ranks in the U.S. | Charlotte Observer," 18 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'asthma.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.