Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. In the IELTS exam, especially in the Listening and Reading sections, or when discussing health topics in the Speaking test, you might encounter this term.
Here are some essential terms related to asthma that will boost your vocabulary and help you confidently navigate any asthma-related topic:
| Word | Pronunciation | Part of Speech | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asthma | /ˈæzmə/ | Noun | A respiratory condition marked by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. | “He was diagnosed with asthma at the age of five.” |
| Wheezing | /ˈwiːzɪŋ/ | Noun | Difficult breathing with a whistling sound. | “The doctor could hear wheezing in her chest.” |
| Shortness of breath | /ˌʃɔːtnəs əv ˈbrɛθ/ | Noun | The feeling of not being able to breathe easily. | “Shortness of breath is a common symptom of asthma.” |
| Inhaler | /ɪnˈheɪlər/ | Noun | A small, handheld device containing medicine that is breathed in to open up the airways. | “She always carries her inhaler in case of an asthma attack.” |
| Bronchitis | /brɒŋˈkaɪtɪs/ | Noun | Inflammation of the bronchi, often accompanied by coughing. | “The cold developed into bronchitis, making it even harder for her to breathe.” |
| Allergy | /ˈælərdʒi/ | Noun | A condition that causes an abnormal reaction to a normally harmless substance. | “Many asthma attacks are triggered by allergies to pollen or dust mites.” |
| Trigger | /ˈtrɪɡər/ | Noun/Verb | Something that initiates or worsens an asthma attack. | “Smoke from cigarettes is a common trigger for asthma.” |
| Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | /ˌkrɒnɪk əbˈstrʌktɪv ˈpʌlmənəri dɪziːz/ | Noun | A group of lung diseases that cause airflow obstruction and breathing-related problems. | “COPD shares some similarities with asthma, such as shortness of breath.” |
| Respiratory | /rəˈspɪrətəri/ | Adjective | Relating to breathing or the respiratory system. | “Asthma is a respiratory condition.” |
| Exacerbation | /ɪɡˌzæsərˈbeɪʃən/ | Noun | A worsening of a disease or its symptoms. | “He was admitted to the hospital due to an exacerbation of his asthma.” |
Asthma Symptoms
Asthma in the IELTS Exam
The topic of asthma, or more broadly, respiratory health, can appear in various sections of the IELTS exam:
- Listening: You might hear a conversation between a doctor and a patient discussing asthma symptoms, triggers, or treatment.
- Reading: You could encounter a passage about the causes of asthma, its impact on daily life, or research breakthroughs in managing the condition.
- Speaking: In Part 1, you could be asked about your own health or common health problems in your country. In Part 2, you might have to describe someone with a health condition, which could be asthma. Part 3 might involve discussing broader healthcare issues, potentially touching upon respiratory illnesses.
- Writing: While less likely to be the central theme, asthma could be relevant in Task 1 (describing a graph showing the prevalence of asthma) or Task 2 (discussing the importance of public health initiatives related to respiratory illnesses).
Applying Your Knowledge: Sample IELTS Questions and Answers
Listening Example
You hear a doctor talking to a patient:
Doctor: “So, tell me about your symptoms. When did you start experiencing difficulty breathing?”
Patient: “Well, it started a few months ago. I noticed that I would get very short of breath after climbing a flight of stairs or exercising.”
Doctor: “And do you have any other symptoms, like wheezing or chest tightness?”
Question: What is the patient experiencing?
Answer: Shortness of breath.
Speaking Example
Examiner: “What are some common health problems in your country?”
Candidate: “Well, unfortunately, respiratory illnesses are quite prevalent. Asthma, for instance, is becoming increasingly common, especially among young children.”
Writing Example
Task 2: Many governments are investing heavily in promoting healthy lifestyles. What are the reasons for this trend, and what are the possible benefits?
Sample response: “One compelling reason for this focus on healthy living is the rising incidence of preventable chronic diseases. For example, conditions like asthma, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, often linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of exercise, are putting a strain on healthcare systems worldwide…”
Collocations and Phrases Related to Asthma
- Asthma attack: A sudden worsening of asthma symptoms.
- “He had to go to the hospital after experiencing a severe asthma attack.”
- Asthma medication: Drugs used to prevent and treat asthma symptoms.
- “There have been significant advancements in asthma medication in recent years.”
- Control asthma: To manage asthma effectively and minimise symptoms.
- “With the right treatment plan, most people with asthma can control their condition.”
- Asthma triggers: Factors that can cause or worsen asthma symptoms.
- “It’s important to identify and avoid your individual asthma triggers.”
- Live with asthma: To manage asthma as a long-term condition.
- “Millions of people around the world live with asthma every day.”
Conclusion
Mastering vocabulary related to health issues like asthma is crucial for success in the IELTS exam. By understanding these terms and practicing their use in context, you’ll be well-equipped to confidently tackle any related questions and demonstrate your language proficiency. Remember to familiarize yourself with various question types and practice applying these terms in different scenarios to boost your confidence on exam day.