Ch. 21 Allergy and Anaphylaxis

Question 1

Allergen

Answer 1

A substance that causes an allergic reaction.

Question 2

Allergic reaction

Answer 2

The body’s exaggerated immune response to an internal or ruface agent.

Question 3

Anaphylaxis

Answer 3

An extreme, life-threatening, systemic allergic reaction that may include shock and respiratory failure.

Question 4

Angioedema

Answer 4

Localized areas fo swelling beneath the skin, often around the eyes and lips, but can also involve other areas as well.

Question 5

Envenomation

Answer 5

The act of injecting venom.

Question 6

Epinephrine

Answer 6

A substance produced by the body (commonly called adrenaline), and a drug produced by pharmecutical companies that increases pulse rate and blood pressure; the drug of choice for an anaphylactic reaction.

Question 7

Histamines

Answer 7

Chemical substances released by the immune system in allergic reactions that are responsible for many of the symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as vasodilation.

Question 8

Immune response

Answer 8

The body’s response to a substance percieved by the body as foreign.

Question 9

Immune system

Answer 9

The body’s system that includes all of the structures and processes designed to mount a defense against foreign substances and disease-causing agents.

Question 10

Immunology

Answer 10

The study of the body’s immune system.

Question 11

Leukotrienes

Answer 11

Chemical substances released by the immune system in allergic reactions that contribute to anaphylaxis; responsible for bronchospasm.

Question 12

Stridor

Answer 12

A harsh, high-pitched respiratory sound, generally head durign inspiration, that is caused by paritial blockage or narrowing of the upperairway; may be audible without a stethoscope.

Question 13

Toxin

Answer 13

A harmful substance produced by living cells or organisms.

Question 14

Urticaria

Answer 14

Small areas of generalized itching and/or burning that appear as multiple raised areas on the skin; hives.

Question 15

Wheal

Answer 15

A raised, swollen, well-defined area on the skin resluting from an insect bite or allergic reaction.

Question 16

Wheezing

Answer 16

A high-pitched, whistling breath sound that is most prominent on expiration and which suggests an obstruction or narrowing of the lowerr airways; occurs in asthma and bronchiolitis.