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Allergy and Asthma Terms
Acute - Beginning quickly with intensity, then subsiding after a relatively short time. Allergen - A substance that causes allergic reactions in people who are allergic to it. The allergens that cause asthma symptoms are typically airborne substances. Allergic reaction - An adverse immune response following repeated contact with otherwise harmless substances, such as pollen, animal dander, dust, mold spores, foods or drugs. Allergic rhinitis - Inflammation of the nose caused by allergy, leading to sneezing and runny and itchy nose. Also known as hay fever Allergist - A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic disorders. Allergy - A reaction of the immune system of an allergic person to substances that are harmless to most people. Antibody - A protein (also called an immunoglobulin) that is manufactured by plasma cells (a type of white blood cell) to neutralize an allergen. When the body forms a type of antibody called IgE (immunoglobulin E), an allergic response may result when the person is again exposed to the allergen which caused the IgE antibody formation. Antihistamine - A substance that blocks the actions of histamines and, therefore, is used to treat the symptoms of allergic reactions and/or colds. Anti-inflammatory - Reduces the symptoms and signs of inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medications include inhalers and steroid creams. Although not a drug, immunotherapy ("allergy shots") reduces inflammation in both allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. Asthma - A chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent breathing problems. Allergens, infection, exercise, cold air, and other factors can trigger episodes of asthma. Asthma action or management plan - A plan developed by the doctor and agreed to by the patient that outlines preventive and treatment measures for controlling the patient's asthma. Beta-agonist - A drug that relaxes bronchial muscles resulting in expansion of the bronchial air passages. Bronchitis - Acute or chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Bronchodilator - A type of drug that relaxes bronchial muscles resulting in expansion of the bronchial air passages. Chronic - Continuous, lasting for a long time. Compliance - A patient's fulfillment to the health care provider's instructions. Corticosteroids - A group of anti-inflammatory drugs similar to the natural corticosteroid hormones produced by the cortex of the adrenal glands. Corticosteroid medications are used as anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of asthma. Cromolyn sodium - Asthma drug that acts by decreasing allergic bronchospasms resulting from inhaled allergens Diagnose - To determine or analyze a patient's condition by evaluating signs and symptoms. Dose - The exact amount of medicine to be taken at one time or in stated intervals. Dust mite - A microscopic insect that lives indoors. Its excretions and decaying body are potent allergens for those who are sensitive to them. Eczema - A skin rash associated with an allergic reaction typically found in individuals with a family history of asthma and allergies Episode - An event, attack, or flare of asthma. Histamine - A chemical in the body released during an allergic reaction that contracts smooth muscle, stimulates gastric acid secretion, and causes other allergic responses Immune system - A collection of cells and proteins that works to protect the body from potentially harmful, infectious microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. The immune system plays a role in the control of cancer and other diseases but also is the culprit in allergies, hypersensitivity, immunologic diseases, and the rejection of transplanted organs, tissues, and medical implants. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) - A class of antibody normally present in very low levels in humans but found in larger quantities in people with allergies and certain infections. It is the primary antibody responsible for the classic allergic reaction. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) - A form of preventive and anti-inflammatory treatment of allergy to substances such as pollen, house dust mites, fungi and stinging insect venom. It involves administering gradually increasing doses of the substance (allergen) to which the person is allergic. The incremental increases of the allergen cause the immune system to become less sensitive to the substance, which reduces the symptoms of allergy when the substance is encountered in the future. Inflammation - Redness, swelling, heat, and pain in body tissue caused by chemical or physical injury or to infection. It is a characteristic of allergic reactions in the nose, eyes, lungs, and skin. Inhaler - A device that delivers a pre-measured dose of medicine, in mist or powdered form, into the mouth to be breathed directly into the lungs. Leukotrienes - Chemicals released in the lungs during an asthma episode that cause airway swelling, tightening of muscles surrounding the airways, and increased mucus production, all of which cause symptoms of asthma Mast cells - Cells that play an important role in the body's allergic response. They are present in most body tissues, but are particularly numerous in connective tissue, such as the dermis (innermost layer of skin.) In an allergic response, an allergen stimulates the release of antibodies, which attach themselves to mast cells. Following subsequent allergen exposure, the mast cells release substances such as histamine (a chemical responsible for allergic symptoms) into the tissue. Metered dose inhaler (MDI) - An inhaler that delivers a pre-measured dose of medicine in mist form into the mouth to be breathed directly into the lungs. Nebulizer - Machine that turns liquid-containing medicine into a mist to be breathed in Nocturnal asthma - Asthma that occurs at night. Peak flow meter - A simple device that measures the peak flow of air being exhaled, also called the peak expiratory flow rate. It can detect small changes in the airways and forewarn of an impending asthma flare. Radioallergosorbent testing (RAST) - Blood test used to identify allergens to which a person is allergic. In this test, the allergen does not come in contact with the patient, so there is no risk of the patient having an allergic reaction during testing. Sensitization - An allergic reaction that occurs over time as a result of repeated exposure to a particular allergen. Skin test (scratch test) - A test to identify allergens to which a person is allergic. Substances are injected under the skin, and sensitivity is determined based on the amount of redness or swelling in the specific location. Spacer - A chamber used with a metered dose inhaler that temporarily holds a dose of mist to help achieve efficient entry into the lungs. Spirometer/spirometry testing - A type of breathing test to measure lung function. Trigger - Substances (dust, mold, pollen, chemicals, etc.) or conditions (colds, infections, gastric juice, etc.) that bother the air passages and cause asthma symptoms. Viral infection - An infection in the body caused by a virus. Wheeze - A high-pitched whistling noise that can be heard when air moves through tightened bronchial tubes.
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