Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

13
allergic conjunctivitis
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allergic granulomatosis
See 
Churg-Strauss 
syndrome.
allergic reaction
A hypersensitive immune
response to a substance. An allergic reaction can
occur when the immune system attacks a normally
harmless substance. The allergic immune system
calls upon a protective antibody called
immunoglobulin E (IgE) to fight these invading sub-
stances. In the melee, cells called mast cells release
a variety of strong chemicals, including histamine,
into the tissues and blood. This chemical release is
irritating and causes itching and swelling and can
also lead to lung airway narrowing and throat tight-
ening, as is found in asthma, as well as to loss of
voice. For example, this is how hay fever and aller-
gic pink eye (conjunctivitis) occur. See also 
allergic
conjunctivitis; allergic rhinitis; anaphylactic
shock; asthma.
allergic rhinitis
Medical term for hay fever, an
allergic reaction that mimics a chronic cold.
Symptoms include nasal congestion, a clear runny
nose, sneezing, nose and eye itching, and tearing of
the eyes. Postnasal dripping of clear mucus frequently
causes a cough, loss of smell is common, and occa-
sionally loss of taste. Nosebleeds may occur. Also
known as June cold and summer cold.
allergic rhinitis, perennial
Allergic rhinitis
that occurs throughout the year.
allergic rhinitis, seasonal
Allergic rhinitis that
occurs during a specific season.
allergic salute
The characteristic gesture of a
person with allergic rhinitis: rubbing his or her
nose with the index finger.