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Questions About Cancer? 1-800-4-CANCER

NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

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asthma  listen  (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.