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asthma

[az-muh, as-]

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

/ ˈæə /

noun

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

“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

asthma

  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

  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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Word History and Origins

Origin of asthma1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Greek: “a panting,” akin to á𾱲 “to breathe hard”; replacing Middle English asma, from Medieval Latin, from Greek áٳ󳾲
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Word History and Origins

Origin of asthma1

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

He also claimed the conditions in a US prison would be "inhuman and degrading" for him because of his health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and asthma.

From

Despite her asthma, week upon week, after her return from her dad’s, she would wear Seuss like a fur stole around her neck.

From

For example, asthma inhalers activate receptors, which relax the airways to help facilitate breathing.

From

He added that research shows there are "very real links with vaping to inflammation of your airways which will then exacerbate existing health conditions, whether you have asthma or COPD".

From

Fearing they could be pulled over and quizzed by Russian forces, they made up a cover story about going to the beach to get fresh air for Tatyana, who has asthma.

From

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