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91 Cards in this Set
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allergy
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an adverse reaction to a substance that is generally harmless to most people where IgE antibodies are present
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IgE
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a particular type of antibody involved during allergic reactions
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10-20
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percentage of population that suffers from some sort of allergy
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anaphylaxis
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the ultimate allergic reaction; it is a rapidly progressing and life threatening, because it causes blood pressure problems related to circulatory issues; it can occur within a few minutes of contact of the allergen and death can ensue quickly
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atopy
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the genetic tendency to develop classic allergic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma or food allergy
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atopic dermatitis (eczema)
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an allergic reaction resulting in a skin rash; it can manifest on the face, scalp, or elbow; the allergen can be a variety of different creams; individuals that have it are prone to other types of allergies such as rhinitis
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allergic rhinitis (Hay Fever)
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the most easily recognizable and the most common allergic reaction; it can progress to a more serious condition, and anaphylaxis can occur; 50% of cases progress to asthma; usually due to ragweed pollen
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mold
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the cause of the allergic reaction 20 students experienced at a "roll in the hay" frat party
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pollen
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the plant equivalent of sperm; it is full of proteins, which are the allergen; when it gets into the eyes and nasal passages the encapsulate sac is released and the proteins found within cause the allergic reactions
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ragweed pollen
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a particular culprit of hay fever in Montreal; it is illegal to have it on your property in various municipalities, although the law is not strongly enforced
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geographic tongue
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an unusual reaction to pollen; it is characterized by benign white spots on the tongue
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cat
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the animal most likely to cause allergies; black ones are especially allergenic; the actual allergens are in the dander and saliva; can make other allergies worse
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dander
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dead skin cells; they are full of proteins that act as allergens
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dust mites
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microscopic organisms that cause allergies; their feces can cause allergies; can cause astma
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total allergy syndrome (20th century disease)
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a disease in which an individual reacts to so many substances that they are forced to live outside of society where they can be isolated and minimize exposure to potentially allergenic substances; there is a strong psychological component; individuals who suffer this are often worriers, but their symptoms are very real
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symptoms of total allergy syndrome
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constant headache, burning eyes, feeling of unease, vertigo
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gelatin
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a substance found in marshmallows which is also used as a stabilizer in some vaccines; it can cause allergic reactions
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royal jelly
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a food that can cause a potentially severe allergic reaction if an individual has been exposed to the pollen that the bees feed on
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doubled
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asthma rates have _____________ since 1980
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80 000
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number of new chemicals introduced to the public since WWII; the higher amount of substances increases the overall probability of allergic reactions
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cleaning agents
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chemicals with increasingly complex compositions which may be one of the causes of the increase in asthma cases
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childhood vitamins
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a product that has been linked to the increase in food allergies in children
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hygiene hypothesis
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a hypothesis that states that over-cleanliness is resulting in an under-developed immune system
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Ecuador 2008 study
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a study of 2800 school children which showed that allergies were less prevalent among those infected with parasitic worms; they keep the immune system busy
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daycares
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children who are enrolled in _____________ are less likely to develop allergies, Leukaemia, or Hodgkin's lymphoma because of the greater exposure to microorganisms
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5 times
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dairy farmers are ____________ less likely to develop lung cancer because they breathe manure dust containing bacteria
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endotoxins
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a family of molecules which alert and activate the immune system; they are found in cotton, which is why cotton workers have lower rates of cancer
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4
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percentage of adults that have food allergies
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30
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percentage of adults that have food intolerances
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lactose intolerance
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a food intolerance that is caused by a lack of the lactase enzyme; affects 70% of the world population
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sulfites
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molecules found in fruit, shrimp, and wine, which can cause food intolerance
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nitrates
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molecules found in cured meats which can cause food intolerance
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tyramine
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a naturally occurring amine which is present in red wine and cheese and can cause headaches
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foods that can cause real food allergies
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milk, shellfish, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts
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cinnamon
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a spice known to cause an allergic reaction which results in white spots on the tongue (but not the same as geographic tongue)
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yellow #5
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a common food dye that is known to cause gastrointestinal problems
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wrapped Snickers bar
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a girl in Britain was so allergic to peanuts that she reacted to a __________________; she survived by using her epipen
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Peanut-Free Schools
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a concept that has become more and more popular as a method of avoiding cases of anaphylaxis in young children
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EpiPen
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an injection that contains adrenalin (epinephrine) and can temporarily reverse an anaphylactic reaction; they are spring loaded; they have an expiry date because epinephrine has a short half-life
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Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
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an antihistamine that is used in treatment of anaphylaxis at the hospital
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Bamba
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an israeli peanut snack that is very popular among young children; it is often the first solid food given to them; it is likely connected to the low incidence of peanut allergies in Israel
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sesame seeds
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allergic reactions to ____________ are increasing because people are eating more bagels
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soy beans
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food that contains some potentially allergenic proteins; it is commonly used as animal food because it is cheap to grow, high in protein, but is naturally low in methionine
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brazil nuts
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food which is very rich in the amino acid methionine; they can cause allergies
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transgenic soy beans
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soy beans in which the gene which synthesized methionine in brazil nuts has been inserted; they could not be put on the market because people who had brazil nut allergies also reacted to them
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bee stings
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one of the more dangerous allergies, similar to peanuts and fish; can result in either skin reactions, full body reactions, bronchial constriction and anaphylaxis
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contact dermatitis
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any type of contact-dependent outbreak on the skin characterized by redness or hives
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irritant contact dermatitis
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a reaction that is not related to allergies, only to exposure to caustic or irritating substances; can be caused by dishwashing soap or vinegar
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immune-system mediated contact dermatitis
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an allergic reaction of the skin; it can be caused by poison ivy and a number of different substances
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urushiol
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an allergen present in poison ivy, poison oak, and Japanese lacquer tree which causes contact dermatitis; it does not affect 10-20% of people
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flip flops
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an allergen that can cause contact dermatitis
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nickel
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a metal which is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis; can be present in cell phones, piercings, jean buttons, garter belts, etc.
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dimethylglyoxine
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a chemical used to test for the presence of nickel; it turns pink when nickel is present
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garlic
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a food which in rare instances can cause allergic contact dermatitis
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brown dye
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a dye used on some plastic currencies that can cause allergic contact dermatitis, even through pants
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hydrocortisone
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a powerful anti-inflammatory compound used to treat allergic contact dermatitis
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glue (cyanoacrylate)
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a substance used to put on fake nails which can cause allergic reactions
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phenylene diamine
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a chemical found in black hair dye that can cause contact dermatitis; it can also result in in a reaction all over the body if the chemical seeps into the blood vessels
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latex
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a substance that comes from a tree which is used to make rubber; there are proteins in it which are allergenic; it is used to make gloves and condoms, and there has been greater exposure in recent years
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papaya, latex, and banana
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three cross-reacting allergens; if you are allergic to one, you are likely allergic to all of them
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Dr. Everett Koop
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former US surgeon general; he developed an allergy to latex, which resulted in increased research on Latex allergies
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sperm, Coca-Cola
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there was a woman who was allergic to her partner's ______, but only if he had been drinking __________
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aquagenic pruritis
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allergy to water; the allergy is rare and only involves the skin; individuals affected can still drink water; washing must be done quickly, or alcohol can be used to clean
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photoallergy
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a reaction triggered when exposed to a material followed by exposure to UV light
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Hannelore Kohl
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wife of a German chancellor; was once treated with Penicillin, which subsequently made her permanently sensitive to light; sunlight reacted to a protein in her skin which caused it to be allergenic; she eventually committed suicide
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mast cells
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specialized immune cells to which IgE antibodies attach; they are located in nasal passages, throats lungs, digestive tracts, eyes, etc.
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degranulation
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the release of granules (pockets of histamine) which occurs when the IgE antibodies on mast cells bind the allergen; histamine causes most allergenic symptoms
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Superman (1976)
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movie in which the Director filmed the degranulation of mast cells and used the footage for the explosion of Krypton
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histamine receptors
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receptors in the eyes, nasal passage, etc. which are found on specific cells that then stimulate coughing, sneezing, etc when activated
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anti-histamine
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a competitive inhibitor of histamine that binds to the active site of the histamine receptor
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Chlor-Tripolon
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the first drug designed as an anti-histamine; designed through trial and error; makes you drowsy as a side effect
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Diphenhydramine
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an anti-histamine that has bad side effects; it is now used as a sleeping aid due to its side effect
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Seldane
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a non-sedating 2nd generation antihistamine which cross-reacts with an antifungal medication (ketoconazol) and results in irregular heartbeats; it was allowed back on the market as Allegra when the makers discovered which stereoisomer was causing this effect
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Hismanal
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similar drug to Seldane
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Cetirizine
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a popular active ingredient of antihistamines, it is found in Zyrtec and Reactine
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Claritin
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generic name of this drug is Loratadine
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sudafed
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a decongestant available in tablet form; it is a systemic decongestant
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Beconase
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a nasal spray decongestant; uses cortisone as an anti-inflammatory; gives instant relief with no side effects; overuse is counterproductive because the nose gets used to the vessels being artificially constricted
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Rhinocort, Flonase
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nasal spray decongestants that use steroids
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Petadolex
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a decongestant which contains extract from Butterbur plant; some trials show that it works as well as some medications
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stinging nettle
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a plant that can give you a rash if it touches your skin; the active ingredients in small doses can resolve allergies; these can come in capsule form, but do not work as well as other medications
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asthma
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an allergic disease; it is caused by leukotrienes, which are also released from mast cells
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anti-leukotrienes
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medications which are targeted towards asthma
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Singulair
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an anti-leukotriene produced by Merck; its generic name is Montelukast (Mont for Montreal); can be used for allergic rhinitis when nothing else works; effective for treating exercise-induced asthma, but not acute asthma
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Ventolin (albuterol)
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an asthma inhaler which immediately dilates the bronchial tubes, allowing for inflow of air
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Serevent
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slmeterol xinafoate; a non-steroidal asthma inhaler similar to Ventolin
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Pulmicort, Flovent
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steroid-based asthma inhalers
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Advair
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Fluticasone propionate/salmeterol; a popular treatment that contains both steroidal (preventative) and anti-leukotrienes (attack relief)
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sodium cromoglycate
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Intal; an asthma prophylaxis, taken regularly as an inhaler to prevent an attack; the theory is that it coats the surface of mast cells and prevents release of histamine
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patch testing
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immunological tests for allergies; they are used to test many chemicals at the same time on your back
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allergy shots
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small doses of chemically modified allergens that are injected; the body doesn't recognize the offending material but will produce IgG antibodies against it; IgG will then bind to the real allergen first upon exposure, preventing its binding to IgE on mast cells; works well for bee stings and hay fever
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