What is the layman's term for equine asthma?

• A. Heaves
• B. COPD
• C. Sand colic
• D. Conjunctivitis

Answer: (A)

The layman's term for equine asthma is heaves. This nickname comes from the visible, labored exhalation horses show when their airways are inflamed and narrowed, making each breath effortful and causing the chest and abdominal muscles to visibly heave with expiration. You’ll also see signs like coughing, nostril flare, and sometimes nasal discharge, especially with dusty hay or environments. While veterinarians may use terms like recurrent airway obstruction or inflammatory airway disease, horse owners and lay discussions commonly use “heaves” to describe this asthma-like condition.