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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

When Ben Cooper, a Brit living in Stockholm, needed to check in with a doctor about his asthma recently, he didn’t leave home.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

The performance of the drug for asthma and skin conditions highlights its continuing potential in eczema and recently added indications, but year-earlier comparisons will get tougher as 2026 progresses, according to UBS.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 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

A mother said her son, often admitted with asthma, received the quickest treatment he'd ever had because "an experienced consultant just got him sorted".

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

“Tomorrow, if it’s warm, we’ll air it out, Bunny gets asthma from all this dust....That’s my great-grandmother,” he said, pointing at a photograph which he saw had caught my attention.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt