A

AAE — abbreviation for the Association of Asthma Educators (U.S.A.)

AAP — asthma action plan. See asthma action plan.

acaricides — chemical compounds used to kill acarids such as mites, ticks, etc.

acetylcholine — a substance in the body that permits the transfer of messages from one nerve to another, a neurotransmitter that is involved in vasodilation

Accolate — trade name for zafirlukast. See zafirlukast

ACTH or adrenocorticotropic hormone — a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal gland cortex and its secretion of corticosteroids. Secretion of ACTH is controlled by the hypothalamus gland.

action plan — see asthma action plan

additive — permitted chemicals that can be added to manufactured and prepared foods to increase shelf life, preserve, texturize or to make foods look better

adherence — refers to the patient's ability and willingness to follow a prescribed regimen

adrenal glands — situated on the kidneys they produce steroid hormones, the sex hormones (androgens and estrogens) while a separate part produces epinephrine and norepinephrine.

adrenergic — referring to nerve cells of the autonomic nervous system that uses norepinephrine as a neurotransmitter

adrenomimetic — to act in a manner similar to epinephrine and norepinephrine. See also sympathomimetic

adrenoceptors or adreno receptors — receptor cells to which secretions of the adrenal gland attach themselves

Advair —the trade name for the combination drugs Flovent and Serevent, used to control asthma but should not be used for immediate relief of symptoms

aeroallergens — air borne allergens

Aerobid — trade name for flunisolide

aerolized — refers to medication that is combined with air so that it is in the form of extremely fine droplets that are easily inhaled.

airborne contaminants — refers to substances in the air which when inhaled may cause tissue reaction, damage, or disease. Contaminants have an effect on the respiratory system and can be absorbed into the bloodstream causing damage to both blood and organs.

Airomir — trade name of an HFA inhaler of salbutamol sulphate that is used for relief of symptoms in asthma

Albuterol — a sympathomimetic bronchodilator which has selective effects on 2 receptors. Also called salbutamol

allergen — a substance that is inhaled, touched or tasted that causes an allergic reaction. It is generally a soluble protein. See antigen.

allergic reaction — a reaction or response of the body or part of the body to an allergen

allergic rhinitis — inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nose by allergens

allergy — hypersensitive reaction caused by exposure to an allergen

allopath — a medical physician in the traditional western sense and as in different to holistic

alpha receptor — receptor cells to which hormones of the adrenal gland and certain medications will attach themselves

alternaria — a type of fungus that is airborne and a common allergen, occasionally pathogenic in humans. It is common in grain growing areas in North America

alternate medicine — the collective name given to those forms of therapy that are not allopathic.

alveoli — plural of alveolus

alveolus — thin-walled sac at the terminal of the respiratory bronchioles in which gas exchange occurs between the pulmonary capillaries and the air in the alveolus

alveolar duct — the connection between the alveoli sacs and the terminal bronchioles

Alvesco -- trade name for the inhaled corticosteroid ciclesonide

amplitude — the difference between the highest and lowest points of a repeating cycle

anabolic steroid — a synthetic steroid used to increase muscle mass, not to be confused with corticosteroids

anaphylaxis — a systemic allergic reaction that is IgE mediated and that is life-threatening. A reaction is considered anaphylactic if two or more body systems are involved. It can occur within seconds to minutes of exposure to a foreign substance and the severity of the reaction is related to the level of exposure and method of contact with the allergen.

anaphylactoid — an anaphylactic reaction that is not necessarily IgE mediated

angioedema — sudden painless swelling that affects the loose connective of the face, neck, lips, throat, hands, feet, or abdominal organs and which usually lasts for a short time and disappears within 24 hours.. It may be caused by food or drug allergy, stress or infection.

antagonist — anything that prevents, obstructs, or impedes the action of something else

antibody — an immunoglobulin molecule that is produced by B lymphoid cells that react in a specific way to an antigen

anticholinergic — refers to the blocking of certain receivers on the nerve.

anticholinergic drugs in asthma — a drug that reduces spasm in the lungs by blocking certain receivers on the parasympathetic or cholinergic nerve fibers

antigen — a foreign substance, usually a protein, that causes an allergic reaction.

antigen presenting cell (APC) — cells that process the antigen protein so that it is easily recognized by leukocytes.

apnea — suspension or absence of breathing

ARDS — acute respiratory distress syndrome that results from a failure of the lungs to function. See respiratory distress

ASA — acetylsalicylic acid, commonly called aspirin

Aspergillus — a type of fungi or mold

assessment — an evaluation of a patient's physical, educational, mental, or social status after obtaining a history and generally interviewing the patient

asthma — a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs characterized by reversible airway obstruction. Symptoms include shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing and coughing. They result from constriction of the bronchi and smooth muscle spasm, inflammation of the lining of the bronchi and excess mucus production. Exacerbations or attacks may be triggered by airborne allergens, respiratory infections, inhaled irritants, stress, exercise or other factors.

asthma action plan — an individualized plan that tells the patient with asthma what to do when symptoms increase and peak flows deteriorate. It helps patients manage their asthma and make decisions such as when to increase medications and when to see medical help. Also called the action plan

asthmogenic — likely to trigger asthma

atopic — used to refer to an inherited tendency to allergic reactions or hypersensitivity, and allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis or hay fever.

atopic dermatitis — an intense itchy swelling of the skin, commonly on the face, elbows and knees of patients with a tendency to allergic reactions. Most commonly found in infants, it generally disappears by the age of eighteen months.

atopic eczema — see atopic dermatitis.

atopy — see atopic

Atrovent — a medication used as a reliever for asthma symptoms

attack — a sudden exacerbation of a chronic illness

audit — a review and evaluation of health care practices

autohaler — a pharmaceutical device for delivering medication directly to the lungs through inhalation

autonomic nervous system — that part of the nervous system that regulates vital bodily functions that are not consciously controlled. It has two sections - the sympathetic nervous system that increases both blood pressure and heart rate and narrows blood vessels; and the parasympathetic nervous system that slows heart rate and relaxes muscles

aversion — intense dislike. In food aversions patients are reluctant to eat for a number of reasons.

Azelastine — an anti-histamine

Azmacort — trade name for triamcinalone, a corticosteroid used for its anti-inflammatory properties in the treatment of asthma