Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

association, VACTERL
See 
VACTERL associa-
tion.
Association of American Medical Colleges
A
nonprofit association of accredited medical schools
in the US and Canada that is responsible for the
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), an
entrance examination for medical schools.
AST
Aspartate aminotransferase.
asthenia
Weakness. Lack of strength.
asthenic
1
Having a slender, light body.
Ectomorphic.
2
Weak. Lacking in strength.
asthma
A common lung disorder in which
inflammation causes the bronchi to swell and nar-
row the airways, creating breathing difficulties that
may range from mild to life-threatening. Symptoms
include shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and
chest tightness. The diagnosis of asthma is based on
evidence of wheezing and is confirmed with breath-
ing tests. Many allergens and irritants can precipi-
tate attacks of asthma. Avoidance of precipitating
factors can be helpful. Treatment may include
lifestyle changes, activity reduction, allergy shots,
and medications to prevent or reverse the bron-
chospasm.
asthma, exercise-induced
Asthma triggered by
vigorous physical activity. It primarily affects chil-
dren and young adults because of their high levels
of physical activity, but it can occur at any age.
Exercise-induced asthma is initiated by the fall in
airway temperature during rapid breathing followed
33
asthma, exercise-induced
02_189283 ch01.qxp 4/18/08 10:03 PM Page 33
http://www.rashidislamiccenter.com
http://www.allofislam.com/

---

by rapid reheating with lowered ventilation. The
more heat that is transferred, the cooler the airways
become, and the more rapidly the airways rewarm,
the more the bronchi are narrowed. Acute attacks
can be minimized by warming up before strenuous
activity. An inhalator may also be used before exer-
tion. Also known as exercise-induced bron-
chospasm and thermally induced asthma.