ACE inhibitor (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor)
A type of medication used to treat heart disease or high blood pressure which may worsen an allergic reaction.
Adrenaline
A hormone secreted by the adrenal glands in response to stressful situations. In synthetic form it is known as epinephrine.
Allergen
A substance capable of causing an allergic reaction; for example pollens, moulds, animal dander, house dust mites, foods, insect stings, medications, and natural latex.
Allergic reaction
An adverse immune response following exposure to an otherwise harmless substance, such as food, medication or pollen.
Allergist
A medical doctor who has first specialized in internal medicine or pediatrics and then has obtained additional subspecialty training required to qualify as a specialist in allergy and immunology.
Allergy
An altered immune response caused by a specific substance.
Anaphylaxis
A serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death.
Antihistamine
A drug that blocks the effects of histamine, which is one of the substances released into the tissues during an allergic reaction.
Asthma
A common chronic condition affecting the lungs, characterized by inflammation, constriction of the muscles surrounding the airways and excess mucus production. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, coughing, and wheezing.
Atopic
A predisposition toward developing allergic conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma.
Auto-injector
A “user-friendly” pre-loaded syringe used to administer epinephrine.
Beta-blocker
A type of medication used to treat heart disease or high blood pressure which may interfere with the action of epinephrine and worsen the allergic reaction.
Chronic
Present for a long time.
Endoscopy
A procedure where the specialist inserts an endoscope (a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it) through the mouth to examine the esophagus (and other parts of the upper GI/gastrointestinal tract such as the stomach and small bowel). Through the endoscope, tissue samples can be taken.
Eosinophils
A type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system which helps fight certain infections and responds to allergic conditions. Eosinophils are made in your bone marrow and are found normally circulating throughout your blood.
Eosinophilia
A higher-than-normal number of eosinophils in your blood or tissue. In esophageal tissue, a higher-than-normal number is typically ≥15 eosinophils per high-powered field.
Epinephrine
A synthetic version of the hormone adrenaline; used in the treatment of anaphylaxis and life-threatening asthma attacks.
Food oral immunotherapy
A treatment intended to decrease sensitivity to a food allergen. With this treatment, extremely small amounts of a food allergen are gradually given in increasing dosages until the patient is able to eat a certain amount of the food allergen without reaction so long as they are on this treatment. At present, mostly limited to research settings and not yet available as a routine treatment option.
Histamine
One of the substances released into the tissues during an allergic reaction.
Hives
Smooth, raised red bumps or welts on the skin, which may be paler in the centre and are accompanied by severe itching. Not all hives are caused by allergies.
Idiopathic reaction
A reaction that results from an unknown cause.
IgE mediated food allergy
A type of food allergy in which the immune system sees a certain food as harmful. It overreacts by producing IgE antibodies (whose main role is to protect against infections), leading to symptoms of an allergic reaction which can be life-threatening (anaphylaxis).
Immune system
The infection-fighting part of the body; in individuals with allergies , harmless substances trigger the immune system to “fight”.
Immunology
The science and study of the immune system.
Immunotherapy
A series of injections (allergy shots) or tablets (placed under the tongue) that are prescribed by an allergist and intended to decrease sensitivity to an allergen. Extremely small amounts of an allergen, such as stinging insect venom or inhaled allergens (e.g., house dust mites, pollens), are gradually given in increasing dosages until the immune system is trained to respond less to the allergen. Immunotherapy is not available for all allergens.
Non-IgE mediated food allergy
A type of food allergy in which other parts of the body’s immune system react without involvement of IgE antibodies. The resulting symptoms may cause extreme discomfort, but they are not life-threatening. Examples of this type of food allergy include EoE and FPIES.
Oral immunotherapy
See Food oral immunotherapy.
Proteins
Complex chemical substances made of amino acids; proteins are essential constituents of all living cells.
Protocol
A written plan to follow for management of a condition in case of an emergency; useful tool for schools, day cares, summer camps, etc.
Sensitization
The development of a protein called an “IgE antibody” to a specific allergen following exposure. This is a key step in developing an allergy to that specific allergen. Not all individuals who are sensitized have allergy.
Skin test
The placement of a small, dilute amount of allergen onto the skin of the arm or back, through which the skin is pricked, or the injection of a small, dilute amount of allergen under the skin. If the patient is sensitized to that substance, a small raised area surrounded by redness will appear at the test site within 15 minutes.
Stock epinephrine auto-injector
A device that is not designated for a particular person and can be used to treat anaphylaxis. It is meant for occasions where an individual does not have their auto-injector at hand, for whatever reason (e.g., forgotten, first-time reaction).
Systemic reaction
An allergic reaction that affects the whole body or body system, as opposed to a local reaction that is confined to the immediate area of exposure.
Triggers
Factors that can provoke allergic reactions or asthma episodes, including allergens and irritants.
Urticaria
See Hives.