Glossary of allergology

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Glossary of Allergy Terms[edit | edit source]

A[edit | edit source]

B[edit | edit source]

  • Basophil - A type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions.
  • Bronchospasm - The narrowing of the airways in the lungs, often as a result of an allergic reaction.

C[edit | edit source]

D[edit | edit source]

E[edit | edit source]

  • ECARF Quality Seal - A European certification for products and services designed for allergy sufferers.
  • Elimination diet - A method to identify foods causing allergic or other adverse reactions by systematically removing and reintroducing them.
  • Eosinophilic myocarditis - An inflammation of the heart muscle caused by an increase in eosinophils.
  • Exercise-induced anaphylaxis - A rare condition where vigorous exercise triggers an anaphylactic reaction.

F[edit | edit source]

G[edit | edit source]

H[edit | edit source]

  • Hay fever in Japan - The occurrence and specifics of allergic rhinitis in the Japanese context.
  • Helminthic therapy - The use of parasitic worms to treat various diseases, including allergies.
  • Histamine intolerance - A condition where the body cannot break down histamine, leading to allergy-like symptoms.
  • Histamine liberators - Substances that cause cells to release histamine.
  • Human maximisation test - A test method to evaluate the allergenic potential of substances in humans.
  • Hygiene hypothesis - The theory that reduced exposure to infections in early childhood is associated with increased risk of allergies.
  • Hypersensitivity - A state where the immune system reacts excessively to a stimulus.
  • Hypoallergenic - Described as less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
  • Hypoallergenic dog breed - Dog breeds that are often recommended for allergy sufferers due to less shedding or dander.

I[edit | edit source]

L[edit | edit source]

  • Local lymph node assay - A method used to assess the allergic contact dermatitis potential of chemicals.
  • MELISA - A blood test to detect allergies, especially metal sensitivity.

M[edit | edit source]

  • Major urinary proteins - Proteins found in the urine of many species, which can be allergenic in some contexts.
  • Maple bark disease - A fungal disease of maple trees, the spores of which can cause respiratory allergies.
  • Metal allergy - Allergic reactions to metals, commonly nickel, used in various products like jewelry.
  • Mosquito bite allergy - An allergic response to mosquito bites, resulting in large and intensely itchy welts.

N[edit | edit source]

O[edit | edit source]

P[edit | edit source]

  • Perfume intolerance - Sensitivity or allergic reactions to ingredients in perfumes.
  • Platinosis - An occupational allergic reaction related to platinum exposure.
  • Pollen - Tiny grains released by trees, grasses, and weeds that can cause allergic reactions when inhaled.
  • Polyethylene glycol - A polymer that can occasionally cause allergic reactions.
  • Pool chlorine hypothesis - A theory suggesting that exposure to chlorine in swimming pools may increase the risk of developing allergies or asthma.
  • Prausnitz–Küstner test - A diagnostic test for allergies.
  • Pseudoallergy - Reactions that mimic allergic reactions but are not caused by the immune system.

R[edit | edit source]

  • Ragweed - A common allergenic plant, particularly known for causing hay fever symptoms during its pollination season.
  • Rhinitis - Inflammation of the nasal passages, often due to allergies.
  • Rice allergy - Allergic reactions to rice, a common grain.

S[edit | edit source]

  • SEICAP - Spanish Society of Pediatric Allergology, Clinical Immunology, and Asthma.
  • Skeeter syndrome - An allergic reaction to mosquito bites, causing severe redness and swelling.
  • Skin allergy test - A test that involves placing potential allergens on the skin to determine allergic reactions.
  • Slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis - Chemicals produced in the body during some allergic reactions.
  • Stallergenes Greer - A company that provides solutions for allergies.
  • Sweat allergy - A rare allergic reaction to the components of one's own sweat.

T[edit | edit source]

V[edit | edit source]

  • Vaccine allergy - A rare allergic reaction to components found in vaccines.
  • Vasomotor rhinitis - Non-allergic rhinitis with symptoms caused by triggers like air pollutants, weather changes, or spicy foods.

W[edit | edit source]

X[edit | edit source]

  • Xolair - A medication used to treat moderate to severe allergic asthma and chronic hives.

Y[edit | edit source]

  • Yeast allergy - Allergic reactions to yeasts in foods or the environment.

Z[edit | edit source]

  • Zafirlukast - An oral leukotriene receptor antagonist for the maintenance treatment of asthma.

Glossaries, dictionaries, and lists in WikiMD[edit source]

Popular Glossaries Dictionaries Lists & Glossaries Topics
Medical dictionary
Medical dictionary

Additional Resources:[edit source]


Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD