Glossary of Allergy Terms
A substance in the environment that, in an allergic person, causes symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and watery, itchy eyes and nose.
Allergies - a medical condition in which the body recognizes something in the environment as foreign and the body reacts with sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose, in an attempt to rid the body of that foreign invader. Some examples of items that cause allergies include dust, cockroach, mold, dust, pollen (grass, trees, and weeds), cats, dogs, and any furred animals.
Strong Odors - some examples include cleaning products, anything perfumed, paint, and room deodorizers.
Infections - a cold or virus in the lungs.
Exercise - any type of physical activity, including climbing stairs, walking quickly, and swimming.
Cold air - inhaling cold air from a frigid day or an icy drink.
Smoke - inhaling tobacco smoke (including second hand smoke) or smoke from other sources.
May be the only symptom an asthmatic may have. This is most often true for children and diagnosis delayed.
Asthma symptoms brought on by exercise. The amount and type of exercise needed to elicit symptoms varies widely among asthmatics.
A chemical released from cells in the body during an allergic reaction. This is why antihistamine is given to allergy sufferers.
IgE is a chemical in the body that reacts with an allergen to start and allergic reaction. This chemical must be present to be classified as an "allergic response". IgE molecules are specific for different types of allergies ( e.g. dust mite, Penicillin, peanuts, etc.). This factor is usually inherited.
A hand-held device that can be used at home to measure the ability to breathe. When using this device, medications can be adjusted according to your breathing ability. Managing asthma at home is essential to maintain control of asthma and to become and active participant in your own healthcare.
Swelling and inflammation of the lungs, over time, if not controlled with medications will cause scarring in the lungs and make breathing more difficult and medications less effective. This has been shown to happen in even less than a year if asthma is not treated properly.
Prednisone is a potent anti-inflammatory (anti-swelling) medication. It comes in many forms including pill, syrup, and injection. One of Prednisone's uses is to treat significant worsening of asthma and allergies. This medication has many side effects and is therefore given for the least amount of time needed to stabilize the disease.
A chamber that attaches to an inhaler. Once the inhaler is discharged into the spacer it forms a fine mist to allow for better coverage throughout the lungs. It is also used to prevent or minimize side effects from certain inhalers.
A whistling sound that occurs because of narrowed breathing passages. This is a late sign of asthma. If someone is wheezing, his or her airways are significantly narrowed. Asthma most often creates wheezing on expiration (breathing out), if wheezing occurs on inspiration (breathing in) and expiration, this is a sign of worsening asthma.
