asthma

American  

[az-muh, as-] / ˈæz mə, ˈæs- /

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 British  

/ 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 Scientific  

/ 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 Cultural  

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of asthma

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

Explanation

Asthma is a respiratory condition that involves allergies and your lungs: people with asthma have trouble breathing at times. Asthma is a very common disorder that makes breathing difficult. An allergic reaction, too much exercise, or just being stressed out can bring on an asthma attack. When someone has an asthma attack, it's very hard for them to get a good breath of air. Fortunately, asthma is not usually a life-threatening disease, and people who are asthmatic are fine most of the time.

Example Sentences

One of the employees said they had been diagnosed with occupational asthma and occupational rhinitis and their lung function had declined by a third.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

The suit alleged the turbines emit pollution and hazardous chemicals that have been linked to increases in asthma, respiratory diseases, heart problems and certain cancers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

The suit claims xAI’s 27 turbines emit nitrogen oxides and formaldehyde, linked to asthma, heart problems, and cancers.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Chemicals can also cause severe rashes and asthma.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Ruth they would take to her death first, because she had asthma and was too weak to work.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown