title: Definition of asthma.
abstract: The limitations of clinical definitions of asthma which focus on the symptoms and signs of an acute attack of asthma are discussed. Implicit in such definitions is a research interest focused on the immediate causes of an attack. This is the final expression of a whole sequence of events and to fully understand the natural history of asthma requires the development of a broader definition of asthma. Atopy, bronchial hyperreactivity and neuropsychiatric aspects of the condition are identified as the major aspects of the natural history of asthma requiring detailed investigation.
mesh_terms: D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D001980:Bronchi / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans