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Allergen
A substance which can cause an allergic reaction.
Allergen Immunotherapy
A series of injections (shots) or sublingual drops are administered which contain the allergen such as bee venom, pollen, dust mite or animal dander to which the patient is allergic. At first the amount given is a low dose, then the amount is increased at regular intervals, over a period of 3-5 years. Allergen immunotherapy alters the way in which the immune system reacts to allergens, by "switching off" allergy.
Allergic Salute
When the itchy, runny or blocked nose is being wiped in an upwards direction. This movement helps to open up the nasal airways.
Allergic Crease
A crease or pale line that develops across the lower part of the nose as a consequence of frequent upward wiping of the nose.
Allergic Reaction
A reaction caused by inhaling, swallowing or touching a substance to which a person is sensitive. It can also follow injections or insect stings or bites.
Allergic Rhinitis
An inflammation of the lining of the nose caused by inhaling an allergen such as dust mite, pollens or animal dander, also by eating certain foods. The symptoms may include: itching, sneezing blocked and runny nose.
Allergic Shiners
Dark rings under the eyes caused by allergy. These patients can also develop bags under the eyes probably caused by swelling of the tissues reducing circulation and drainage.
Angioedema
A swelling of the deeper layers of the skin, usually occurring in soft tissues such as the eyes, lips, tongue and groin area.
Allergy
An irritating or harmful response to a foreign substance that is harmless to most people.
Atopic Dermatitis
An inflammation of the skin which is reddened, swollen, itchy and often weeping (also known as atopic eczema).
Anaphylaxis
This is a severe allergic reaction involving many organs of the body such as:
- the skin - itching hives/urticaria
- the upper airways - swelling of the throat and vocal cords leading to obstruction in breathing.
- the nose - sneezing, blocking, watering runny nose.
- the lung - wheezing and asthma.
- the circulatory system - a fall in blood pressure and collapse.
If untreated anaphylaxis may cause death. It is usually caused by swallowing a substance to which a person has developed an allergy such as peanuts, injecting some medications such as penicillin, or an insect sting such as bee, wasp, jack jumper or bull ant.
Antibodies
Substances produced by the body to protect itself against infection.
Antihistamines
Medications which block the action of histamine. Non-sedating antihistamines relieve allergy symptoms but do not slow you down and do not react with alcohol.
Asthma
An allergic inflammation of the airways producing swelling, narrowing and the build up of mucus within the airway, leading to difficulty in breathing.
Beta Blockers
Medications commonly used in the treatment of high blood pressure, heart beat irregularities, migraine, overactive thyroid and glaucoma.
Bronchodilator
Medication which relaxes airway muscles and widens the air passages.
Bronchitis
An inflammation of the bronchi (large airway passages) caused by infection.
Bronchospasm/Wheezing
A high pitched musical wheezing sound when breathing in or out. May be due to a number of causes, most commonly asthma. It cannot always be heard without a stethoscope.
Cilia
Small hair-like structures that line the airways and help remove the thin film of mucus which has trapped unwanted particles.
Colic
Spasm of the colon.
Contact Dermatitis
An inflammation of the skin (blistered red, itchy and often weeping) which is caused by contact with chemicals found in cosmetics, perfume, jewellery and clothing as well as some plants.]
Desensitisation
Usually referred to as allergy shots or allergen immunotherapy. Refer to definition of allergen immunotherapy.
Dust Mite
A small mite invisible to the naked eye. Widely distributed in homes. It is a major cause of asthma & allergic rhinitis.
Eczema
An inflammation of the skin causing reddening, itching, swelling and weeping (also known as atopic dermatitis).
Eosinophils
Cells that circulate in the blood. They attack tissues at the site of an allergic reaction causing damage.
Food Intolerance
An adverse reaction by the body to ingested foods or chemicals not involving the immune system.
Food Allergy
An adverse reaction to specific foods such as peanuts, shellfish, egg, and milk that involves the immune system.
Food Sensitivity
Another term for food allergy.
Glands
Structures which release hormones into the body, for example the thyroid or adrenal gland. The name is also loosely and incorrectly applied to lymph nodes which are part of the body's defence system.
Hay Fever
Sneezing watery discharge and itching of the nose and eyes caused by pollen of grasses and other plants, usually occurring in spring (also known as allergic rhinitis).
Histamine
A substance occurring in certain cells in the body (eg. mast cells). In an allergic reaction it is released and causes itching, sneezing, wheezing and runny nose and eyes.
Hives
(see urticaria).
Immune System
This protects the body from foreign substances and infection. Sometimes the immune system reacts innappropriately to normal substances and causes an allergic reaction.
Immunotherapy
Refer to definition of allergen immunotherapy.
Immunoglobulin
(see antibodies).
Inflammation
Is a defence reaction of tissues against invasion by foreign substances. In asthma, the inflammation is not defensive but destroys the tissues.
Latex
Latex or natural rubber is the substance obtained from the sap of the Hevea brasiliensis tree.
Mast Cells
Specialised cells that lie just beneath the surface of the skin and the lining of the nose. They contain histamine and other substances which cause allergy symptoms.
Middle Ear
The space between the ear drum and the inner ear. Infection causes acute pain and hearing loss (also known as otitis media).
Mould or Fungus
Found everywhere in the environment especially associated with rotting vegetable matter. Because many fungi multiply by releasing millions of spores into the air they may cause allergy if inhaled.
Mucus
A clear film of sticky liquid on the surface of the lining of the nose and lungs.
Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Medications which reduce pain and inflammation.
Occupational Allergens
Those encountered in the course of a person's work. Examples are western red cedar which may cause asthma in sawmillers and carpenters; animal dander in veterinarians and laboratory workers; latex in health care professionals.
Oesophageal Reflux
A condition where muscles at the lower end of the oesophagus (the tube which leads from the mouth to the stomach) does not function properly and allows acid stomach contents to move upwards back into the oesophagus, causing a painful burning sensation.
Otitis Media
Infection of the middle ear.
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic symptoms occurring throughout the year, usually caused by allergens such as dust mite, animal dander and mould (see allergic rhinitis).
Pollen
The pollen grain is a tiny particle carried by insects or wind to fertilise the female flower. Breathing in pollen causes hayfever and asthma in allergic people.
RAST (Radioallergosorbent Test)
A blood test which identifies reactions to specific allergens eg. dust mite, pollen, animal dander, moulds, foods and some insect venoms- also referred to as allergen specific IgE tests.
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
(refer to hayfever).
Skin Prick Test
A test to identify reactions to allergens. A positive test is one where a raised itchy lump (wheal) surrounded by a flat red area (flare) develops within 15-20 minutes.
Sinusitis
Inflammation of the sinuses which are air cavities connected to the nasal passages. If the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed and infected, the condition is called sinusitis.
Steroids
A shortened word for corticosteroids (and not to be confused with 'body building' steroids). They are a group of medications used to prevent or suppress the symptoms of severe inflammation due to any cause, and prevent the tissue damage that may otherwise result.
Symptom Diary
A daily record of the symptoms a person suffers.
Urticaria
The medical word for hives. Itchy raised lumps which vary in position from hour to hour or day to day.
Wheal
A raised whitish itchy lump which occurs after skin prick test, after contact with an allergen eg. cat scratch, and refers also to the individual lump seen in hives.
Content Last Updated November 2007
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