Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which makes it difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs. Asthma can be a life-threatening condition if not managed properly, and it can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life.
Definitions
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. It is a condition that causes wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Asthma can be triggered by a variety of factors, including allergens, pollution, exercise, and stress.
Origin
The word asthma comes from the Greek word ἅσθμα (asthma), which means “panting” or “shortness of breath.” The condition has been recognized for thousands of years, with references to asthma found in ancient Egyptian and Chinese medical texts.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, asthma is defined as “a chronic lung disease characterized by episodes of breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing, and thick mucus production.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines asthma as “a respiratory condition marked by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing.”
Associations
Asthma is often associated with allergies, as many people with asthma have allergic reactions to certain substances. It is also associated with other respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchitis.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for asthma include bronchial asthma, allergic asthma, and exercise-induced asthma.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for asthma, as it is a medical condition and not a concept that can be opposed or negated.
The same root words
The word asthma has no root words, as it is a standalone term.
Example Sentences
- My son has asthma, so we always carry his inhaler with us.
- Exercise-induced asthma can make it difficult for athletes to perform at their best.
- The doctor prescribed a new medication to help manage my asthma symptoms.
- I have to avoid certain foods because they can trigger my asthma.
- Smoking can worsen asthma symptoms and increase the risk of complications.