|
 |
|
|
 |
Glossary
|
|
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N
O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
|
A |
|
acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) - a disease, caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which kills or impairs cells of the immune system and progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers. HIV is most commonly spread in teens and adults by sexual contact with an infected partner. HIV is most commonly spread in infants and children by vertical transmission from an infected mother while in the womb or during delivery.
adrenaline - see epinephrine.
allergy - an acquired, abnormal immune response to a substance that can cause a broad range of inflammatory reactions.
allergen - the substance that triggers an allergic reaction.
allergic rhinitis - swelling of the inside of the nose, usually leading to a runny nose and itching of the eyes and nose.
anaphylaxis (Also called anaphylactic shock.) - a sudden, severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction caused by food allergy, insect stings, or medications. Symptoms can include hives, swelling (especially of the lips and face), difficulty breathing (either because of swelling in the throat or an asthmatic reaction), vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, and a drop in blood pressure.
antibody (Also called immunoglobulin.) - a protein that is manufactured by lymphocytes to neutralize or destroy an antigen or foreign protein. Many types of antibodies are protective against infection. Rarely, antibodies are produced against tissues in the body resulting in illness (autoimmune disease).
antigen - a substance that can trigger an immune response causing the production of antibodies as part of the body's defense against infection and disease.
antihistamine drugs - a group of drugs that block the effects of histamine, a chemical released in body fluids during an allergic reaction.
anti-inflammatory drugs - drugs that reduce the symptoms and signs of inflammation.
arthritis - inflammation of the joints.
asthma - a chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent breathing problems usually triggered by allergens.
autoimmune disease - a group of diseases in which the body's immune system fights itself. |
|
 Back to top |
|
B |
|
bronchitis - an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes, causing a persistent cough that produces considerable quantities of sputum (phlegm).
bronchodilators - a group of drugs that widen the airways in the lungs.
bronchiole - a small airway (subdivision of the bronchus) that leads to areas of the lung and absorbs oxygen from the air.
bronchus - any of the larger air passages that connect the trachea to the lungs. |
|
Back to top |
|
C |
|
celiac disease (Also called celiac sprue or gluten sensitive enteropathy.) - a sensitivity to gluten, a wheat protein. Individuals with this disease must avoid gluten-containing grains, which include all forms of wheat, oats, barley, and rye.
contact dermatitis - a rash or an inflammation of the skin caused by contact with various substances.
corticosteroids - a group of anti-inflammatory drugs similar to the natural corticosteroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands. |
|
Back to top |
|
D |
|
dermatitis - an inflammation of the skin usually resulting in redness and pain, occasionally with itching.
digestive system - the group of organs that break down foods into chemical components that the body can absorb and use for energy, and for building and repairing cells and tissues. |
|
Back to top |
|
E |
|
eczema (Also called atopic dermatitis.) - inflammation of the skin, usually causing itching and sometimes accompanied by crusting, scaling, or blisters.
electrocardiogram (EKG) - a test that records the electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), and detects heart muscle damage.
ELISA test (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) - a laboratory test used to find certain antibodies; sometimes used to diagnose allergies and HIV.
eosinophils - a type of white blood cell that can increase with allergies, asthmas, and infections.
epinephrine (adrenalin) - one of two chemicals (the other is norepinephrine) released by the adrenal gland that increases the speed and force of heartbeats. It dilates the airways to improve breathing and narrows blood vessels in the skin and intestine so that an increased flow of blood reaches the muscles and allows them to cope with the demands of exercise. It is also a drug that can be given in anaphylactic emergencies.
extrinsic asthma - asthma that is triggered by an allergic reaction, usually to something that is inhaled. |
|
Back to top |
|
F |
|
food intolerance - an adverse food-induced reaction that does not involve the immune system. Lactose intolerance is an example. |
|
Back to top |
|
G |
|
gluten sensitive enteropathy (Also called celiac sprue or celiac disease.) - a sensitivity to gluten, a wheat protein. Individuals with this disease must avoid gluten-containing grains, which include all forms of wheat, oats, barley and rye.
|
|
Back to top |
|
H |
|
hay fever - see rhinitis.
histamine - a chemical present in cells throughout the body that is released during an allergic reaction and one of the substances responsible for the symptoms of allergy, such as itching, sneezing, or wheezing.
hives - see urticaria. |
|
Back to top |
|
I |
|
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.
immunoglobulin E (IgE) - a type of antibody which attaches to mast cells in the respiratory and intestinal tracts and may cause allergic rhinitis, asthma, or eczema.
immunoglobulins - antibodies or proteins found in blood and tissue fluids produced by cells of the immune system to bind to substances in the body that are recognized as foreign antigens. Immunoglobulins sometimes bind to antigens that are not necessarily a threat to health and provoke an allergic reaction.
immunotherapy - treatment of allergy to substances such as pollens, house dust mites, fungi, and stinging insect venom involving giving gradually increasing doses of the substance, or allergen, to which the person is allergic.
inflammation - redness, swelling, heat, and pain in a tissue due to chemical or physical injury, infection, or allergic reaction.
intrinsic asthma - asthma that has no apparent external cause. |
|
Back to top |
|
J |
|
Back to top |
|
K |
|
Back to top |
|
L |
|
lactose intolerance - a person with lactose intolerance lacks an enzyme that is needed to digest milk sugar, which causes symptoms such as gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. Lactose intolerance is not an allergic reaction, as it does not involve the immune system.
lymphocyte - any one of a group of white blood cells of crucial importance to the adaptive part of the body's immune system, involved in fighting infection. |
|
Back to top |
|
M |
|
mast cells - cells, which synthesize and store histamines, found in most body tissues, particularly just below the epithelial surfaces, serous cavities, and around blood vessels. In an allergic response, an allergen stimulates the release of antibodies, which attach themselves to mast cells. |
|
Back to top |
|
N |
|
Back to top |
|
O |
|
Back to top |
|
P |
|
peak flow meter - a portable, inexpensive, hand-held device used to measure the ability to push air out of the lungs.
prick skin test - a test to determine if a child is allergic to certain substances. A physician places a drop of the substance being tested on the child's forearm or back and pricks the skin with a needle, allowing a tiny amount to enter the skin. If the child is allergic to the substance, a wheal (mosquito bite-like bump) will form at the site within about 15 minutes.
pulmonary function tests - diagnostic tests that help to measure the lungs' ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide appropriately. The tests are usually performed with special machines that a child must breathe into.
|
|
Back to top |
|
Q |
|
Back to top |
|
R |
|
RAST (RadioAllergoSorbent Test, a trademark of Pharmacia Diagnostics) - a laboratory test used to detect IgE antibodies to specific allergens. A RAST requires a blood sample, which is sent to a medical laboratory where tests are done with specific foods to determine whether the patient has IgE antibodies to that food.
respiratory system - the group of organs responsible for carrying oxygen from the air to the bloodstream and for expelling carbon dioxide.
rhinitis - an inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose, often due to allergy to pollen, dust, or other airborne substances. Rhinitis causes sneezing, itching, a runny nose, and nasal congestion. |
|
Back to top |
|
S |
|
sinus (paranasal sinuses) - air cavities within the facial bones, lined by mucous membranes similar to those in other parts of the airways.
sinusitis - inflammation of the membranes lining the facial sinuses, often caused by bacterial or viral infection, or an allergic reaction. |
|
Back to top |
|
T |
|
Back to top |
|
U |
|
urticaria (Also called hives.) - a condition in which red, itchy, and swollen areas appear on the skin - usually as an allergic reaction from eating certain foods or taking certain medications.
|
|
Back to top |
|
V |
|
Back to top |
|
W |
|
wheeze - a high-pitched sound from the chest sometimes heard during an asthmatic attack or allergic reaction. |
|
Back to top |
|
X |
|
Back to top |
|
Y |
|
Back to top |
|
Z |
|
Back to top |
|
Click here to view the Online Resources page of this Web.
Return to the Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Home Page
Return to the Disorders, Diseases and Organ Topics Home Page
| |
| |
|
|
|
 Back to top
|
|
|
|
