Here are terms frequently used in diagnosing and treating asthma.
Allergy — Inappropriate or exaggerated reaction of the immune system to substances that, in the majority of people, cause no symptoms.
Anaphylaxis — A severe and life-threatening allergic reaction to a substance, for example, penicillin or an insect sting.
Antibody — A protein (also called immunoglobulin) manufactured by lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) to neutralize an antigen or foreign protein.
Antigen — A substance that can trigger an immune response, resulting in production of an antibody as part of the body's defense against infection and disease.
Antihistamine — A category of drugs that block the effects of histamine, a chemical released in body fluids during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines reduce itching, sneezing and runny nose.
Anti-inflammatory drugs — Drugs that reduce symptoms and signs of inflammation.
Asthma — A chronic inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent breathing problems.
Bronchitis — An inflammation of the bronchi (lung airways) resulting in a persistent cough that produces considerable quantities of sputum (phlegm). It is more common in smokers and in areas with high atmospheric pollution.
Bronchodilator drugs — A group of drugs that widen the airways in the lungs.
Bronchus — Any of the larger air passages that connect the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs.
Contact dermatitis — Inflammation of the skin or a rash caused by various substances. The more common causes include reaction to detergents left on washed clothes, nickel (in watch straps, bracelets and necklaces) chemicals in rubbery gloves and condoms, certain cosmetics, plants and topical medications.
Corticosteroid drugs — A group of anti-inflammatory drugs similar to the natural corticosteroid hormones produced by the cortex of the adrenal glands.
Eczema — An inflammation of the skin usually causing itching and sometimes accompanied by crusting, scaling or blisters.
Epinephrine — A naturally occurring hormone, also called adrenaline. It dilates the airways to improve breathing and narrows blood vessels in the skin and intestines so that an increased flow of blood reaches the muscles and allows them to cope with the demands of exercise.
Extrinsic asthma — Asthma that is triggered by an allergic reaction, usually something that is inhaled.
Histamine — A chemical present in cells throughout the body that is released during an allergic reaction.
Immunotherapy — Allergy shots. Gradually increased doses of an allergen cause the immune system to become less sensitive to the substance, which reduces the symptoms of the allergy when the substance is encountered in the future.
Intrinsic asthma — Asthma that has no apparent external cause.
Mast cell — Plays an important role in the body's allergic response. These cells are present in most body tissues.
Paranasal sinuses — Air cavities within the the facial bones.
Sinusitis — An inflammation of the membrane lining the facial sinuses, often caused by bacterial or viral infections.
Urticaria — A skin condition commonly known as hives.
Source: The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
