atopy
Inherited allergy tendency
Atopy is a genetic tendency to develop allergic conditions—asthma, eczema, hay fever, food allergies.
Someone who is atopic has an immune system primed to overreact to common environmental substances like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.
Both children inherited their mother's atopy.
The adjective is atopic: atopic dermatitis.
Chronic lung inflammation
- rhinitisInflamed nasal membrane
- hay feverAllergic rhinitis from pollen
- wheezeWhistling labored breath
- inhalerPortable respiratory medication device
bronchodilator · airways · conjunctivitis · sneezing · nasal congestion · sinusitis · spirometry · peak flow
Allergy-response compound
- allergenImmune response trigger
- sensitizationIncreased responsiveness to stimuli
- eosinophilsGranular leukocytes fighting parasites
- basophilsHistamine-containing white blood cells
hypersensitivity · anaphylaxis · urticaria · hives · antihistamine · desensitization · immunotherapy · cytokines
Inflammatory skin disorder
- itchingIrritating skin sensation
- pruritusMedical term for itching
- inflammationProtective tissue response
- rednessCrimson-hued state
flaking · dryness · scratching · skin barrier · emollients · moisturizers · hydrocortisone · excoriation
Floral reproductive grains
- dust mitesMicroscopic skin-eating arachnids
- pet danderShed skin from animals
- moldForm-giving container
- food allergensIngredients triggering adverse reactions
environmental · irritants · stress · humidity · pollution · smoke · fragrances · detergents
Genetic share of variation
- family historyRecord of ancestors
- predispositionInnate tendency toward something
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
- polygenicInvolving numerous hereditary units
genes · alleles · mutation · genotype · chromosomes · genetic markers · twin studies · hereditary
asthma
Chronic lung inflammation
inhaler · bronchodilator · airways · conjunctivitis · sneezing · nasal congestion · sinusitis · spirometry · peak flow · nebulizer
histamine
Allergy-response compound
- allergenImmune response trigger
- sensitizationIncreased responsiveness to stimuli
- eosinophilsGranular leukocytes fighting parasites
basophils · hypersensitivity · anaphylaxis · urticaria · hives · antihistamine · desensitization · immunotherapy · cytokines · immune response
eczema
Inflammatory skin disorder
- itchingIrritating skin sensation
- pruritusMedical term for itching
- inflammationProtective tissue response
redness · flaking · dryness · scratching · skin barrier · emollients · moisturizers · hydrocortisone · excoriation · calamine
pollen
Floral reproductive grains
- dust mitesMicroscopic skin-eating arachnids
- pet danderShed skin from animals
- moldForm-giving container
food allergens · environmental · irritants · stress · humidity · pollution · smoke · fragrances · detergents · wool
heritability
Genetic share of variation
- family historyRecord of ancestors
- predispositionInnate tendency toward something
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
polygenic · genes · alleles · mutation · genotype · chromosomes · genetic markers · twin studies · hereditary · pedigree
atopyanergy
Immune system unresponsiveness
immunodeficiency · immunosuppression · tolerance · desensitization