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HICKORY ALLERGY
& ASTHMA
CLINIC |
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The glossary remains under construction. Acute - can refer to sudden or relatively quick onset of condition; short-term or brief condition in contrast to chronic; intense as sometimes refers to severity Albumin - name of a protein in egg whites that can be responsible for an allergic reaction and a term that egg allergic individuals should be able to recognize on a food label Allergic conjunctivitis - allergic inflammation of the membrane lining the eye Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis - allergic inflammation of the nose and eyes Allergic salute - rubbing the nose, in a upward motion, to relieve nasal itching; chronically rubbing the nose in this manner can leave a crease on the bridge of the nose. Allergic shiner - "darken circle" under the eye from the swelling of blood vessels due to allergy Allergist - a physician who is a specialist in diagnosing and treating allergy and asthmaAllergy - an inappropriate immune response or hypersensitivity to a normally harmless substance (allergen)Allergy Immunotherapy - allergy shots; allergen desensitization; giving by injection small increasing amounts of the allergen to which one is allergic
Anaphylaxis - a severe and life-threatening systemic (whole body) allergic reactionAntibody - immunoglobulin; a protein made by white blood cells that works to protect against something the immune system perceives as harmful
Antigen - a substance than can trigger the immune system to respond with the production of an antibody; an allergen is a type of antigen.Antihistamine - medication that reduces or blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical involved in an allergic reactionAnti-inflammatory medicines - a group of medicines that reduce inflammation and treat asthma/allergy in which inflammation is an underlying causeAsthma - chronic inflammatory condition of the lungs involving an overreaction to a variety of triggers (stimuli) resulting in narrowed and swollen airways along with excessive mucus production
Atopic dermatitis - eczema Board certified - certification of a physician in a specialty; particularly well-qualified in a specific medical specialtyBronchi - large airways that carry air from the trachea to the smaller airways of the lungsBronchial Tubes - breathing tubes or air passages used to carry air in and out of the lungsBronchioles - small airways in the lungs that branch off the bronchiBronchoconstriction - narrowing of the breathing tubesBronchodilators - medication (usually inhaled but can be taken orally) that relaxes the muscles around the bronchial tubes so that air can more easily pass throughBronchospasm - tightening of the muscles around the bronchial tubesChronic - long-term condition; ongoing; continualCold urticaria - hives caused by exposure to coldCorticosteroid medications - anti-inflammatory drugs (like the natural hormone of the same name that is produced by the body) Cough suppressant - medication to keep one from coughing by suppressing the cough
Decongestant - medication to reduce nasal congestion or stuffiness which is available as an oral drug or as an over-the-counter nasal spray
Early Warning Signs - symptoms or less obvious signs that you can learn to recognize in YOU of YOUR child before asthma symptoms start or get severeEczema - inflammatory condition of the skin which can cause intense itching, crusting, scaling, and/or blistersEpinephrine - commonly referred to as adrenaline; a hormone released by the adrenal gland; it is produced synthetically as a drug and used in treating anaphylaxisExhale - breathe outFood elimination and challenge - test which can help diagnose food allergy; eliminating a food from the diet for a period of time and observing for symptoms when reintroducing the food
GERD - Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease; in some individuals, it may trigger asthmaHay Fever - seasonal allergic rhinitis (see Rhinitis)HEPA - air filter which can be found in room air cleaners, in vacuums, or available for whole-house filtration; the letters stand for High Efficiency Particulate AirHistamine - chemical present in the body and released during an allergic reaction; antihistamines work against this potent chemicalHives - a common name for the medical term urticariaInflammation - redness, swelling, pain produced by an immune response
Inhale - breathe in
Leukotriene - a chemical mediator of allergic inflammation; a chemical in the body that can lead to inflammatory reactionsLeukotriene modifier - a medicine that can interfere with the action of or block the production of leukotrienes; an oral medicine used to treat allergic inflammationMucus - phlegm or sputum; fluid secreted by mucous membranes typically referring to those in nose or lungsNasal Irrigation - using saline (a solution of salt water) to wash inside the nose and paranasal sinusesNebulizer - machine which turns a liquid into a fine mist for breathing into the lungs; sometimes referred to as an aerosol machine or atomizerNocturnal Asthma - asthma occurring at nightOcular - referring to the eyeO ral allergy syndrome - a form of contact urticaria (hives); itching of the lips, tongue, palate, and throat after eating certain (usually raw) fruits and vegetables
Ovalbumin - name of a protein in egg whites that can be responsible for an allergic reaction and a term that egg allergic individuals should be able to recognize on a food label Peak Flow Meter - A handheld device with a meter to measure how fast one can breathe air out of the large airways Pollen - the male element in the fertilization of plants; allergenPrick Test - skin test for allergen sensitivity; skin test in which allergen is placed on the skin prior to "pricking" with a needlePulmonary Function Test - breathing test to determine how well air is moving in and out of the lungsQuick-relief medicine when referring to asthma care - an inhaled short-acting bronchodilator in the beta2-agonist category which gives relief from bronchospasm within minutes of inhalation; the effects typically last 4-6 hoursRAST - a blood test which detects antibodies to a specific allergen; an abbreviation for Radio Allergo Sorbent Test which is a trademark of the company originating the test Rhinitis inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose -- can also involve sinuses and ears rhinitis is caused by airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, etc. Rhinitis medicamentosa is the medical term for the rebound effect that occurs with chronic use of an over-the-counter topical decongestant nasal spray.
Scratch Test - skin test for allergen sensitivity; skin test in which the skin is lightly scratched prior to placing an allergen on the scratched areaSide effects - an unintended or unwanted effect of a drug Sinusitis - inflammation of the lining of the paranasal sinuses which are hollow spaces (air cavities) within the bones of the face and skull Spores - reproductive cells of certain organisms, including mold Theophylline - a bronchodilator medicine (a number of brands) which relaxes the muscles around the airways in the lungs making it easier for air to move in and out; theophylline may also have mild anti-inflammatory effectsTrachea - windpipe; refers to the tube that connects the throat to the bronchial tubesTrigger - a substance, environmental condition, or circumstance that leads to asthma, an allergic reaction, or an irritation
Wheezing - a whistling sound, usually heard when breathing out, caused by air trying to pass through narrowed airways; can be a sign of asthma
Xopenex - a quick-acting bronchocilator for relieving asthma symptoms. Xolair - sometimes referred to as anti-IgE; an injected potential treatment for diseases associated with the allergic process as it decreases the allergic antibody (IgE); currently used in the treatment of moderate or severe allergic asthma. Xyzal - an antihistamine available by prescription (levocetirizine).
Zyrtec - an antihistamine (cetirizine) available over-the-counter. Cetirizine used to be only available by prescription. The glossary remains under construction.
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Contacting us Please CALL
our office (828-322-1275 or 1-800-432-5015) if you or your child is a patient at
Hickory Allergy & Asthma Clinic, and
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