Chapter 18 Immunologic Emergencies Flashcards
The act of injecting venom.
Envenomation
The study of the body’s immune system.
Immunology
The body system that includes all of the structures and processes designed to mount a defense against foreign substances and disease-causing agents.
Immune system
A raised, swollen, well-defined area on the skin resulting from an insect bite or allergic reaction.
Wheal
Small spots of generalized itching and/or burning that appear as multiple raised areas on the skin; hives.
Urticaria
Substances released by the immune system in allergic reactions that are responsible for many of the symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as vasodilation.
Histamines
The body’s response to substance perceived by the body as foreign.
Immune response
Chemical substances that contribute to anaphylaxis; released by the immune system in allergic reactions.
Leukotrienes
A high-pitched noise heard primarily on inspiration.
Stridor
A substance produced by the body (commonly called adrenaline), and a drug produced by pharmaceutical companies that increases pulse rate and blood pressure; the drug of choice for an anaphylactic reaction.
Epinephrine
A poison or harmful substance produced by bacteria, animals, or plants.
Toxin
An extreme, life-threatening systemic allergic reaction that may include shock and respiratory failure.
Anaphylaxis (anaphylactic shock)
The body’s exaggerated immune response to an internal or surface agent.
Allergic reaction
A substance that causes an allergic reaction.
Allergen
The production of whistling sounds during expiration such as occurs in asthma and bronchiolitis.
Wheezing
