Category: Ah-Al

A misguided reaction to foreign substances by the immune system, the body system of defense against foreign invaders, particularly pathogens (the agents of infection). The allergic reaction is misguided in that these foreign substances are usually harmless. The substances that trigger allergy are called allergen. Examples include pollens, dust mite, molds, danders, and certain foods. People prone to allergies are said to be allergic or…

A disease (also more commonly called the Churg-Straus syndrome) characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels in persons with a history of asthma or allergy. The symptoms of the Churg-Strauss syndrome include fatigue, weight loss, inflammation of the nasal passages, symptoms of asthma, numbness, and weakness. The ultimate test for the diagnosis of Churg-Straus syndrome is a biopsy of involved tissue. Treatment of Churg-Strauss…

The characteristic gesture of a person with allergic rhinitis: rubbing his or her nose with the index finger.

Allergic rhinitis that occurs during a specific season.

Allergic rhinitis that occurs throughout the year.

Medical term for hay fever, an allergic reaction that mimics a chronic cold. Symptoms include nasal congestion, a clear runny nose, sneezing, nose and eye itching, and tearing of the eyes. Postnasal dripping of clear mucus frequently causes a cough, loss of smell is common, and occasionally loss of taste. Nosebleeds may occur. Also known as June cold and summer cold.

The hypersensitive response of the immune system of an allergic individual to a substance. When an allergen enters the body, it causes the body’s immune system to develop an allergic reaction in a person with an allergy to it. This reaction can occur when the immune system attacks a normally harmless substance (the allergen). The immune system calls upon a protective…

A form of blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis) that typically affects small arterial vessels (capillaries) in the skin, kidneys, and intestinal tract. The disease presents characteristically as a skin rash associated with joint inflammation (arthritis) and cramping pain in the abdomen. The rash is purpuric due to bleeding into the skin and there be hives and areas of redness. Schönlein-Henoch purpura frequently follows a bacterial or…

A disease characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels in persons with history of asthma or allergy. The symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, inflammation of the nasal passages, numbness, and weakness. The diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy of involved tissue. Treatment involves stopping inflammation and suppressing the immune system. Also known as allergic granulomatosis and allergic granulomatous angiitis.

A disease (also often called the Churg-Straus syndrome) characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels in persons with a history of asthma or allergy. The symptoms of the Churg-Strauss syndrome include fatigue, weight loss, inflammation of the nasal passages, symptoms of asthma, numbness, and weakness. The ultimate test for the diagnosis of Churg-Straus syndrome is a biopsy of involved tissue. Treatment of Churg-Strauss syndrome…