Glossary
Action Plan — a guide that helps you monitor and care for your asthma. An asthma action plan includes your medication plan, peak flow ranges, and daily and emergency plans.
Aerochamber® — is 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.
Airway Hyperresponsiveness — a condition that occurs when inflamed airways 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 — organization that focuses on the aspects of living with allergies and asthma. http://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 — leading institution specializing in the study and treatment of allergic diseases through education, research and cooperation. http://www.aaaai.org
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology — leading institution in the study and treatment of allergic diseases through education, research and cooperation. http://www.acaai.org/
American Lung Association — a professional association of approximately 4,000 allergists/immunologists. http://www.lungusa.org/
Anaphylaxis — sudden, severe, and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction caused by food allergy, insect stings, or medications.
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 — organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with asthma and allergies through education, advocacy, and research. http://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.
