Nov 27 2007
The A - Z of Allergy
This section outlines some of the frequently used terminologies that you may come across in your study of allergic diseases.
Allergen: A substance that your body perceives as dangerous and causes an allergic reaction.
Allergic rhinitis: See Hay fever
Allergy: An exaggerated response to a substance or condition produced by the release of histamine or histamine-like substances in affected cells.
Allergy shots: See Immunotherapy
Anaphylaxis: Severe, life-threatening allergic response that may include lowered blood pressure, swelling, and hives.
Angioedema: Swelling similar to urticaria (hives), but the swelling occurs beneath the skin instead of on the surface. Angioedema is characterized by deep swelling around the eyes and lips and sometimes of the hands and feet.
Antibodies: Specialized proteins produced by white blood cells that circulate in the blood. Antibodies seek and attach to foreign proteins, microorganisms, or toxins in order to neutralize them. They are part of the immune system.
Antigen: A substance, usually a protein, which the body perceives as foreign.
Antihistamine: Medication that prevents symptoms of congestion, sneezing and itchy, runny nose by blocking histamine receptors.
Anti-inflammatory: Type of medication that reduces swelling and inflammation.
Asthma: A disease of the branches of the windpipe (bronchial tubes) that carry air in and out of the lungs. Asthma causes the airways to narrow, the lining of the airways to swell, and the cells that line the airways to produce more mucus. These changes make breathing difficult and cause a feeling of not getting enough air into the lungs.
Bronchodilators: Medications used to relax the muscle bands that tighten around the airways during an asthma episode. Bronchodilators also help clear mucus from the lungs.
Conjunctivitis: Also called “pink eye.” Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid.
Dander, animal: Tiny scales shed from animal skin or hair. Dander floats in the air, settles on surfaces and makes up much household dust. Pet dander is a classic cause of allergic reactions.
Decongestant: Medication that shrinks swollen nasal tissues to relieve symptoms of nasal swelling, congestion and mucus secretion.
Dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin, either due to direct contact with an irritating substance or to an allergic reaction. Symptoms include redness, itching, and sometimes blistering.
Drug allergy: Allergic reaction to a specific medication. The most common cause of drug allergies is penicillin.
Dust mites: Microscopic insects that live in household dust and are common allergens. Dust mites live on dead skin cells and can be found in large numbers in mattresses, pillows, carpets, curtains and furniture.
Elimination diet: A diet in which certain foods are temporarily discontinued from the diet to rule out the cause of allergy symptoms.
ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay): Blood test used to identify the substances that are causing your allergy symptoms and to estimate a relative sensitivity.
Epinephrine: A form of adrenaline medication used to treat severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic shock or insect stings. It is available in a self-injectable form or can be injected by a healthcare provider.
Food allergy: Allergy that occurs when the immune system responds defensively to a specific food protein that is not harmful to the body.
Hay fever: Allergic reaction caused by the pollens of ragweed, grasses and other plants whose pollen is spread by the wind.
HEPA: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which removes particles in the air by forcing it through screens containing microscopic pores.
Histamine: A naturally occurring substance that is released by the immune system after being exposed to an allergen. Histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms of an allergy.
Hives: See Urticaria
Hypoallergenic: Products formulated to contain the fewest possible allergens.
Immune system: The body’s defense system that protects us against infections and foreign substances.
Page 1, 2
(Source: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/glossary)