Useful Information

Glossary

antagonist—a drug that neutralizes the effect of another drug

arthralgia—a painful joint

antigen—a substance that stimulates the formation of an antibody

anaphylaxis—a state of shock, or an extreme allergic reaction

basophil—a type of a white blood cell involved in mast cell degranulation

cutaneous—relating to the skin

degranulation—discharge of the contents of a cell

dermatographism, or dermographism—condition in which the skin becomes red and raised when the skin is scratched lightly or irritated

eosinophils—red staining white cells that usually increase in allergic reactions

Epipen®—an injected rescue med for anaphylaxis containing epinephrine

erythema—a patch of redness of the skin

flush—to blush; to become red

heparin—a blood thinner, released into the body by degranulation

histamine—a mediator released by mast cells

H1—a class of antihistamines that reduce respiratory histamine

H2—a class of antihistamines that reduce gastrointestinal histamine

lesion—a change in tissue structure caused by injury or disease

leukotriene—a type of white blood cell involved in mast cell degranulation

mast cell—a type of white blood cell which release histamine, heparin etc. when it degranulates.

NSAID—Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug

PGD2, or Prostaglandin 2—a by-product of mast cell degranulation that can cause joint pain and hormone problems

prostaglandin—fatty acid that affects many body functions

pruritus—itching

purpura—a purplish or brownish-reddish discoloration of the skin's outer layer caused by blood vessel fragility

systemic—affecting the entire body

tachycardia—rapid heart rate

urticaria—hives, nettle rash

urtication—a burning or itching sensation

vasculitis—an inflammation of the blood vessels

wheal; wheal/flare response—a wheal is a swelling, and flare is redness. Hives are manifested by the combination of wheal, flare, and itching.