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Allergy and immunology

Glossary of terms

allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever)

an inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose, often due to allergy to pollen, dust, or other airborne substances. Rhinitis causes sneezing, itching, a runny nose, and nasal congestion.

See also Allergic rhinitisEar, nose and throat (Otolaryngology)

anaphylaxis (also called anaphylactic shock)

a sudden, severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction caused by food allergies, insect stings, or medications. Symptoms may include hives, swelling (especially of the lips and face), difficulty breathing (either because of swelling in the throat or an asthmatic reaction), vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, and a drop in blood pressure.

See also Critical care (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit)Emergency medicineViolent and unintentional injuries, food allergy and anaphylaxisBryan's bout with food allergies

angioedema

a skin condition that causes larger areas of swelling than occurs in hives

asthma

a chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent breathing problems usually triggered by allergens

See also Critical care (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit)Exercise-induced asthmaPulmonary medicineSigns and symptoms of asthmaStudy shows how neighborhood characteristics play a significant role in childhood asthmaTreatment for asthmaUnderstanding childhood asthmaWarning signs that asthma is not under control

autoimmune disease

a group of diseases in which the body's immune system fights itself

See also Hepatitis

drug allergies

abnormal reactions to a medicine that is triggered by the immune system

food allergies

an abnormal reaction to food that is triggered by the immune system

See also Food allergyNew research study seeks hope for children with food allergiesSociety's lack of knowledge of food allergies can greatly impact those afflicted with food allergiesViolent and unintentional injuries, food allergy and anaphylaxisBryan's bout with food allergies

hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis)

an inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose, often due to allergy to pollen, dust, or other airborne substances. Rhinitis causes sneezing, itching, a runny nose, and nasal congestion.

hives (also called urticaria)

a condition in which red, itchy, and swollen areas appear on the skin usually as an allergic reaction from eating certain foods or taking certain medications

primary immunodeficiency disease

a child born with a deficit in the immune system and usually has a number of repeated infections, and /or other complaints. Sites of the infections include bone, lung, blood stream, brain, and more.

severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)

a rare inherited immune disorder, which is fatal if the immune system is not restored. It leads to severe infections within the first 6 months of life.

sinusitis

an infection that seems like a cold but lasts much longer