'asthmatical' originates from Late Latin and New Latin, specifically the word 'asthmaticus', where the Greek root 'ásthma' meant 'panting' or 'short breath'.

'asthmatical' changed from Medieval/Medical Latin 'asthmaticus' and Middle English forms such as 'asmatike' and eventually became the modern English adjective 'asthmatical'.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to or suffering from asthma', and over time it has retained that primary meaning, sometimes extended figuratively to describe a weak, wheezy, or labored quality.