Glossary

airways - Common term used to describe the passages in the lungs that move air into and out of the body.  Sometimes called bronchial tubes, bronchi or respiratory system.

allergen - A substance which causes an allergic response in sensitive individuals.  Allergens can be either natural (e.g., pollen, dust) or manmade (e.g., perfume, cleaning agents).

allergy/allergies - An overreaction by the body's immune system to a specific substance called an allergen.  An allergy occurs only in people sensitive to a particular allergen(s).

allergic reaction - Response in sensitive people to specific allergens.  An allergic reaction can occur in different parts of the body.  Common areas include the skin, the eyes, the respiratory system and the gastrointestinal tract.  Symptoms often include itching, sneezing, runny nose, coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath.

anaphylactic shock/anaphylaxis - The most severe or extreme type of allergic reaction, creating a potentially life-threatening medical emergency.  Most common cause is reaction to a medication.  Other causes include insect stings and foods.

asthma - A lung disease which is usually ongoing or continuous (chronic).  Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, feeling of "tightness" in the chest, difficulty breathing, itching neck, throat and ears.  Symptoms vary greatly from person to person, and usually, individuals with asthma also experience "ups and downs" with symptoms.  No cause or cure is yet known.  Symptoms can be well managed and stabilized for most people who have asthma.  Certain substances or conditions trigger asthma symptoms.

asthma action plan - A document which outlines the treatment approach for an individual asthma patient; developed in consultation with the health care provider, family members and caregivers.  Effective action plans help patients control their asthma and live healthy active lives.

asthma attack - See asthma episode.

asthma episode - A time when asthma symptoms flare up or intensify, requiring immediate adjustments in treatment and medication to get symptoms under control.  Asthma episodes may occur suddenly, with few warning signs, or build slowly over a period of hours or even days.  Most asthma episodes can be handled by following the student's asthma action plan.  Often called "asthma attacks," the more appropriate term is "asthma episode."

asthma management plan - Detailed guidelines for schools to use in working with all students and staff to manage asthma in those students who have it.

bronchial tubes - The major airways of the respiratory system that carry air from the trachea (windpipe) to the microscopic air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs.

bronchitis - An infection or inflammation in the bronchial tubes caused by bacteria, a virus, an allergy or irritating dust and fumes.  Typical symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chills, fever, fatigue and excessive phlegm.

bronchodilator - A medication used by many people who have asthma to relax bronchial muscles, and in turn, open up the bronchial tubes.

bronchospasm; bronchoconstriction - The tightening in the airways of the respiratory system that occurs with asthma or allergies.  Caused when the muscles around the bronchial tubes contract in response to specific triggers.

dander - Scaly or shredded dry skin that comes from animals or bird feathers.  Dander may be a cause of an allergic response in susceptible persons.

environmental control measures - Specific procedures undertaken to remove known allergens or irritants from a designated area.

EPI-PEN - The trade name, or manufacturer's name, for a device used to deliver epinephrine, a medication used to bring quick relief by improving breathing and heart function in life-threatening medical emergencies.

exercise-induced asthma - Asthma symptoms which appear following strenuous exercise.  Symptoms may be minimal or severe enough to require emergency treatment.  About one in 10 students experience exercise-induced asthma.

hidden ingredients - Some prepared food products contain derivatives or "byproducts" of other foods.  These "hidden ingredients" may or may not be shown on the food label.

inhaler/metered-dose inhaler (MDI) - a device used to deliver a variety of commonly prescribed asthma medications which help ease breathing by opening up the airways.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - Procedures developed by the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce exposure to cockroaches, rats, mice, and other pests found in a school setting.

irritant - Any substance which causes inflammation or an adverse reaction on the skin or in the body.  An irritant may trigger asthma or allergy symptoms, but they may not be considered an allergen.  Examples of irritants include tobacco smoke, chemical fumes, insecticides or air pollution.

long-term acting medication - The standard treatment of asthma for most patients who need regular, or ongoing, medicine.  These kinds of medications provide "long-term relief," by acting in a preventive way to make airways less sensitive, minimizing or reducing symptoms before they even appear.

mucus - Often called phlegm or sputum, this slippery fluid is produced by the membranes lining the airways to aid in various body functions.  Exposure to certain triggers can increase mucus production for asthma patients.  The increased amount of mucus makes breathing more difficult.  Mucus which is not clear may indicate a student has an infection (unrelated to asthma) in the airways.

nebulizer - A small, portable machine used to deliver certain asthma medications.  The nebulizer is plugged into an electrical outlet.  A nebulizer treatment usually takes 10-15 minutes to do.  Students requiring regular nebulizer treatments may need to keep the nebulizer at school.

peak flow meter - A small, portable hand-held device which measures how well the lungs are able to expel air, allowing asthma patients to detect airway narrowing and adjust medications accordingly.  Children as young as 4-5 can learn how to use a peak flow meter.

quick relief medication - Medicine taken to relieve asthma symptoms.  Called "quick relief" because they can act immediately to reduce symptoms which appear suddenly.

respiratory virus - Illnesses affecting the airways caused by a virus.  Symptoms of respiratory virus are similar to asthma symptoms.  Students with asthma may experience increased asthma symptoms for some time following a respiratory virus.

sensitivity/sensitization - Refers to a person's response when exposed to an allergen.  For some people, repeated exposure to certain substances makes them more likely to develop an allergic reaction.

spacer - A short tube device which can be attached to an inhaler to help the student use the inhaler more effectively.

trigger/triggers/triggered - A substance or environmental condition that cause asthma or allergy symptoms to appear.

wheezing/wheeze - The whistling sound which occurs when air moves though narrowed or tightened airways.  Wheezing is a classic symptom of asthma.  Not all wheezing can be heard by the ears; a stethoscope may be needed to detect levels of wheezing within the lungs.

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