| |
|
|
 |
Allergen |
An allergic stimulus, a substance capable of triggering an allergic reaction in the body.
|
|
|
Allergic asthma |
A disease characterized by progressive narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult.
|
|
|
Allergic conjunctivitis |
An allergic reaction resulting in inflammation of the conjunctiva (a clear substance that coats the inner surface of the eyelid and the outer surface of the eye).
|
|
|
Allergic reaction |
The body’s response to an allergen, results in damage to the body’s tissues. Symptoms can include rash, hives, itch, swelling or difficulty breathing.
|
|
|
Allergic rhinitis |
Inflammation of the nasal passages in response to an allergen. Symptoms usually include congestion, itchy, runny nose or sneezing.
|
|
|
Allergy |
A state of hypersensitivity that is induced by a specific antigen, resulting in an allergic reaction of the body to the antigen.
|
|
|
Antibody |
A large immunoglobulin that interacts only with a specific antigen to help the body mount an immune response.
|
|
|
Antigen |
See allergen
|
|
|
Antihistaminic |
A substance that opposes the action of histamine by blocking the histamine receptors so that the histamine cannot perform its functions.
|
|
|
Anti-inflammatory |
A substance that counteracts or suppresses inflammation.
|
|
|
Bronchodilator |
A substance that dilates the bronchi (or airways) making it easier to breath.
|
|
|
Corticosteroid |
Any of the steroids released form the adrenal cortex. Synthetic versions are used clinically to treat various diseases, for hormone replacement, for anti-inflammatory activity or to suppress the immune system.
|
|
|
Decongestant |
A type of medication that constricts blood vessels in the nasal passages to reduce congestion and swelling of the nose.
|
|
|
Hayfever |
An allergic reaction to certain pollens resulting in inflammation in the nose and eyes that occurs most often during the fall months. Symptoms include those of allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis.
|
|
|
Histamine |
A substance that is stored in the mast cells of the body and is released during an allergic reaction. It is responsible for the redness, swelling, watery eyes, runny nose and some of the other symptoms that may accompany an allergic reaction.
|
|
|
Hypersensitivity |
A state in which the body reacts with an exaggerated immune response to a foreign substance or antigen, which is sometimes a medication.
|
|
|
Immunoglobulin |
A specific protein produced by the body’s plasma cells to help the body fight bacteria or other foreign substances.
|
|
|
Mast cell |
A cell found in the connective tissue of the body that contains many granules of histamine. It will burst open and release histamine during an allergic reaction.
|
|
|
Mast cell stabilizer |
A substance which stabilizes the mast cell so that it will not burst open to release histamine. This is done by inhibiting the entry of calcium into the mast cell.
|
|
|
Mediator (of an allergic reaction) |
A substance released from the cell as a result of the interaction of the antigen with the antibody that helps the body mount an allergic reaction.
|
|
|
Metered dose spray |
A spray bottle that releases a predetermined, accurately measured amount of medication with each spray.
|
|
|
Nasal mucosa |
Mucous membrane that lines the nasal passages.
|
|
|
Nasal polyps |
Small, sac-like growths made up of inflamed nasal mucosa that project into the nasal passages. Commonly found in individuals who suffer from asthma, allergies or hayfever.
|
|
|
Oral antihistamine |
A medication taken by mouth that will block the action of histamine in the body by stopping the histamine from reaching the histamine receptors.
|
|
|
Peak seasonal allergy season |
The season in which an individual’s seasonal allergies are at their worst.
|
|
|
Preservative |
A chemical that is added to food or medications to prevent the contamination of the product.
|
|
|
Seasonal allergy |
Allergy that occurs in response to certain antigens or pollens that are present only at certain times of the year.
|
|
|
Sinus congestion |
Blockage of one or more of the four sinus passageways in the skull, usually results from inflammation and swelling of the nasal tissues.
|
|
|
Sinus headache |
A headache caused by an increased pressure in the sinus when the sinuses are blocked and cannot drain properly. A sinus headache is characterized by a dull, deep or severe pain in the front of your head.
|