Glossary
Here are some common terms related to seasonal nasal allergies and allergy treatments.
Allergic
Relating to the body's response when triggered by an allergen
Allergen
A small airborne particle that causes the body's allergic response
Allergy
The body's altered reaction to allergen exposure, resulting in allergic response
Allergy medicine or medication / Allergy control or relief products
For example, nasal sprays or pills that help to reduce the effects of an allergic reaction
Antihistamine
Medicine that blocks the effects of histamine, the chemical that causes many allergy symptoms
Grass allergy
A common allergic reaction caused by exposure to certain types of grass
Hay fever
A seasonal, often intense allergic reaction to pollen. Hay fever can include symptoms such as sneezing, drippy nose, and itching or watering eyes. Hay fever is often used as a term for seasonal allergic rhinitis
Histamine
A naturally occurring chemical within the body that, in reaction to an allergen, causes allergy symptoms
Leukotriene
Leukotriene blockers treat symptoms by blocking the effects of a chemical that is included in the allergic reaction.
Mast cells
The cells in the body that produce the chemical histamine, which causes many allergy symptoms
Mold spore allergy
A common allergic reaction triggered by exposure to mold spores
Nasal spray
A topical treatment that delivers medicine directly to the nasal passages inside the nose
Outdoor allergies
The body's response to outdoor sources of pollen allergens such as grass, ragweed, and pollen
Pollen allergy
A common allergic reaction triggered by exposure to pollen
Postnasal drip
A common allergy symptom caused by flow of mucus from the nasal cavity to the back of the throat
Pseudoephedrine
A decongestant that may cause restlessness or difficulty sleeping. Pseudoephedrine should be used with caution by people with diabetes, enlarged prostate, heart or blood vessel disease, or overactive thyroid
Respiration
Another word for “breathing”
Seasonal allergic rhinitis
The medical name for hay fever, seasonal allergic rhinitis refers to symptoms caused by seasonal allergens
Seasonal allergies
Allergies that cause symptoms only at certain times of the year
