asthma

[az-muh, as-]

noun

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.

Nearby words

Origin of asthma

1350–1400; Middle English < Greek: a panting (akin to aázein to breathe hard); replacing Middle English asma < Medieval Latin < Greek ásthma

Also called bronchial asthma.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for asthma

Asthma is one of the most common diseases among children, affecting roughly one in every eleven kids.
More Germs, Less Asthma? Study Shows Babies Exposed to Bacteria and Dander at Less Risk|Brandy Zadrozny|June 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
(Though in keeping with the American obsession for these things May is designated as Allergy & Asthma Awareness Month).
Blame Climate Change for Your Terrible Seasonal Allergies|Kent Sepkowitz|May 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It can also lead to a number of other ailments, including diabetes, asthma, and even heart failure.
Research Shows Link Between NSAID Use and Gut Disease|Valerie Vande Panne|April 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Jane* was barely 40-years-old when her asthma caused her to turn blue and stop breathing.
New Research Shows Poorly Understood “Leaky Gut Syndrome” Is Real, May Be the Cause of Several Diseases|Daniela Drake|March 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST

But new research shows it is indeed real, and may be the cause of asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, and more.
New Research Shows Poorly Understood “Leaky Gut Syndrome” Is Real, May Be the Cause of Several Diseases|Daniela Drake|March 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The country is free from malarial, billious and lung troubles, general debility and asthma.
The Chautauquan, Vol. III, March 1883|The Chautauquan Literary and Scientific Circle
This struck me and I determined to try this in cases of asthma whenever next opportunity occurred.
New, Old, and Forgotten Remedies: Papers by Many Writers|Various
"And I will take some of the flesh and dry it as a cure for asthma," said another of the party.
Alila, Our Little Philippine Cousin|Mary Hazelton Wade
A lot of good it does us to have all that information about Eben Wheeler's asthma!
The Dwelling Place of Light, Complete|Winston Churchill
The latter island is specially ordered as a cure for asthma.
The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. VIII, No. 357, October 30, 1886|Various

British Dictionary definitions for asthma

asthma

noun

a respiratory disorder, often of allergic origin, characterized by difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and a sense of constriction in the chest

Word Origin for asthma

C14: from Greek: laborious breathing, from azein to breathe hard

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for asthma

asthma

late 14c. asma, asma, from Latin asthma, from Greek asthma "short breath, a panting," from azein "breathe hard," probably related to anemos "wind." The -th- was restored in English 16c.

Medicine definitions for asthma

asthma

[ăz′mə, ăs′-]

n.

Bronchial asthma.

Related formsasth•mat′ic (-măt′ĭk) adj. n.

Science definitions for asthma

asthma

[ăz′mə]

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.

Culture definitions for asthma

asthma

[(az-muh)]

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.