Indoor Allergens Glossary of Terms
The following are health and medical definitions of terms that appear in the Indoor Allergens article.
Airway: The path that air follows to get into and out of the lungs. The mouth and nose are... See the entire definition of AirwayAllergen: A substance that can cause an allergic reaction. Common allergens include ragwee... See the entire definition of AllergenAllergic reaction: The hypersensitive response of the immune system of an allergic indiv... See the entire definition of Allergic reactionAllergic rhinitis: Medical term for hay fever, an allergic reaction that mimics a chronic ... See the entire definition of Allergic rhinitisAllergy: A misguided reaction to foreign substances by the immune system, the body system ... See the entire definition of AllergyAllergy shots: See Allergy desensitization. Anaphylactic shock: A widespread and very serious allergic reaction. Symptoms include di... See the entire definition of Anaphylactic shockAnaphylaxis: Allergic reaction. In severe cases, this can include potentially deadly anap... See the entire definition of AnaphylaxisAngioedema: Like hives but affects deeper skin layer. Antibody: An immunoglobulin, a specialized immune protein, produced because of the introdu... See the entire definition of AntibodyAntigen: A substance that the immune system perceives as being foreign or dangerous. The b... See the entire definition of AntigenAntihistamines: Drugs that combat the histamine released during an allergic reaction by bl... See the entire definition of AntihistaminesAsthma: A common lung disorder in which inflammation causes the bronchi to swell and narro... See the entire definition of AsthmaAsthmatic: 1. Pertaining to asthma as, for example, asthmatic bronchitis. Blurred vision: Lack of sharpness of vision with, as a result, the inability to see fine d... See the entire definition of Blurred vision
Breathing: The process of respiration, during which air is inhaled into the lungs through ... See the entire definition of BreathingCell: The basic structural and functional unit of any living thing. Each cell is a small c... See the entire definition of CellChemotherapy: 1. In the original sense, a chemical that binds to and specifically k... See the entire definition of ChemotherapyChest: The area of the body located between the neck and the abdomen. The chest contains t... See the entire definition of ChestCongestion: An abnormal or excessive accumulation of a body fluid. The term is used broadl... See the entire definition of CongestionConstipation: Infrequent and frequently incomplete bowel movements. Constipation is the op... See the entire definition of ConstipationCorticosteroid: Any of the steroid hormones made by the outer portion (cortex) of the adre... See the entire definition of CorticosteroidCough: A rapid expulsion of air from the lungs, typically in order to clear the lung airwa... See the entire definition of CoughCure: 1. To heal, to make well, to restore to good health. 2. A time withou... See the entire definition of CureDander: Tiny scales shed from human or animal skin or hair. Dander floats in the air, sett... See the entire definition of DanderDandruff: A scalp condition that produces white flakes that may be shed and fall from the ... See the entire definition of DandruffDecongestant: A drug that shrinks the swollen membranes in the nose, making it easier for ... See the entire definition of DecongestantDischarge: 1.The flow of fluid from part of the body, such as from the nose or vag... See the entire definition of DischargeDry mouth: The condition of not having enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. This is due to... See the entire definition of Dry mouthDust mite: A tiny microscopic organism that is the primary cause of allergies related to h... See the entire definition of Dust mite
Fever: Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 degr... See the entire definition of FeverGuinea pig: 1.Cavia porcellus, also known as Cavia cobaya, a plump rodent native to... See the entire definition of Guinea pigHay fever: A seasonal allergy to airborne particles characterized by itchy eyes, runny nos... See the entire definition of Hay feverHistamine: A substance that plays a major role in many allergic reactions, dilating blood ... See the entire definition of HistamineHives: A raised, itchy area of skin that may be a sign of an allergic reaction. It can be ... See the entire definition of HivesImmune: Protected against infection, usually by the presence of antibodies. Immune response: Any reaction by the immune system. For example, poison ivy can cause an i... See the entire definition of Immune responseImmune system: A complex system that is responsible for distinguishing a person from every... See the entire definition of Immune systemImmunocompromised: Having an immune system that has been impaired by disease or medical tr... See the entire definition of ImmunocompromisedImmunology: The study of all aspects of the immune system, including its structure and fun... See the entire definition of ImmunologyImmunotherapy: Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune (defense) syst... See the entire definition of ImmunotherapyInflammation: A localized reaction that produces redness, warmth, swelling, and pain as a ... See the entire definition of InflammationInformatics: The application of computers and statistics to the management of information.... See the entire definition of InformaticsInternal medicine: The medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and medical treatment ... See the entire definition of Internal medicineItching: An uncomfortable sensation in the skin that feels as if something is crawling on ... See the entire definition of Itching
Leukotriene: One of a group of chemicals produced by the body that accompanies inflammatio... See the entire definition of LeukotrieneMast cell: A granulocyte found in connective tissue whose normal function is unknown but t... See the entire definition of Mast cellMite: A tiny eight-legged creature belonging to the Order Acarina related to spiders and t... See the entire definition of MiteMold: One of a large group of fungi that can proliferate on food or in moist areas. Househ... See the entire definition of MoldMouth: 1. The upper opening of the digestive tract, beginning with the lips and con... See the entire definition of MouthNasal: Having to do with the nose. Nose: The external midline projection from the face. The purpose of the nose is to warm, c... See the entire definition of NosePA-C: Physician Assistant - Certified. Pediatrics: The field of medicine that is concerned with the health of infants, children, ... See the entire definition of PediatricsPharmacy: A location where prescription medications are sold. A pharmacy is constantly sup... See the entire definition of PharmacyPollen: Small, light, dry protein particles from trees, grasses, flowers, and weeds that m... See the entire definition of PollenPrescription: A physician's order for the preparation and administration of a drug or dev... See the entire definition of PrescriptionPublic health: The approach to medicine that is concerned with the health of the community... See the entire definition of Public healthRespiratory: Having to do with respiration. Rhinitis: Irritation of the nose.
Runny nose: The production of extra mucus by the nose. Rhinorrhea is the medical term for ... See the entire definition of Runny noseSaliva: a watery secretion in the mouth produced by the salivary glands that aids in the d... See the entire definition of SalivaSensitivity: 1. In psychology, the quality of being sensitive. As, for example, sen... See the entire definition of SensitivityShock: In medicine, a critical condition that is brought on by a sudden drop in blood flow... See the entire definition of ShockShortness of breath: Difficulty in breathing. Medically referred to as dyspnea. Shortness ... See the entire definition of Shortness of breathSodium: The major positive ion (cation) in the fluid surrounding cells in the body. The ch... See the entire definition of SodiumStuffy nose: : The presence of increased secretions and mucus in the nasal passages, most ... See the entire definition of Stuffy noseSubstance: 1. Material with particular features. Therapy: The treatment of disease. Therapy is synonymous with treatment. Throat: The throat is the anterior (front) portion of the neck beginning at the back of th... See the entire definition of ThroatTrigger: Something that either sets off a disease in people who are genetically predispose... See the entire definition of TriggerUrinary: Having to do with the function or anatomy of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or ur... See the entire definition of UrinaryUrine: Liquid waste produced by the kidneys. Urine is a clear, transparent fluid that norm... See the entire definition of UrineWheezing: A whistling noise in the chest during breathing. Wheezing occurs when the airway... See the entire definition of WheezingX-ray: High-energy radiation with waves shorter than those of visible light. X-ray is used... See the entire definition of X-ray
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