Asthma Glossary
Here are some definitions for over 50 common asthma terms.
Action Plan — a guide that assists in monitoring and caring for your asthma. An asthma action plan includes your medication plan, peak flow ranges, and daily and emergency plans.
Aerochamber® — a US registered trademark used to distinguish holding chambers sold in the United States by Monaghan Medical Corp. The holding chambers are used with a metered dose inhaler (MDI). The holding chambers consist of a short tube with a mouthpiece or mask on one end and a flexible opening for the MDI on the opposite end. The inhalant is propelled into the tube and held until inhaled slowly. It can be beneficial for young children who are unable to master the timing required for effective use of an MDI expelled directly into the mouth. Particles that could otherwise remain in the patient's mouth and throat are left in the chamber, which can reduce the incidence of thrush. It can also help lessen the bitter taste of some of the stronger inhaled steroids.
Airway Hyperresponsiveness — a condition that occurs when the airways that are inflamed become sensitive and react to stimuli, which would have no effect in a person without asthma.
Airway Remodeling — a serious condition that occurs when asthma is left uncontrolled or untreated. The airways "learn" that being in an asthma attack is their normal state, leading to possible chronic lung disease and a lifetime of asthma. It becomes even more difficult for relief and control medications to work effectively, requiring increased dosing.
Allergy — an acquired hypersensitivity to a foreign substance.
Allergy and Asthma Network, Mothers of Asthmatics — an organization that focuses on the aspects of living with allergies and asthma. www.aanma.org
Alveoli — the air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Alveoli are situated next to one or more pulmonary capillaries. They deliver oxygen to the capillaries and remove carbon dioxide from them.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology — the AAAAI represents allergist/immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. www.aaaai.org
American Lung Association® — the American Lung Association® is the oldest voluntary health organization in the United States, with a National Office and constituent and affiliate associations around the country. www.lungusa.org
Anaphylaxis — a sudden, severe, and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction caused by food allergy, insect stings, or medications.
Anticholinergics — a type of medication that works to inhibit the constriction of the airways and mucus production.
Antihistamine — a drug that inhibits the action of histamine, the substance released by cells that causes allergic symptoms.
Asthma — a chronic lung disease in which the bronchial tubes become narrowed and inflamed, making it difficult to move air into and out of the lungs. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and overproduction of mucus.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America — an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with asthma and allergies through education, advocacy, and research. www.aafa.org
Asthma attack — the worsening of one's asthma with increased inflammation and asthma symptoms. Some symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing.
Asthma diary — a daily notebook in which you record peak flow readings, asthma symptoms, and environmental or medication changes. Over time, your asthma diary may be able to help you detect patterns about your asthma as well as help you to predict when your asthma will get better or worse.
