respiratory disorder characterized by wheezing; usually of allergic origin
"The child's asthma, a respiratory disorder characterized by wheezing and often triggered by pollen, caused her to cough all night."
A long-term respiratory condition, in which the airways may unexpectedly and suddenly narrow, often in response to an allergen, cold air, exercise, or emotional stress. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
"After inhaling pollen from the blooming trees, Sarah began to experience the classic symptoms of asthma, including severe wheezing and a tight feeling in her chest."
In plain English: Asthma is a condition where your airways get swollen and narrow, making it hard to breathe normally.
"She had to take her inhaler after running outside because she has asthma."
Usage: Asthma is a chronic lung disease where breathing becomes difficult due to narrowed airways triggered by factors like allergies, cold air, or physical exertion. Unlike temporary respiratory issues such as the common cold, asthma requires ongoing management and often involves using inhalers for immediate relief during an attack.
The word "asthma" comes from the Ancient Greek term for laborious breathing and entered English via Medieval Latin as asma. Its modern spelling with a "-th-" was added in the 16th century to better reflect its Greek origins.