Allergies Glossary: E-D
Description
This article is from the Health Articles series.
Allergies Glossary: E-D
Dander Dry scales shed from the skin of animals or the feathers of birds; dander is a common allergen.
Diaphragm The muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. The diaphragm contracts and flattens when you inhale and relaxes to its dome shape when you exhale.
Diarrhea Frequent, loose, and watery bowel movements. Common causes include gastrointestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome, medicines, and malabsorption.
Digestive System The group of organs, structures and glands that break down foods into chemical components so that they can be absorbed and use for energy, and for building and repairing cells and tissues.
Diuretics Drugs that help the body get rid of excess water and salt.
Duct A passage or tube with well-defined walls for the passage of air or liquids.
Dysplasia Abnormal development or growth.
Dyspnea Shortness of breath; difficult or labored breathing.
Eczema Acute or chronic Inflammation of the outer layer of the skin that may cause itching, crusting, scaling or blisters. Eczema is more of a symptom than it is a disease itself.
Edema Abnormal accumulation of fluid in body tissues.
Elimination Diet A way to identify an allergy to a specific food. A restricted diet in which certain foods are left out of the diet, one at a time, until the symptoms go away.
Embolism Blockage of a blood vessel by a clot or a bit of foreign material brought to the site by the blood or lymph; usually a blood clot but may be a fat globule, air bubble, piece of tissue, or a clump of bacteria.
Emphysema Chronic lung disease in which there is permanent destruction of the alveoli.
Endothelium Layer of epithelial cells lining the circulatory system.
Environment All of the factors, including physical and psychological, that affect the life of a person.
Environmental Control A state in which the environments of hospitals, laboratories, housing, work places, and other surroundings are under technological control with regard to air conditioning, heating, lighting, humidity, ventilation, etc.
Eosinophil A type of white blood cell important in modulating immune responses. Eosinophils kill certain types of invading organisms and play an important role in allergic reactions. They also release chemicals that cause bronchoconstriction in those with asthma.
Epinephrine One of the secretions of the adrenal glands. It helps the liver release glucose (sugar) and limits the release of insulin. It also makes the heart beat faster and can raise blood pressure; also called adrenaline.
Epithelium Layer of tissue that makes up the outer layer of the skin and the surfaces of organs.
Esophagus The muscular tube that moves food and liquids from the throat to the stomach.
Essential Fatty Acids An essential fatty acid is one that cannot be produced by the body, but is needed for its proper growth and functioning. There are two basic categories: Omega-3 and Omega-6. EFA's improve the skin and hair, reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol and triglycerides, help prevent arthritis, reduce the risk of blood clot formation and are necessary for nerve transmission. Every living cell needs EFA's, they are essential for repairing cells and building new cells.
Expiration Act of breathing out (exhalation).
Exposure The condition of being subject to some effect or influence of something potentially harmful.
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