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what are nasal allergies | |
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causes & symptoms | |
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treating nasal allergies | |
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pollen pointers | |
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glossary | |
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expert Q & A | |
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allergen Almost anything (animal dander, pollens, or mold) that causes allergy symptoms. allergic reaction The body's response to something called an allergen that comes in contact with the skin, or by inhalation, swallowing, or injection. allergic rhinitis Nasal symptoms that occur after you come in contact with something to which you are sensitive. For many people, the pollen from grass, trees, and flowering plants causes this allergic reaction. Also known as hay fever. allergy An acquired, abnormal immune response to a substance that can cause a broad range of inflammatory reactions. allergy shots Can make your body less sensitive to allergens over time. Allergy shots are injections of substances to which you’re allergic. Some people experience a significant reduction of symptoms 12 months after they’ve started regular allergy shots. You have to visit your doctor regularly to receive the shots. allergy specialist A doctor who specializes in allergies and their treatment. anaphylactic shock The most severe form of allergy, which is a medical emergency. An oftentimes severe and sometimes fatal systemic reaction in a susceptible individual after exposure to a specific allergen (such as wasp venom or penicillin), following previous sensitization. Characterized especially by respiratory symptoms, fainting, itching, hives, swelling of the throat or other mucous membranes, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. anaphylaxis A type of allergic reaction that is sudden, severe, and involves the whole body. It can be fatal. angioedema Swelling of parts of the body, such as lips or eyes, that occurs because of an allergic reaction. antibody Also called an immunoglobulin. A complex protein that is manufactured by a type of white blood cell ("lymphocytes") to neutralize or destroy an antigen or foreign protein. Many types of antibodies are protective; however, inappropriate or excessive formation of antibodies may lead to illness. antigen Also known as an allergen. A substance that can trigger an immune response. This immune response causes the production of antibodies as part of the body's defense against infection and disease. antihistamines Block the effects of histamine, which is one of the substances your body releases when reacting to allergens. Antihistamines help relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms, which include sneezing and itchy, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes, but they are less effective in relieving nasal congestion. anti-inflammatory nasal sprays Reduce nasal inflammation, which contributes to your nasal allergy symptoms. Unlike oral antihistamines and decongestants that have effects throughout the body, anti-inflammatory nasal sprays work where you apply them and need them most – in your nose. They are most effective when you use them regularly to manage symptoms of a stuffy, sneezy, itchy, runny nose. chronic Something that lasts for a long time and/or causes sickness again and again. dander A mix of airborne particles such as skin, fur, or hair shed or secreted from cats, dogs, and other furry animals. Similar to dandruff. decongestants Shrink swollen nasal tissues caused by allergic rhinitis. By opening up your nasal passages, they may relieve sinus pressure. Decongestants offer relief from nasal congestion after it has begun and are effective for temporary relief. If nasal decongestant sprays are used for more than 3 to 5 consecutive days, symptoms can become worse as the medication wears off. dust mites Microscopic insects that live in 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. epinephrine Also called adrenaline. One of two chemicals (the other is norepinephrine) released by the adrenal gland, usually in times of stress. Epinephrine increases the speed and force of heartbeats. It dilates the airways to improve breathing and narrows blood vessels in the skin and intestine so that an increased flow of blood reaches the muscles and allows them to cope with the demands of exercise. EpiPen™ A single dose of medicine (injection kit) of epinephrine you can give yourself to counteract a severe allergic reaction until medical help arrives. It is an adrenaline dose that is given to counteract a severe allergic reaction. hay fever Also called allergic rhinitis. An allergic condition characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract. Accompanied by sneezing and itchy, stuffy, runny nose. hives Raised, red, and itchy rashes of different sizes on the skin, often associated with an allergic reaction. They are also known as urticaria or welts. hypoallergenic Refers to products formulated to contain the fewest possible allergens. immune system A collection of cells, chemical messengers, and proteins that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful, infectious micro-organisms (microscopic life-forms), such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. immunotherapy With immunotherapy treatment (also known as allergy shots), you receive increasingly higher doses of your allergens over time and gradually become less sensitive to them. ingestant allergens Substances to which a person is sensitized that are swallowed, such as foods, beverages, or drugs. inhalant allergens Any airborne substance small enough to be inhaled into the lungs (such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander) that elicit an allergic reaction. injectant allergens Substances injected into the body to which a person is allergic. Usually drugs and insect venom. mast cells Cells that may release inflammatory chemicals. Mast cells are in all different parts of your body such as the nose and skin. mold Naturally occurring clusters of microscopic fungi that spread by releasing spores into the air. Some people may develop nasal 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. optimal dose Dose that gives the most complete response, for the longest period of time, with the least number of side effects. OTC (over-the-counter) A term used to describe drugs that can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription. pollen The tiny spores or fine powder produced by grasses and flowering plants. Airborne pollen is a major allergen responsible for hay fever. respiratory system The group of organs responsible for carrying oxygen from the air to the bloodstream and for expelling carbon dioxide. seasonal allergies See allergic rhinitis. sensitization To become allergic as a result of repeated exposure to a specific allergen. symptom A recognizable change in a person's physical or mental state that is a departure from normal function, sensation, or appearance, and which may indicate a disorder or disease. |
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