Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Asma
Asthma (AZ-muh)
A chronic disease in which the bronchial airways in the lungs become narrowed and swollen, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, and rapid breathing. An attack may be brought on by pet hair, dust, smoke, pollen, mold, exercise, cold air, or stress.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.