- 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