Asthma

a disorder of the breathing apparatus. It is a nervous disease, resulting in a spasmodic contraction of the muscles of the bronchial tubes. When the muscles contract, the tubes are so nearly closed as to interfere with the process of breathing, and produce a characteristic wheezing noise. The shortness of breath and violent coughing are very distressing and are difficult to relieve. Rest and the inhaled smoke of cubebs are recommended by physicians. See Disease