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asthma (az´mә) a condition marked by recurrent attacks of dyspnea, with airway inflammation and wheezing due to spasmodic constriction of the bronchi; it is also known as bronchial asthma. Attacks vary greatly from occasional periods of wheezing and slight dyspnea to severe attacks that almost cause suffocation. The most common types are allergic or atopic asthma and intrinsic asthma. An acute attack that lasts for several days is called status asthmaticus; this is a medical emergency that can be fatal. adj., asthmat´ic., adj.
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