Take the Asthma Quiz Glossary of TermsThe following are health and medical definitions of terms that appear in the Take the Asthma Quiz article.
Acute: Of abrupt onset, in reference to a disease. Acute often also connotes an illness th... See the entire definition of AcuteAirway: The path that air follows to get into and out of the lungs. The mouth and nose are... See the entire definition of AirwayAirway obstruction: Partial or complete blockage of the breathing passages to the lungs. C... See the entire definition of Airway obstructionAllergen: 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 AllergyArtery: A vessel that carries blood high in oxygen content away from the heart to the far... See the entire definition of ArteryAsthma: A common lung disorder in which inflammation causes the bronchi to swell and narro... See the entire definition of AsthmaBreathing: The process of respiration, during which air is inhaled into the lungs through ... See the entire definition of BreathingBronchi: The plural of bronchus. Bronchiolitis: Inflammation of the bronchioles, usually due to viral infections. Chest: The area of the body located between the neck and the abdomen. The chest contains t... See the entire definition of ChestChronic: In medicine, lasting a long time. A chronic condition is one that lasts 3 months ... See the entire definition of ChronicChronic disease: A disease that persists for a long time. A chronic disease is one lasting... See the entire definition of Chronic diseaseCritical care: The specialized care of patients whose conditions are life-threatening and ... See the entire definition of Critical careCure: 1. To heal, to make well, to restore to good health. 2. A time withou... See the entire definition of CureCystic fibrosis: A common grave genetic disease that affects the exocrine glands and is ch... See the entire definition of Cystic fibrosisDander: Tiny scales shed from human or animal skin or hair. Dander floats in the air, sett... See the entire definition of DanderDyspnea: Difficult or labored breathing; shortness of breath. Dyspnea is a sign of serious... See the entire definition of DyspneaEar: The hearing organ. There are three sections of the ear, according to the anatomy tex... See the entire definition of EarEdema: The swelling of soft tissues as a result of excess fluid accumulation. Edema is oft... See the entire definition of EdemaEmergency department: The department of a hospital responsible for the provision of medica... See the entire definition of Emergency departmentExercise-induced asthma: Asthma triggered by vigorous physical activity. It primarily affe... See the entire definition of Exercise-induced asthmaFeces: The excrement discharged from the 'intestines. Fever: Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 degr... See the entire definition of FeverHay fever: A seasonal allergy to airborne particles characterized by itchy eyes, runny nos... See the entire definition of Hay feverImmunology: The study of all aspects of the immune system, including its structure and fun... See the entire definition of ImmunologyInfection: The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, an... See the entire definition of InfectionInflammation: A localized reaction that produces redness, warmth, swelling, and pain as a ... See the entire definition of InflammationMetered dose inhaler: See: Metered-dose inhaler. Microscopic: So small it cannot be seen without the aid of microscope. As opposed to macro... See the entire definition of MicroscopicMite: A tiny eight-legged creature belonging to the Order Acarina related to spiders and t... See the entire definition of MiteMucous: Pertaining to mucus, a thick fluid produced by the lining of some tissues of the b... See the entire definition of MucousNational Academy of Sciences: A nonprofit, self-perpetuating society of distinguished scho... See the entire definition of National Academy of SciencesNebulizer: A device for administering a medication by spraying a fine mist. Also known as ... See the entire definition of NebulizerObstruction: Blockage of a passageway. See, for example: Airway obstruction; Intestinal o... See the entire definition of ObstructionOxygen: The odorless gas that is present in the air and necessary to maintain life. Oxygen... See the entire definition of OxygenPediatric: Pertaining to children. 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 PharmacyPregnancy: The state of carrying a developing embryo or fetus within the female body. Thi... See the entire definition of PregnancyProtein: One of the three nutrients used as energy sources (calories) by the body. Protein... See the entire definition of ProteinPublic health: The approach to medicine that is concerned with the health of the community... See the entire definition of Public healthPulmonary: Having to do with the lungs. Pulse: The rhythmic dilation of an artery that results from beating of the heart. Pulse is... See the entire definition of PulseRad: Radiation absorbed dose, a measurement for a dose of ionizing radiation. Respiratory: Having to do with respiration. Rhinitis: Irritation of the nose. Saliva: a watery secretion in the mouth produced by the salivary glands that aids in the d... See the entire definition of SalivaSecondhand smoke: Smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette or that is exhaled ... See the entire definition of Secondhand smokeTrigger: Something that either sets off a disease in people who are genetically predispose... See the entire definition of TriggerUrine: Liquid waste produced by the kidneys. Urine is a clear, transparent fluid that norm... See the entire definition of UrineViral: Of or pertaining to a virus. For example, if a person has a viral rash, the rash wa... See the entire definition of ViralViruses: Small living particles that can infect cells and change how the cells function. I... See the entire definition of VirusesWheezing: A whistling noise in the chest during breathing. Wheezing occurs when the airway... See the entire definition of Wheezing
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