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Glossary
The glossary section contains a list of terms to help you understand asthma better and how to treat it.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
Action Plan - a series of instructions given by your doctor to follow based on symptoms or peak flow monitoring to keep asthma under control. A pre-arrangement plan, discussed by patients and their doctor so they will know what to do in an emergency even if the doctor is not available.
AeroChamber Plus™ - a valve holding device that holds the medication for a few seconds after it has been sprayed into the device. It is used with metered dose inhalers (MDIs) and recommended for patients who have difficulty coordinating their breathing and spraying or may be prescribed when using inhaled steroids on a regular basis as a preventive measure for hoarseness and oral thrush.
Allergen - a substance or protein that starts an allergic response (i.e.: shortness of breath, rash or hives, itching, swelling of lips or throat).
Allergic Rhinitis - inflammation of the nose causing nasal congestion, itching and watering of eyes or runny nose due to an allergen. Common allergens include grass, ragweed, dust mite and pets.
Allergy - having an altered or exaggerated sensitivity to various substances that are harmless to a great majority of people.
Allergist - a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of allergic diseases.
Anti-inflammatory medication - medication to prevent or treat inflammation of the airways. Can be prescribed in inhaled, oral or intravenous forms.
B
Bronchodilator medications - used to relieve bronchospasm by relaxing the muscles which encircle the bronchial tubes of the lungs. It may be prescribed in the form of a tablet, spray or nebulized treatments.
Bronchi - also referred to as air passages, airways, bronchial tubes or breathing tubes.
Bronchospasm - refers to the intermittent constriction of the muscles that encircle the air passages.
C
Canister - a container holding medication for metered dose inhalers.
Cough - a sudden forced noisy expulsion of air from the lungs through partially closed vocal cords.
Coordinate - the ability to spray and breathe in at the same time using a metered dose inhaler.
Constriction - tightening of the muscles surrounding the airways causing airway narrowing or bronchospasm.
D
Dander - skin scales of an animal such as cats and dogs.
Diskhaler® - a device for using a powder form of medication (e.g.: Ventodisk® or Beclodisk®).
Diskus® - a device for using a powder form of medication (e.g: Serevent®, Flovent® or Advair™)
Dust mite - microscopic creatures found in house dust which live off the dead cells of human skin.
E
Exercise Induced Asthma - asthma symptoms occurring during or after exercise. This can be prevented by using a bronchodilator or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication 10-15 minutes before exercise.
H
Histamine - one of the substances released from a specific cell in the presence of an allergen. Histamine and other substances are responsible for allergic response.
I
Irritant - anything airborne that can irritate the airways producing symptoms of asthma (e.g.: cigarette smoke, cold air, perfume or chemical fumes).
M
Methacholine challenge - a test to assess the sensitivity of the airways; helpful in diagnosing asthma.
Metered Dose Inhaler - a device also referred to as a puffer. One of the devices used to administer inhaled medications for asthma or other lung diseases.
Mould - found commonly in damp areas (e.g.: sinks, bathrooms or indoor plants). Also grows in humidifiers if the water is not changed, or if the unit is not cleaned frequently.
Mucus - secretions from glands in the airways. Inflammation of the airways produces more mucus secretions, causing airway obstruction.
N
Nasal Congestion - swelling and inflammation of the lining of the nasal passages obstructing the flow of air.
O
Occupational Asthma - chemicals or irritants at the work place causing asthma symptoms to occur.
P
Peak Flow Meter - a device to assess lung function which can also be done at home, work or school. It measures the openness of the airways by how much force the lungs use to push air out. This is called the peak expiratory (breathing out) flow rate (PEFR).
Pollen - the male reproductive cells of plants carried by the wind. Common pollens are those from trees, grasses and ragweed.
Pulmonary Function Test - a breathing test to assess lung fuction. It is helpful in diagnosing asthma and other respiratory diseases.
R
Respirologist - a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and the treatment of lung diseases.
Rotahaler® - a device used to administer a powdered form of medication (e.g.: Ventodisk or Beclodisk).
S
Symptoms - changes in the body indicating something is wrong. For asthma the common symptoms are chest discomfort or tightness, coughing and wheezing due to obstruction of the flow of air.
Spinhaler®- a device for using Intal Spincaps, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
T
Trigger - something causing asthma symptoms to occur. Triggers may be allergens, irritants (smoke) or physical conditions (cold air, exercise).
Turbuhaler® - a device holding a powder form of medication for Bricanyl and Pulmicort.
W
Wheezing - a noise produced by the air passing through narrowed airways.
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