Allergies Dictionary

adenoidectomy: The surgical removal of the adenoid glands.

adenoids: Twin glands behind the nose.

adrenaline: Another term for epinephrine.

allergen: Any substance that causes allergy symptoms when the immune system mistakes it for a threat.

allergic rhinitis: Hay fever.

allergy index: An estimation of the allergy sufferers affected by pollens in a specific region at a specific time.

allergy shots: Injections of allergens in order to increase a person's tolerance for the allergen. Allergy shots do not cure allergies, but can reduce the allergic response. Medically known immunotherapy.

anaphylaxis: A highly dangerous allergic reaction that includes swelling of the affected area, a serious drop in blood pressure and outbreaks of hives.

angioedema: Swelling that occurs under the skin, and not on the skin's surface.

antibodies: A product of the immune system, antibodies are created in response to foreign proteins, including allergens. Antibodies bind to the foreign material and destroy it.

antigen: Any foreign substance the immune system identifies as a threat and that produces an allergic response.

antihistamine: Medication that blocks histamine receptors, thereby reducing or preventing congestion, runny nose and sneezing.

anti-inflammatory: A term describing any substance or medication that reduces swelling, itchiness and other symptoms of inflammation.

asthma: A disease of the bronchial tubes, asthma narrows airways, causes the airways to produce more mucus and causes airway linings to swell. As a result, people with asthma have difficulty breathing. Allergies, cold air, exercise and stress can all trigger an asthma attack.

asthmatics: A term used to describe people with asthma.

bronchitis: Inflammation of the lung airways.

bronchodialators: Asthma medication that relaxes and widens the lung airways.

bronchus: Either of the two large airways that connect the lungs to the trachea. The plural form is bronchi.

conjunctivitis: An inflammation of the conjunctiva, or the inside of the eyelid.

contact dermatitis: Skin inflammation caused by direct contact with an allergen or toxic substance.

corticosteroids: A family of anti-inflammatory drugs based on the body's corticosteroid hormones.

dander: Tiny particles shed from skin and hair. Dander from humans and animals makes up the majority of household dust. Pet dander is a very common cause of allergies.

decongestant: Medication that relieves congestion, nasal inflammation and runny nose.

dermatitis: A skin inflammation, often caused by contact with an allergen.

drug allergy: An allergy to a specific medication. Sulpha and penicillin are the most common drug allergies.

dust mites: Microscopic creatures that live off household dust. Dust mites are a common allergen and tend to heavily populate bed mattresses, upholstery, carpets and pillows.

eczema: Inflammation of the skin. Atopic eczema is a type of eczema worsened by contact with allergens.

elimination diet: A dietary system designed to determine the cause of a food allergy.

ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay): A blood test used to identify allergens and determine the subject's sensitivity to the allergen.

epinephrine: An adrenaline medication used in injection form for immediate treatment of anaphylactic shock and life threatening allergy symptoms. Epinephrine increases oxygen levels in the blood while suppressing the immune response. Epinephrine is available in a self-injected form called an epipen.