Glossary of Terms

Allergy Terminology

Allergen - a substance that causes an allergic reaction; a type of antigen

Allergic Asthma - the most common form of asthma; triggered by inhaling allergens

Allergic reaction - when the immune system reacts to an allergen

Allergy - an immune response by the body to a substance which it has become hypersensitive

Anaphylaxis - an acute allergic reaction to an allergen; the most severe form of an allergic reaction

Antibody - a blood protein produced in response to a specific antigen

Antigen - a foreign substance that induces an immune response in the body, especially the production of antibodies

Antibiotics - a type of medication that destroys or slows down the growth of bacteria

Asthma - a respiratory condition marked by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) - a condition that causes inflammation, redness, and irritation to the skin

Atopy - the tendency to develop allergic diseases; associated with heightened immune responses to allergens

Desensitization - a temporary state of hyporesponsiveness that is maintained by frequent exposure to the allergen

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) - is an allergic condition that causes inflammation or swelling of the esophagus

Food allergy - when the body's immune system reacts due to exposure to a specific food

Inflammation - the immune system's response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or toxins. Typically a localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful

Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) - a type of food allergy; an allergic reaction confined to the lips, mouth, and throat in response to eating raw fruits and vegetables

Seasonal allergies (hay fever) - an allergic response, often to pollen, that causes itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and other similar symptoms

Sensitization - when the immune system registers a substance as a threat and produces antibodies in response; the induction of allergic responses

Tolerance - the state of acceptance by the body towards an allergen; a prolonged state of hyporesponsiveness after exposure to an antigen

Wheeze - a high-pitched or squeaky sound during breathing, often present due to inflammation during an allergic reaction

Biology Terminology

Adjuvant - a substance that enhances the body's immune response to an antigen

C-section - the surgical delivery of a baby through a cut (incision) made in the mother's abdomen and uterus, also called a cesarean section

Epithelial permeability - a term describing the control of material passing through the body's barriers; increased epithelial permeability can lead to allergy

Epithelium - a type of body tissue that forms the covering on all internal and external surfaces of your body

Exposome - all of the exposures of an individual and how they relate to health

Exposures - the environmental or lifestyle factors that interact with us

Genes - units of heredity which are transferred from a parent to offspring that determine the biological characteristics of the offspring

Genetics - the study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics

Genome - all genetic information of an organism

Immunological barriers - the oral mucosa, skin layers, gut epithelium, and respiratory epithelium that, when healthy, protect us against pathogens

Microbiome - the collection of all microbes that naturally live on and inside our bodies, including their genes; often used interchangeably with microbiota

Microbiota - the collection of all microbes that naturally live on and inside our bodies, not including their genes; often used interchangeably with microbiome

Mucosa - the moist inner lining of some organs and body cavities; glands in the mucosa make mucus (a thick, slippery fluid)

Pathogen - a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease

Prebiotics - highly fermentable food ingredients (dietary fibers and resistant starches) that promote changes in the microbiome that are beneficial to the host's health

Probiotics - live microbes that provide health benefits when consumed by improving the microbiome

General Terminology

Contaminants - polluting and toxic substances such as flame retardants, phthalates, pesticides, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors

Dust - fine, dry powder consisting of tiny particles of earth or waste matter lying on the ground or on surfaces or carried in the air

Hygiene - conditions or practices conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness

Particulate matter (PM) - microscopic particles of matter suspended in the air

Pollutant - a substance that contaminates air, water, or soil

Targeted Hygiene - a risk assessment approach to hygiene where one maximizes their protection against pathogens while allowing the spread of healthy microbes

Toxins - substances or organisms that negatively affect health; they can disrupt biological processes and cause disease

Ventilation - providing outdoor air to a room, building, etc.