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adrenergic agent
pharmacological agent that acts as a mucosal vessel vasoconstrictor
allergen
foreign substance that is usually harmless
allergic disorder
common pathological condition due to IgE-dependent immunological reactions to an allergen
allergic rhinitis
localized allergic reaction in the sinuses
allergy
inappropriate or exaggerated responses of the immune system to a foreign substance that is usually harmless
anaphylaxis
potentially life-threatening, type I hypersensitivity response resulting from the rapid release of IgE-mediated chemicals in an attempt to eliminate a triggering allergen
angioneurotic edema
condition that is characterized by urticaria and diffuse swelling of the deeper skin layers
antibody
protein substance that protects against antigens
antihistamine
H1 receptor antagonist
Arthus reaction
acute, localized inflammatory response that typically occurs after vaccination
atopic march
typical progression of allergic disease that begins early in life
atopy
genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases
B cell
regulatory cell in the immune system; also called B lymphocyte
bradykinin
chemical mediator that stimulates nerve fibers and causes pain
eosinophil
leukocyte that protects the body from parasites, allergens, and other organisms
epicutaneous
on the skin
haptens
incomplete antigens
hemorrhagic bullae
blood-filled blisters
hypersensitivity
abnormal heightened response to any type of stimulus
immunoglobulin
protein capable of acting as an antibody
latex
substance made from natural protein derived from the sap of the rubber tree
leukotriene
chemical mediator that initiates the inflammatory response
malar rash
butterfly rash
mast cell
specialized type of white blood cells that are found throughout the body
papule
solid or cystic raised spot on the skin
Peyer patches
small groupings of lymphoid follicles in the small intestine
prostaglandin
unsaturated fatty acid with a wide range of biologic activity
rhinorrhea
runny nose
sensitization
process in the allergic response where IgE antibodies attach to receptors on the surface of immune cells after an allergen has been introduced
serotonin
chemical mediator that acts as a forceful vasoconstrictor and bronchoconstrictor and is formed in platelets
T cell
cell that assists B cells in the immune response; also called T lymphocyte
urticaria
type I hypersensitivity allergic reaction involving the skin and characterized by wheals
urticarial vasculitis
inflammation of the small vessels of the skin
vesicle
thin-walled sac filled with fluid
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