US Medical Term · conditions
Asthma
Asma
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Asthma |
| Spanish (Español) | Asma |
| Chinese (中文) | 哮喘 |
| Korean (한국어) | 천식 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Hen suyễn |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Hika |
| Portuguese (Português) | Asma |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | โรคหืด |
| Japanese (日本語) | 喘息 |
What it means
Asthma is a chronic lung condition where the airways become inflamed and narrow, making it hard to breathe. It is triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air, smoke, or respiratory infections. Common symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing, especially at night or in the morning. Treatment includes quick-relief inhalers such as albuterol for sudden attacks and long-term controller medications such as inhaled corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Most people with asthma can live active lives with a proper management plan developed with their doctor.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have asthma and my inhaler is not controlling my symptoms.
Tengo asma y mi inhalador no está controlando mis síntomas.
Can you review my asthma action plan and adjust my medications?
¿Puede revisar mi plan de acción para el asma y ajustar mis medicamentos?
I need a referral to a pulmonologist for my severe asthma.
Necesito una derivación a un neumólogo por mi asma severa.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
J45 AsthmaRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026