Glossary
Acute Symptoms that begin suddenly and have a short and relatively severe course.
Adverse reaction Undesirable reaction.
Allergen Any substance that causes an allergic reaction.
Allergic reaction An immune system response to a certain substance that the body mistakenly interprets as harmful.
Anaphylaxis A sudden, severe allergic reaction that involves various areas of the body simultaneously or causes difficulty breathing and swelling of the throat and tongue. In extreme cases, it can cause death. This type of reaction is sometimes called a systemic, or general body, reaction or allergic shock.
Angio-edema or edema Medical term used to describe swelling that may occur anywhere in the body.
Antibody A protein in the bloodstream or other body fluids that is produced during an immune response to foreign materials that enter the body; antibodies usually protect us from infection.
Antigen Any substance that provokes an immune response when introduced into the body.
Antihistamine A medication used to block the effects of histamine, a chemical that is released during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines are available via prescription and over the counter.
Asthma Airway disease that is very treatable. Common in children, it is often associated with allergies, including food allergy.
Biphasic reaction An allergic reaction that has two stages. Often the first “wave” of symptoms will be under control; however, one to three hours later the symptoms may return. It is recommended that patients stay at a hospital under observation for four to six hours to be sure medical assistance is quickly available if needed.
Chronic Occurring frequently or lasting a long time (i.e., typically longer than six weeks).
Cross-contact When one food comes in contact with another food and their proteins mix. As a result, each food then contains small amounts of the other food, often invisible to us. Sometimes referred to as cross-contamination.
Eczema (Also called atopic dermatitis) Characterized by an itchy, red rash typically found at the fold of the elbows and behind the knees. It can ooze and cause so much itching that some individuals will scratch until the skin bleeds. In young children, eczema is sometimes caused by food allergy.
Epinephrine Epinephrine is adrenaline. It is the medicine of choice for controlling severe or anaphylactic reactions. It is available by prescription as EpiPen® or Twinject®. If epinephrine is prescribed, it should be available to the patient at all times.
Food allergy The immune system’s reaction to a certain food. The immune system mistakenly reads the food as harmful and creates antibodies to that food. When the food is eaten again, the immune system releases histamine and other chemicals. These chemicals cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Gluten intolerance An intolerance caused by the body’s inability to break down gluten. Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain and diarrhea, and can occur 6 or more hours after the food is eaten. As a result, it is often difficult to pinpoint the food that caused the reaction. Also called celiac-sprue or celiac disease.
Histamine One of several chemicals released by the body during an allergic reaction. It is the cause of many of the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Hives Can appear anywhere on the body. They are mosquito bite-like bumps that are extremely itchy. Also called urticaria.
Lactose intolerance A reaction to a food that does not involve the immune system. Lactose-intolerant people lack an enzyme that is needed to digest milk sugar. When milk products are eaten, symptoms such as gas, bloating, and abdominal pain may occur. Lactose intolerance is more common in adults than in young children.
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