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Allergy-Immunology Glossary Here are definitions of some of the words frequently encountered in literature on allergy and asthma. Please notify us if there are other words you would like added to the list. Allergy Allergies are inappropriate or exaggerated reactions of the immune system to substances that, in the majority of people, cause no symptoms. Symptoms of the allergic diseases may be caused by exposure of the skin to a chemical, of the respiratory system to particles of dust or allergy and asthma consultants of rockland and bergen infant asthma pollen (or other substances), or of the stomach and intestines to a particular food. Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, is a severe, frightening and life-threatening allergic reaction. The reaction, although rare, can occur after an insect sting or as a reaction to an injected drug - for example, penicillin or antitetanus (horse) serum. Less commonly, the reaction occurs after a particular food or drug has been taken by mouth. Antibody An antibody is a protein (also called an immunoglobulin) asthma concussion infant asthma that is manufactured by lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) to neutralize an antigen or foreign protein. Bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms commonly contain many antigens, as do pollens, dust mites, molds, foods, and other substances. Although many types of antibodies are protective, inappropriate or excessive formation of antibodies may lead to illness. When the body forms a type of antibody called IgE (immunoglobulin E), allergic rhinitis, asthma or eczema may result when the patient is again exposed asthma treatment guidelines infant asthma to the substance which caused IgE antibody formation (allergen). Antigen An antigen is a substance that can trigger an immune response, resulting in production of an antibody as part of the body's defense against infection and disease. Many antigens are foreign proteins (those not found naturally in the body). An allergen is a special type of antigen which causes an IgE antibody response. Antihistamine drugs Antihistamines are a group of drugs that block the effects of histamine, a chemical infant asthma infant asthma released in body fluids
