Asthma definitions
- Asthma
- A disorder that causes the muscles around the bronchial tubes in the lungs to contract, as well as the lining of the bronchial tubes to become inflamed and swollen. [Gold M, general editor. The complete kid’s allergy and asthma guide: the parent’s handbook for children of all ages. Toronto: Robert Rose; 2003. p. 229.]
Sources
Source for the following definitions, unless otherwise stated: Glossary. In: Fanta CH, Cristiano LM, et al. The Harvard Medical School Guide to taking control of asthma. New York: Free Press; 2003.
p. 299-306.
Definitions
- Allergen
- A substance that stimulates the immune system to make an allergic reaction. In asthma, this substance is almost always breathed in. Only things of a certain shape and size can function as an allergen. For example, pollens from grasses and trees can act as allergens; ozone, lead paint, and perfumes cannot.
- Allergy
- A specific type of reaction made by the body to certain substances that are foreign to it.
- Alveoli
- The tiny air sacs in our lungs through which oxygen enters into the blood and carbon dioxide is removed from the blood.
- Asthma
- A disorder that causes the muscles around the bronchial tubes in the lungs to contract, as well as the lining of the bronchial tubes to become inflamed and swollen. [Gold M, general editor. The complete kid’s allergy and asthma guide: the parent’s handbook for children of all ages. Toronto: Robert Rose; 2003. p. 229.]
- Bronchial Tubes
- The system of branching tubes that carry air to the tiny air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. The bronchial tubes are organized like a branching tree, with the windpipe (trachea) corresponding to the trunk of the tree.
- Bronchioles
- The smaller branches of the bronchial tubes.
- Bronchodilator
- A type of medication that acts to open the breathing passages, primarily by causing the muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes to relax.
- Dander
- Tiny particles from animal hair, feathers, or skin that may cause allergic reactions.
- Dust Mite
- A tiny animal visible only under the microscope. There are proteins in its droppings that cause allergic reactions in many people worldwide. These mites are found living in dust particles.
- Extrinsic Asthma
- An old-fashioned expression used to describe asthma accompanied by identifiable allergies.
- Intrinsic Asthma
- An old-fashioned term used to describe asthma in the absence of any identifiable allergies.
- Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)
- a type of delivery device for the administration of inhaled asthma medications. Multiple doses of medication are held within a pressurized canister. With each use, the exact, “Metered” dose is released in the form of a spray.
- Peak Flow
- A measure of how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. In asthma, your peak flow reflects the extent to which your bronchial tubes are normally open or abnormally narrowed.
- Peak Flow Meter
- A simple handheld device used to measure peak flow.
- Spacer
- A device attached to a metered dose inhaler that helps deliver inhaled asthma medicine deep into the lungs; acts as “a holding chamber” because it holds, or suspends, the medicine spray so that a person can inhale a slow, deep breath. It helps reduce the amount of medicine that can stick in the mouth or throat or be swallowed when using an MDI. [Allen JL, Bryant-Stephens T, et al., editors. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia guide to asthma. Hoboken (NJ): John Wiley; 2004. p. 191.]
- Trigger (of Asthma)
- Anything that can set off asthma symptoms. Many different categories of things can stimulate asthmatic symptoms, including allergens, inhaled irritants, strong odors, medications, respiratory tract infections, exercise, and strong emotions.
