Acute - Beginning quickly with intensity, then later subsiding.
Adrenaline - A drug that relaxes muscles the muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes in asthma;also called epinephrine.
Albuterol - A type of medicine; used as a quick relief bronchodilator.
Allergen - A substance that causes allergic reactions in people that are allergic allergic . The allergens that cause asthma symptoms are typically airborne substances.
Allergic reaction - A hypersensitivity reaction to an allergen that causes a variety of symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory medication - A medication that reduces or inhibits swelling or inflammation.
Asthma action/management plan - A plan developed by the doctor and agreed to by the patient that outlines preventive measures and treatment measures for controlling the patient's asthma.
Bronchodilator -A type of drug that relaxes bronchial muscles resulting in expansion of the bronchial air passages.
Corticosteroids - Any of the various natural or synthetic hormones that influence or control key processes of the body. Corticosteroid medications are used as anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of asthma and allergy.
Dust mite - A microscopic insect that lives indoors. Its excretions and decaying body are potent allergens for those who are sensitive to them.
Epinephrine - A drug that relaxes muscles the muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes; also called adrenaline.
IgE - An antibody produced by the body that is concentrated in the mucous membranes. Reactions with IgE release chemical mediators chat cause asthma symptoms. leukocriene modifiers: A class of drugs taken daily, in pill form, to control chronic asthma.
Nebulizer - A machine that turns liquid containing medicine into a mist form in order to be breathed in.
Peek flow meter - A simple, hand-held device that measures the peak flow of air being exhaled_ed, which is called the peak expiatory flow rate.
Peak flow zones - Customized measurements with instructions a patient refers to when using a peak flow meter. Often labeled as "green," "yellow" and "red" zones. Green zone = asthma is under control; yellow zone = airflow has decreased, begin medication as instructed; red zone = seek medical attention immediately.
RAST (Radioallergeosobent Testing) - A blood test that is used to test which allergens a person is allergic to. Since the patient never comes in contact with the allergen, there is no risk of an allergic reaction during testing.
Spirometer/spirometry testing - A type of breathing test to measure lung function. Theophylline; A type of medicine that relaxes the smooth muscle around the air tubes; a bronchodilacor.
Trigger - Substances (such as dust, mold, pollen, and chemicals) or conditions (such as colds, infections, and gastric juice) that bother the air passages and cause asthma symptoms.
Wheeze - A high-pitched whistling noise that can be heard when air moves through tightened bronchial tubes.
Source: Asthma Magazine - Janrary/February 2004