adjective / noun
asthmatic
az-MAT-ik/æzˈmætɪk/
Affected by or relating to asthma.
The asthmatic man pauses to use his inhaler.
Etymology
Greek asthma named shortness of breath or panting. The adjective applies that breathing image to someone affected by asthma, or to something relating to the condition.
In context
hospitalization to manage breathing difficulties. In summary, flu infection impacts asthmatic lungs by increasing airway inflammation and swelling, which worsens asthma symptoms.
More examples
- She recognizes the onset of an asthmatic episode.
- The clinic supports asthmatics with individual treatment plans.
- His medical history includes asthmatic symptoms.
Forms
asthmatic · asthmatics
Similar words
- wheezing
- Describes a breathing sound that can have causes other than asthma.
- breathless
- Breathless describes a symptom with many causes; asthmatic specifically relates to asthma.