Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

allergic vasculitis
See 
Churg-Strauss syn-
drome.
allergy
Hypersensitivity of the body’s immune
system in response to exposure to specific sub-
stances (antigens), such as pollen, bee stings, poi-
son ivy, drugs, or foods. See also 
allergic reaction;
anaphylactic shock.
allergy desensitization
Stimulation of the
immune system with gradually increasing doses of
the substances to which a person is allergic in order
to modify or stop the allergic response. This form of
treatment is very effective for allergies to pollen,
mites, animal dander, and stinging insects, includ-
ing bees, hornets, yellow jackets, wasps, velvet ants,
fire ants, and certain necessary medications.
allergy scratch test
See 
allergy skin test.
allergy skin test
A test in which a small drop of
the suspected allergy-provoking substance (aller-
gen) is placed on the skin and the skin is then gen-
tly scratched through the drop with a sterile needle.
If the skin reddens and, more importantly, if it
swells, the test is read as positive, and allergy to that
substance is considered probable.
allergy to cockroaches
An allergic reaction to
tiny protein particles shed or excreted by cock-
roaches. Asthma can be due to exposure to cock-
roach allergens. Removing cockroach allergens
from the home is not an easy job, but it can go far
in reducing the frequency and severity of asthma
and other allergic reactions.
allograft
The transplant of an organ or tissue
from one individual to another of the same species
with a different genotype. For example, a transplant
from one person to another, but not an identical
twin, is an allograft. Allografts account for many
human transplants, including those from cadaveric,
living related, and living unrelated donors. Also
known as an allogeneic graft or a homograft.
allopath
A term sometimes applied to a physi-
cian who practices allopathy, or conventional medi-
cine. See also 
allopathy.