Glossary

adrenaline — Chemical released by the adrenal gland that speeds up the heart rate, improves breathing and allocates blood flow to the muscles.

allergen immunotherapy — Treatment designed to raise a patient’s tolerability to allergens such as pollen, animal dander or dust mites. A series of shots are performed, each of which contains increasing amounts of a particular allergen.

allergen — A substance, such as dust mites, animal dander or pollen, which triggers an allergic reaction.

allergic crease — A line that develops on the lower part of the nose after continued wiping.

allergic reaction — A reaction which is triggered when a person comes in contact with a substance to which they are allergic.

allergic rhinitis — Inflammation of the inner lining of the nose caused when an allergen is inhaled or when food allergens are ingested. The condition may cause sneezing or an itchy, blocked or runny nose.

allergic salute — The action of wiping a runny or congested nose in an upward direction in order to open nasal airways.

allergic shiners — Allergy-induced dark rings under the eyes.

allergy — An abnormal immune response to a particular substance such as foods, dust particles and pollen.

anaphylaxis (anaphylactic shock) — An acute and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction triggered by such allergens as food, insect stings or medications. These reactions often spark such symptoms as a drop in blood pressure, breathing problems, swelling, hives, and digestive problems.

angioedema — Deep skin tissue swelling which occurs in such areas as the lips, eyes, tongue and groin.

antibody — A complex protein made by lymphocytes to attack antigens. Some types of antibodies, as well as an excess of antibodies, can cause illness.

antigen — A substance which sparks an immune response and causes antibodies to be produced.

antihistamine drugs — Drug that counteract the chemicals which are released in the body during an allergic reaction.

anti-inflammatory drugs — Drugs which reduce inflammation.

asthma — Chronic illness in which breathing problems frequently occur, usually as a result of allergy triggers.

atopic dermatitis — Skin condition characterized by skin which is swollen, red or itchy.

beta blockers — Drugs used to treat heart conditions, migraines, glaucoma and irregular thyroid conditions.

bronchitis — Condition in which the mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes are inflamed. Characterized by severe coughing and excessive phlegm.

brochodilators — Medications used to increase airflow in the lungs.

bronchospasm — A high pitched, sometimes inaudible wheeze which occurs during breathing. Often caused by asthma.

bronchus — The connecting air passages between the lungs and trachea.

celiac disease — Condition characterized by a sensitivity to gluten (a wheat protein).

cilia — Structures that resemble hairs which are found in the airways and clean the passages of mucous.

colic — Colon spasm.

contact dermatitis — Rash or inflammation of the skin.

corticosteroids — A type of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Denny’s lines — Lines beneath the eyelids brought on by swelling of eyelid muscles.

desensitisation — Treatment designed to raise a patient’s tolerability to allergens such as pollen, animal dander or dust mites. A series of shots are performed, each of which contains increasing amounts of a particular allergen.

digestive system — Group of organs which break down food into energy to be used by the body.

dust mite — A tiny insect which is a major asthma trigger.

eczema — Skin inflammation often characterized by blisters.

eosinophils — Cells that flow in the bloodstream and attack tissues at the contact site of an allergic reaction.

epinephrine — Chemical released by the adrenal gland that speeds up the heart rate, improves breathing and allocates blood flow to the muscles.

extrinsic asthma — Allergy induced asthma.

food allergy — An abnormal immune system reaction to a specific food.

food intolerance — An abnormal reaction to food that does not involve the immune system.

food sensitivity — Synonym for food allergy.

fungus — Living mater that is widespread , especially in the presence of decaying food. Fungus releases tiny spores which can be inhaled and trigger an asthma attack.

glands — Bodily structures which dispense hormones.

gluten sensitive enteropathy — Condition characterized by a sensitivity to gluten (a wheat protein).

hay fever — Condition in which the mucous membranes lining the nose are inflamed, often as a result of allergies. This is often characterized by sneezing , nasal congestion or a runny nose.

histamine — Bodily chemical released during an allergic reaction and causes inflammation.

hives — Skin condition in which itchy white lumps develop.

immune system — Bodily system which defends the body from infectious diseases and microorganisms.

immunoglobulin E — An antibody, produced to protect the body, which can latch onto areas of the respiratory and digestive system and cause asthma.

immunoglobulins — Antibodies which normally attach to foreign bodies but can attach to harmless antigens and trigger an allergic reaction.

immunotherapy — Treatment designed to raise a patient’s tolerability to allergens such as pollen, animal dander or dust mites. A series of shots are performed, each of which contains increasing amounts of a particular allergen.

inflammation — Tissue swelling, redness, heat and pain.

intrinsic asthma — Asthma that can not be attributed to an external trigger.

lactose intolerance — Condition in which a person is unable to digest milk sugar. Gas and abdominal pain characterize the condition.

lymphocyte — White blood cells that are integral to the body’s immune system.

mast cells — Cells that produce and store histamines. Mast cells serve as an anchor for antibodies during an allergic reaction.

mould — Living mater that is widespread , especially in the presence of decaying food. Fungus releases tiny spores which can be inhaled and trigger an asthma attack

mucus — Gelatinous liquid that lines the inside of the nose and lungs.

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs — Drugs used to treat inflammation and pain.

occupational allergens — Allergens which a person contacts while at work.

peak flow meter — Hand held device used to monitor a person’s asthma. The device measures how much air a person can push out of their lungs.

perennial allergic rhinitis — Allergic reactions which occur all year long.

pollen — Particles released by flowers for fertilization. Major asthma trigger.

prick test — Test performed to indicate what triggers a person’s allergic reaction. A tiny amoun

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