severe asthma

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe asthma" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or intense form of asthma that significantly affects a person's breathing and overall health. Example: "Due to her severe asthma, she must always carry an inhaler and avoid triggers like smoke and dust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Elijah has severe asthma.

The New York Times

I have severe asthma.

The New York Times - Sports

Constant back pain or severe asthma?

The New York Times

He's struggled with severe asthma all his life.

The Guardian

Her children, who have severe asthma, were safe.

The New Yorker

Others were reported to have been suffering from anaemia, severe asthma and diabetes.

The Guardian

Then I spoke to the mothers of six children who had severe asthma.

The New York Times - Magazine

The crack causes severe asthma attacks and puts her in the hospital over and over again.

The New Yorker

He was a sickly child, he recalled, in part from severe asthma.

The New York Times

The Asch family's journey began in November 1976 when Jennifer had a severe asthma attack.

The New York Times

Born in South Shields, she had severe asthma and was not expected to live beyond 15.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a patient's condition, be specific about the triggers and frequency of the "severe asthma" attacks to provide a clearer clinical picture.

Common error

Avoid using "severe asthma" as a catch-all for any uncontrolled asthma. Reserve it for cases with frequent exacerbations, hospitalizations, or significant impact on daily life.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe asthma" functions as a noun phrase, where "severe" modifies the noun "asthma". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically sound and readily usable in written English. It serves to denote a more acute or intense form of asthma.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

40%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "severe asthma" is a grammatically correct and very common term used to describe a serious form of asthma. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is frequently used in both news and media, and scientific contexts, to convey the intensity and impact of the condition. While it is mostly used in neutral to formal settings, it appears often in several resources. Related terms include “acute asthma” and “uncontrolled asthma”. When using the phrase, be sure to reserve it for appropriately diagnosed cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acute asthma

Focuses on the rapid onset and intensity of the asthma symptoms.

uncontrolled asthma

Highlights the lack of effective management and control of the asthma.

brittle asthma

Describes asthma that is highly variable and difficult to manage.

life-threatening asthma

Emphasizes the potential danger and severity of the asthma.

critical asthma

Implies a state where the asthma requires immediate and intensive medical intervention.

difficult-to-treat asthma

Focuses on the challenges in managing and controlling the asthma symptoms.

exacerbated asthma

Highlights a worsening of existing asthma symptoms.

high-risk asthma

Indicates an increased likelihood of severe complications or attacks.

serious asthma

Offers a more general term indicating a concerning level of asthma severity.

advanced asthma

Implies the asthma has progressed to a more severe stage.

FAQs

How is "severe asthma" different from mild or moderate asthma?

"Severe asthma" involves persistent symptoms, frequent exacerbations, and significant limitations in daily activities, even with medication. Mild or moderate asthma may be well-controlled with treatment and have fewer symptoms.

What are some common triggers for "severe asthma" attacks?

Common triggers include allergens, respiratory infections, air pollution, exercise, and weather changes. Identifying and avoiding these triggers is crucial in managing "uncontrolled asthma".

Which treatments are typically used for "severe asthma"?

Treatments often include high-dose inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs), leukotriene modifiers, and, in some cases, biologic therapies or oral corticosteroids for "brittle asthma".

When should someone with asthma seek emergency medical attention?

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, blue lips or fingernails, or if quick-relief medications are not improving your symptoms. These can be signs of "life-threatening asthma".