Helpful Allergy Terms
Allergen
Anything (animal dander, pollen, or mold) that causes allergy symptoms.
Allergic reaction
The body's response to an allergen that comes in contact with the skin or enters the body by inhalation, swallowing, or injection.
Allergic rhinitis
A common allergic reaction that causes inflammation in the lining of the nose. This inflammation can cause allergy symptoms. Allergic rhinitis can be "seasonal." This means it happens only during certain seasons and is triggered by things like tree, grass, and weed pollens. Or allergic rhinitis may be "perennial" or year-round, with triggers that include house dust mites, animal dander, and mold.
Allergy
An abnormal immune-system reaction to something. This response can cause a broad range of symptoms in the body.
Animal dander
Flakes of dried skin shed from cats, dogs, and other furry animals.
Antihistamines
Medications that block the effects of histamine, which is one of the substances your body releases when it reacts to allergens.
Anti-inflammatory nasal sprays
These medications help reduce the inflammation in the lining of the nose, which contributes to allergy symptoms.
Chronic
Something that lasts for a long time and/or causes sickness again and again.
Corticosteroid
An anti-inflammatory medication that reduces inflammation in body tissue.
Decongestants
Medicines that shrink swollen nasal tissues. By opening up nasal passages, they reduce nasal congestion.
Dust mites
Microscopic insects, usually found in house dust, that live in places like mattresses, pillows, and carpets. They don't bite or spread any germs, but their droppings and carcasses contain a powerful allergen to which a lot of people are allergic.
Hay fever
An allergic condition in which there is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract. Symptoms include sneezing and itchy, stuffy, runny nose. Also called allergic rhinitis.
Hypoallergenic
Refers to products formulated to contain the fewest possible allergens.
Inflammation
Redness and swelling of body tissues, such as those inside the nose. Inflammation can result from an allergic reaction.
Immune system
A collection of cells, chemicals, and proteins that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful, infectious micro-organisms (microscopic life-forms) such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Intranasal
Inside the nostrils of the nose.
Mold
Naturally occurring clusters of microscopic fungi that spread by releasing spores into the air. Some people may develop allergy symptoms if they inhale these spores.
Mucous membranes
Moist tissues forming the lining of body cavities that have an external opening, such as the respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts.
Nasal congestion
A stuffy or blocked nose.
Perennial allergies (Year-round allergies)
A common allergic reaction that causes inflammation in the lining of the nose and occurs year-round. This reaction is triggered by things like dust mites, mold, and animal dander.
Pollen
The tiny spores or fine powder produced by grasses and flowering plants. Airborne pollen is a major allergen responsible for seasonal allergies.
Respiratory system
The group of organs responsible for carrying oxygen from the air to the bloodstream and for expelling carbon dioxide.
Seasonal allergies
A common allergic reaction that causes inflammation in the lining of the nose and happens only during certain seasons. This reaction is triggered by things like tree, grass, and weed pollens.
Sensitization
To become allergic as a result of ongoing exposure to a specific allergen.
Symptom
A change in a person that's different from normal function or appearance and which may indicate a disorder or disease.