Asthma

asth·ma   (āz'mə, ās'-)    n.  A chronic respiratory disease, often arising from allergies, that is characterized by sudden recurring attacks of labored breathing, chest constriction, and coughing. [Middle English asma, from Medieval Latin, from Greek asthma.] asth·mat'ic (-māt'ĭk) adj. & n., asth·mat'i·cal·ly adv.

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.

asthma 

Main Entry: asth·ma
Pronunciation: 'az-m&
Function: noun
: a condition often of allergic origin that is marked by continuous or paroxysmal laboredbreathing accompanied by wheezing, by a sense of constriction in the chest, and often by attacks of coughing or gasping

asthma asth·ma (āz'mə, ās'-)
n.
Bronchial asthma.

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asth·mat'ic (-māt'ĭk) adj. & n.