Asthma is defined as a chronic inflammatory disease or
airways that are characterized by increased responsiveness of the
tracheobronchial tree to a multiplicity of stimuli. It is manifested
physiologically by a widespread narrowing of the air passages. Asthma is an
episodic disease, with acute exacerbations interspersed with symptom-free
periods.
Most attacks are typically short-lived lasting from minutes to hours.
Clinically the patient seems to recover completely after the attack. However,
there can also be a phase where the patient experiences some degree or airways
persisting for days or weeks. This condition is known as status asthmaticus. In
unusual circumstances acute episodes may lead to death.
The symptoms of
Asthma consist of coughing and wheezing, triad of dyspnea and sine qua non.