Air-conditioning
A system which exchanges the air in interiors and/or cools it in hot weather. However, it can also disseminate allergens in the interior environment.
To topAirborne allergens
Allergens which can be inhaled into the airways.
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Allergen
A substance which elicits an allergic reaction. The most common allergens are various types of pollen, molds, house dust mites, animal hair and skin, and hymenoptera venom. Most of these common allergens contain a whole set of different antigens.
To topAllergist
A physician with specific training and experience in the field of allergy and its treatment who is thus qualified to establish a precise diagnosis and to prescribe allergen immunotherapy.
To topAllergy
An exuberant immune response directed against a substance that is recognised as foreign to the body (i.e. an antigen although in this case it is referred to as an allergen). Many different forms of allergy exist from anaphylactic shock (which can be lethal) through asthma and various forms of food allergy to common hay fever.
To topAnamnesis
See Clinical history
To topAnaphylactic shock
An extremely serious, systemic allergic reaction which, if not treated immediately, can result in cardiovascular difficulties. An emergency injection of epinephrine is necessary.
To topAntibody
A protein (also called immunoglobulin) produced by the body in response to a molecule that is recognised as foreign (i.e. an antigen or, in the case of allergy, an allergen). The antibodies responsible for allergic reactions are of the immunoglobulin E (IgE)
To topAntigen
A foreign determinant which is capable, when introduced into the body, of eliciting an immune response in normal subjects. This immune response may be humoral (i.e. leading to the production of antibodies) or cell-mediated (i.e. involving the activation of T lymphocytes).
To topAntihistamine
A drug which antagonizes the effects of histamine and attenuates the allergic reaction.
To topAsthma
Characterised by difficulty in breathing (dyspnea), especially expiration, coupled with wheezing and coughing, often more intense during the night.
To topAtopy
A hereditary predisposition to allergic disease. The manifestations may be allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, atopic eczema or some form of food allergy.
To topAvoidance
Elimination of the allergen by physical means (e.g. anti-house dust mite covers for bedding).
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