Glands or lymphoid tissue in the upper part of throat below the nose, also known as the pharyngeal tonsil.


The surgical removal of enlarged adenoids to help prevent blockage of the pharynx (back of throat) or eustachian tubes. It may help prevent ear infections. This is usually done as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia.



Allergic rhinitis

See hay fever



Allergy index

Measure (from 1-10) of allergy sufferers who are affected by pollen in your region. Since some types of pollen may be more likely to cause allergies than others, a high allergy index does not necessarily correspond to a high pollen count.

Allergy shots

See immunotherapy










Medication that prevents symptoms of sneezing, itching, runny nose and possibly congestion by blocking histamine receptors.


Type of medication that reduce swelling and mucus production, particularly for asthma and rhinitis.


A disease of the branches of the windpipe (bronchial tubes) that carry air in and out of the lungs. Asthma causes the airways to narrow, the lining of the airways to swell and the cells that line the airways to produce more mucus. These changes make breathing difficult and can cause a feeling of not getting enough air into the lungs or shortness of breath.


Medications used to relax the muscle bands that tighten around the airways during an asthma episode. Bronchodilators also help clear mucus from the lungs.


Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid. If the cause is bacterial infection, it is called “pink eye” or bacterial conjunctivitis. If the cause is allergic, it is called allergic conjunctivitis.

Dander, animal

Tiny scales shed from animal skin and trap on animal fur or hair. Dander floats in the air, falls on surfaces and makes up much household dust. Cat dander is a classic cause of allergic reactions.




Inflammation of the skin, either due to direct contact with an irritating substance, or to an allergic reaction. Symptoms include redness, itching, and sometimes, blistering.

Drug allergy


Dust mites


Elimination diet


ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)



A form of adrenaline medication used to treat severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic shock due to foods or insect stings. It is available in self-injectable form or can be injected by a health care provider.

Food allergy

Allergic reaction that occurs when the immune system responds defensively to a specific food protein when ingested.

Hay fever







See urticaria


Products formulated to contain the fewest possible allergens.

Immune system

The body’s defense system that protects us against infections and foreign substances.


Also called allergy desensitization or allergy shots; immunotherapy is given to increase a person’s tolerance to the substances that provoke allergy symptoms (allergens). Allergy shots reduce your sensitivity to certain substances. They are usually recommended for people who have allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and bee sting or fire ant allergies.


Also known as rubber or natural latex. Latex is a milky fluid derived from the rubber tree. It is used in a wide variety of consumer products, including rubber gloves, tubing, rubber bands, etc.

Latex allergy

An allergy that develops after some sensitizing contact with latex.

Metered dose inhaler (MDI)

Small aerosol canister in a plastic container that releases a burst of medication when pressed down from the top. Many asthma medications are taken using a MDI.



Mold count

See pollen and mold count


A surgical procedure in which a tiny incision is created in the eardrum, so as to relieve pressure caused by the excessive buildup of fluid, or to drain pus.

Myringotomy with tubes

Outpatient procedure in which small metal or plastic tubes are inserted through the eardrum to equalize pressure between the middle and outer ear.

Nasal endoscopy

A test that allows the doctor to view the nasal cavity to detect polyps or other abnormalities using a fiberoptic camera.

Nasal sprays

Medication used to treat and prevent nasal allergy symptoms. Available by prescription or over-the-counter in decongestant, corticosteroid or salt-water solution form.

Otitis media

Bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear (the space behind the eardrum).


A physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating a variety of disorders of the ear, nose and throat (ENT), as well as performing surgery of the ear, nose and throat. Also known as an ENT physician.


A lighted instrument that lets the physician see far down into the outer ear canal.

Pneumatic otoscope

An instrument that blows a puff of air into the ear canal to test eardrum movement.


A fine, powdery substance released by plants and trees

Pollen and mold counts


Pulmonary function test

A test that measures how much air is in the lungs and how forcefully this air can be exhaled (lung function).

RAST (radioallergosorbent test)



Inflammation of the sinuses caused by infectious (bacterial, viral or fungal) or non-infectious (allergic) inflammation. Acute bacterial sinusitis is diagnosed if a common cold does not resolve, but symptoms are less than 4 weeks. It can be treated with antibiotics and decongestants. Chronic sinusitis is characterized by nasal symptoms that last 8 weeks or longer.


A test in which sound and air pressure are used to check for fluid in the middle ear.

Urticaria (hives)

Itchy, swollen, red bumps or welts on the skin that appear suddenly. They may be a result of the body’s adverse reaction to certain allergens. They can appear anywhere on the body including the face, lips, tongue, throat or ears. Hives vary in size and can last for minutes or days.

