Glossary of terms A substance that can cause Antihistamines Medications that (see urticaria) an allergic reaction. block the action of . Immune system The immune system is Allergen immunotherapy A series of Non-sedating antihistamines relieve a complex network of cells and proteins injections (shots), sublingual drops or allergy symptoms and are readily that defends the body against infection. sublingual tablets are administered available from pharmacies. Immunologists and allergy specialists which contain . Allergen An allergic inflammation of the identify and treat the diseases that immunotherapy alters the way in which airways producing swelling, narrowing result from abnormalities of the the immune system reacts to allergens, and the build-up of mucous, leading immune system. by switching off allergy. to difficulty in breathing. Immunotherapy (see allergen Allergic salute Wiping of an itchy, runny Bronchodilator Medication that immunotherapy) or blocked nose in an upwards direction relaxes airway muscles and widens Immunoglobulin (see ) that helps to open up the nasal airways. the air passages. InflammationA defence reaction of Allergic crease A crease or pale line Bronchospasm / wheezing A high- that develops across the lower part of tissues against invasion by foreign pitched musical wheezing sound when substances, which results in redness the nose as a consequence of frequent breathing in or out. May be due to a and swelling. In the condition of upward wiping of the nose. number of causes, most commonly asthma, the inflammation is not asthma. It cannot always be heard Allergic reaction An adverse reaction defensive but destroys the tissues. involving the immune system that is without a stethoscope. Latex Latex or natural rubber is the caused by inhaling, swallowing or Contact An inflammation substance obtained from the sap of the touching a substance to which a person of the skin (blistered, red, itchy and Hevea brasiliensis tree. is sensitive. It can also follow injections of often weeping) which is usually caused medicines, insect stings or insect bites. by contact with chemicals found in Mast cells Specialised cells that lie just Allergic An inflammation of the cosmetics, perfume, jewellery and beneath the surface of the skin and the lining of the nose caused by inhaling clothing, as well as some plants. lining of the nose. They contain histamine and other substances, which cause an allergen, such as dust mite, pollen Desensitisation Usually referred to as or animal dander, and also by eating allergy shots or allergen immunotherapy allergy symptoms. certain foods. Symptoms may include (see allergen immunotherapy). Mould or fungus Found everywhere itching, sneezing, blocked nose, runny Dust mite A small mite invisible to the in the environment and especially nose and itchy / watery eyes. Also associated with rotting vegetable called hay fever. naked eye that is widely distributed in homes. It is a major cause of asthma matter. Because many fungi multiply Allergic shiners Dark rings under the and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). by releasing millions of spores into the eyes caused by allergy. Bags under the air, they may cause allergy if inhaled. eyes can also be caused by swelling of Eczema An inflammation of the skin causing reddening, itching, swelling Mucus A clear film of sticky liquid on the tissues, thus reducing circulation the surface of the lining of the nose and drainage. and weeping (also known as atopic dermatitis). and lungs. An inflammation Atopic dermatitis Occupational allergens Allergens of the skin that is reddened, swollen, Eosinophils Cells that circulate in the encountered in the course of a itchy and often weeping (also known blood and attack tissues at the site of person’s work. as atopic eczema). an allergic reaction, causing damage. Otitis media Infection of the middle ear. This is the most severe Food An adverse reaction type of allergic reaction involving many by the body to ingested foods or Pollen The pollen grain is a tiny particle organs of the body such as the: chemicals not involving the immune carried by insects or wind to fertilise • skin – welts and hives (urticaria) system. the female flower. Breathing in pollen • upper airways – swelling of the throat An adverse reaction to causes allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and and vocal cords leading to obstruction specific foods such as peanuts, tree asthma in some people. in breathing nuts, shellfish, egg and milk, which RAST (RadioAllergoSorbent Test) • nose – sneezing, blocking, watering, involves the immune system. A blood test for allergen-specific runny nose Food sensitivity Another term for (IgE) antibodies, • lungs – wheezing and asthma food allergy. which identifies reactions to specific • circulatory system – a fall in blood Hay fever Sneezing, watery discharge allergens such as dust mite, pollen, pressure, persistent dizziness or animal dander, moulds, foods and collapse If untreated anaphylaxis may and itching of the nose and eyes caused by pollen of grasses and other plants, some insect venoms – also referred cause death. It is usually caused by to as allergen specific IgE tests. food, medicines or insects a person usually occurring in spring (also known has developed an allergy to. as allergic rhinitis). Seasonal allergic rhinitis (see hay fever) Antibodies Substances produced Histamine A substance occurring in Skin-prick test A test to identify by the body to protect itself against mast cells in the body. In an allergic reactions to allergens. A positive test is infection. Immunoglobulin E antibodies reaction it is one of the substances one where a raised, itchy lump (wheal) are produced by the body in an released which causes itching, sneezing, surrounded by a flat red area (flare) allergic reaction. wheezing and runny nose and eyes. develops within 15-20 minutes.