| bronchial asthma | A condition of the lungs in which there is widespread narrowing of airways, varying over short periods of time either spontaneously or as a result of treatment, due in varying degrees to contraction (spasm) of smooth muscle, oedema of the mucosa, and mucus in the lumen of the bronchi and bronchioles; these changes are caused by the local release of spasmogens and vasoactive substances (e.g., histamine, or certain leukotrienes or prostaglandins) in the course of an allergic process. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| bronchitic asthma | Asthma precipitated by bronchitis. Synonym: catarrhal asthma. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cardiac asthma | An asthmatic attack, the bronchoconstriction being secondary to the pulmonary congestion and oedema of left ventricular failure. (05 Mar 2000) |
| catarrhal asthma | Asthma precipitated by bronchitis. Synonym: catarrhal asthma. (05 Mar 2000) |
| reflex asthma | Asthma occurring as a reflex in disease of the viscera, the nose, or other parts. (05 Mar 2000) |
| miller's asthma | Asthma caused by flour or grain allergens. (05 Mar 2000) |
| miner's asthma | The dyspnea of anthracosis or other pneumoconioses in miners. (05 Mar 2000) |
| spasmodic asthma | Asthma due to spasm of the bronchioles. (05 Mar 2000) |
| steam-fitter's asthma | Asthma associated with asbestosis acquired by exposure to asbestos-insulated heating and plumbing components. (05 Mar 2000) |
| nervous asthma | Asthma precipitated by psychic stress. (05 Mar 2000) |
| stripper's asthma | Asthma associated with byssinosis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| summer asthma | Asthma associated with hay fever or allergy to summer vegetation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| intrinsic asthma | <chest medicine> Bronchial asthma in which no extrinsic causes can be identified, and which is assumed to be due to an endogenous process, possibly allergic. (05 Mar 2000) |
| exercise asthma | <chest medicine> A disease process that is characterised by paradoxical narrowing of the bronchi (lung passageways) making breathing difficult. Treatment includes bronchodilators which are given orally or delivered as an aerosol (inhaled). Corticosteroids are reserved for more difficult cases. Symptoms include wheezing, difficulty breathing (particularly exhaling air) and tightness in the chest. Factors which can exacerbate asthma include rapid changes in temperature or humidity, allergies, upper respiratory infections, exercise, stress or smoke (cigarette). See: status asthmaticus. (27 Sep 1997) |
| extrinsic asthma | Bronchial asthma resulting from an allergic reaction to foreign substances, such as inhaled particles, vapors, or gases, or ingested foods, beverages, or drugs. (05 Mar 2000) |