Terms Defined
- ACE Inhibitor
- Common medication for blood pressure, which might cause a rash and chronic cough.
- Allergen
- Any substance to which a person is allergic (for example, pollen, house dust mite droppings, animal dander, peanuts)
- Aminal Dander
- Tiny scales shed from animal skin or hair. Dander floats in the air, settles on surfaces and makes up much household dust. Pet dander is a classic cause of allergic reactions
- Anaphylaxis
- Severe, life-threatening allergic response that may include lowered blood pressure, swelling, and hives.
- Antihistamine
- Medication that prevents symptoms of congestion, sneezing and itchy, runny nose by blocking histamine receptors.
- Conjunctivitis
- Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid
- Dermatitis
- Inflammation of the skin, either due to direct contact with an irritating substance or to an allergic reaction. Symptoms include redness, itching, and sometimes blistering
- Dust Mites
- Microscopic insects that live in household dust and are common allergens. Dust mites live on dead skin cells and can be found in large numbers in mattresses, pillows, carpets, curtains and furniture.
- Epinephrine
- A form of adrenaline medication used to treat severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic shock or insect stings. It is available in a self-injectable form or can be injected by a healthcare provider.
- Hay fever
- Or Allergic Rhinitis Allergic reaction caused by the pollens of ragweed, grasses and other plants whose pollen is spread by the wind
- Histamine
- A naturally occurring substance that is released by the immune system after being exposed to an allergen. Histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms of an allergy.
- Mold
- Parasitic, microscopic fungi that float in the air like pollen. Mold is a common trigger for allergies and can be found in damp areas, such as basements or bathrooms, as well as in grass, leaf piles, hay, mulch or under mushrooms.
- Pulmonary function test
- A test that measures how well the lungs take in air and how well this air can be exhaled (lung function). Also measured is how efficiently the lungs transfer oxygen into the blood
- Sinusitis
- Inflammation of the sinuses usually caused by bacterial infection. Acute sinusitis is the sudden onset of symptoms that can be treated with antibiotics and decongestants. Chronic sinusitis is characterized by multiple recurrences of sinusitis or infection that last s several weeks.
- Urticaria (hives)
- Itchy, swollen, red bumps or patches on the skin that appear suddenly as a result of the body's adverse reaction to certain allergens. They can appear anywhere on the body including the face, lips, tongue, throat, or ears. Hives vary in size and can last for minutes or days.
