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Allergen:
A foreign substance that gives rise to allergies by starting an immune response
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Allergic rhinitis (seasonal):
Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose due to an allergic response;
seasonal allergic rhinitis occurs in response to allergens present during part
of the year; seasonal allergic rhinitis is also known as hay fever
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Allergy skin test:
The scratching or injection of a small quantity of allergen into the skin to
produce visible redness and bump; used to identify allergens responsible for
allergies
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Allergy:
A sensitivity to an otherwise harmless substance.
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Antibody:
Any of a number of proteins produced in response to an antigen that acts
specifically against that antigen in an immune response
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Antihistamine:
A drug that inhibits the action of histamine; a drug that reduces hay fever
symptoms, i.e., sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes
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Cilia:
Hairlike projections in the mucous membrane of the nose that help nasal passages
remain clear
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Corticosteroid:
Anti-inflammatory drug that reduces airway inflammation causing a reduction in
nasal swelling and swelling of bronchial tubes; can cause weight gain and
increased appetite
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Decongestant:
A drug that narrows blood vessels and clears nasal congestion; can cause
elevation in blood pressure and nervousness
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Desensitization:
Administration of low but increasing doses of an allergen in order to decrease
the allergic response to that allergen; also known as hyposensitization or
immunotherapy
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Eczema:
Dry, itchy, noncontagious skin rash frequently caused by allergies.
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Elimination diet:
A diet from which common allergenic foods and those suspected of causing
allergic symptoms have been temporarily eliminated.
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Epinephrine:
Adrenaline; a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland that stimulates heart rate
and causes constriction of blood vessels, thus increasing blood pressure
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Hay fever:
An allergic condition characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes of
the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract. Accompanied by sneezing, runny
nose, watery eyes, and itching of the eyes, nose, and throat.
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Heredity:
Transfer of genetic qualities or traits from parents to children
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Histamine:
One of a number of body substances released by mast cells that cause allergic
symptoms.
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Hypoallergenic:
Refers to products formulated to contain the fewest possible allergens. Such
products are not necessarily safe for everyone.
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Immune system:
The body's defense system, composed of specialized cells, organs, and body
fluids. It has the ability to locate, neutralize, metabolize, and eliminate
unwanted or foreign substances.
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Immunoglobulin E (IgE):
One of a class of proteins manufactured by specialized immune cells that help to
deactivate foreign material or invading organisms that cause disease
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Immunology:
The science and study of the nature and causation of protection against
infections and allergenic substances.
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Immunotherapy:
The process by which an allergy patient is exposed, usually by injection, to
gradually increasing amounts of an allergen for the purpose of decreasing
sensitivity to the allergen; mechanism of action is not clear
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Inflammation:
The reaction of tissues to injury from trauma, infection, or irritating
substances. Affected tissue can be swollen, hot, red, and/or tender. Oxygen
availability may be reduced in these tissues.
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Ingestant allergens:
Substances that are swallowed to which a person is sensitive, eg, foods,
beverages, or drugs.
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Inhalant allergens:
Any airborne substance small enough to be inhaled into the lungs, eg, pollen,
dust, mold, and animal danders.
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Injectant allergens:
Substances injected into the body to which a person is allergic. Usually drugs
and insect venom.
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Mast cells:
Cells involved in the immune response and that play a role in allergy by
releasing substances that lead to symptoms such as runny nose and mucus
production. Mast cells contain packets of chemicals (eg, histamine) responsible
for the symptoms of allergy.
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MyAllergyTest:
The fastest, most cost effective and “patient-friendly” way to determine
precisely what you and your family are allergic to.
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Mucous membranes:
Moist tissues forming the lining of body cavities that have an external opening,
such as the respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts.
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Optimal dose:
Dose that gives the most complete relief for the longest period of time, with
the least number of side effects.
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Overload:
The overpowering of the immune system due either to massive, concurrent exposure
or to low-level continuous exposure caused by many stresses, including
allergens.
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Patch/scratch tests:
A form of skin testing in which suspected allergens are applied to the skin,
covered, and observed for several days to see if a reaction occurs. This is
often used in identifying the possible causes of allergic contact dermatitis.
Should not be attempted at home.
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Pharmacology:
The science and action of medicines, their nature, preparation, administration
and effects
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Pollen:
Tiny male fertilizing agent of flowering plants, trees, grasses and weeds.
Airborne pollen is a major allergen responsible for hay fever.
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Postnasal drip:
The leakage of nasal fluids and mucus down into the back of the throat.
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Radioallergosorbent (RAST) test:
Allergen testing carried out in a test tube. A patient blood sample is mixed
with a test allergen. A radioactive antibody capable of detecting human
antibodies is added. A positive test identifies an allergen capable of causing
an allergic response.
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Sensitivity:
An adaptive state in which a person develops a group of adverse symptoms to the
environment, either internal or external.
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Sensitization:
Exposure to a foreign substance resulting in an allergic response
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Symptoms:
A recognizable change in a person's physical or mental state that is a departure
from normal function, sensation, or appearance, and which may indicate a
disorder or disease.
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Syndrome:
A group of traits or concurrent symptoms; indicates the presence and nature of a
condition or disease
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Target organ:
The particular organ or system in an individual that will be affected most often
by allergic reactions to varying substances.
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Tolerance:
The capacity of the body to withstand repeated exposures without symptoms.
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Toxicity:
A poisonous, irritating, or injurious effect resulting when a person ingests or
produces a substance in excess of his or her tolerance threshold.
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Urticaria:
Hives or welts that could be caused by allergies.
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