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Allergy Glossary
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
allergen: substance that causes an allergic reaction
allergenic: describes a substance which produces an allergic reaction
antibody:molecule tailor-made by the immune system to lock onto and destroy specific germs
basophils:white blood cells that contribute to inflammatory reactions
conjunctivitis: inflammation of the lining of the eyelid, causing red-rimmed, swollen eyes, and crusting of the eyelids
genes: units of genetic material that carry the directions a cell uses to perform a specific function
granules: small particles; in cells the particles typically include enzymes and other chemicals
immune system: a complex network of specialized cells, tissues, and organs that defends the body against attacks by disease-causing organisms
inflammation: an immune system process that stops the progression of disease-causing organisms
lymphocytes: small white blood cells which are important parts of the immune system
mast cells: granule-containing cells found in tissue
molecules: the building blocks of a cell. Some examples are proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
organism: an individual living thing perennial, describes something that occurs throughout the year
rhinitis: inflammation of the nasal passages, which can cause a runny nose
sinuses: hollow air spaces located within the bones of the skull surrounding the nose
sputum: matter ejected from the lungs and windpipe through the mouth
tissues: groups of similar cells joined to perform the same function
upper respiratory tract: area of the body which includes the nasal passages, mouth, and throat
(extracted from Airborne Allergens: Something in the Air)
