Allergies Glossary: B-C
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This article is from the Health Articles series.
Allergies Glossary: B-C
B-Cell Mediated Immunity An immune response in which B cells, a type of lymphocyte, are produced in response to direct exposure to an antigen. This results in the formation of antibodies against that particular antigen. These antibodies will become active and destroy that particular antigen during future exposures. Also known as humoral immunity.
Blood Pressure Pressure of the blood against the walls of the blood vessels.
Bronchi Larger air passages of the lungs.
Bronchial Spasm An excessive and prolonged tightening of the involuntary muscle fibers in the walls of the air passages of the lungs.
Bronchial Tubes These smaller airways branch from the bronchi.
Bronchiectasis Chronic dilation of the bronchi and bronchioles.
Bronchioles Smaller air passages of the lungs.
Bronchiolitis Inflammation of the smallest bronchioles, usually caused by viral infections.
Bronchitis Inflammation of the bronchi. Acute bronchitis comes on suddenly and usually clears up in a few days. Chronic bronchitis lasts for a long period and recurs over several years.
Bronchoconstriction Tightening of the muscles surrounding the bronchi; opposite of bronchodilation.
Bronchodilator A drug that relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways and relieves constriction of the bronchi.
Bronchopulmonary Pertaining to the lungs and air passages.
Cancer A term for more than 100 diseases in which abnormal cells multiply without control.
Capillaries The tiniest blood vessels. Capillary networks connect the arterioles and venules.
Carbon Dioxide Waste gas resulting from chemical reactions in the body cells.
Carcinoma Cancer of the epithelial tissue lining or covering an organ.
Cartilage Firm, dense (flexible, rubbery) connective tissue that cushions bones and joints.
Celiac Disease Inability to digest and absorb gliadin, the protein found in wheat. Undigested gliadin causes damage to the lining of the small intestine. This prevents absorption of nutrients from other foods. Celiac disease is also called celiac sprue, gluten intolerance, and nontropical sprue.
Cell Basic structural unit of every plant and animal; the simplest unit that can exist as an independent living system.
Cell Mediated Immune Response See T-Cell-Mediated Immune Response.
Cerebral Allergy A term used to describe allergic headaches and difficulty concentrating.
Chest Tightness A sensation characterized by awareness of increased muscle effort to expand the chest when breathing in or to expel air when breathing out; the uncomfortable sensation that an inspiration is urgently needed before expiration is completed.
Chronic Of long duration; frequently recurring.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Disease process that interferes with the lungs ability to ventilate, decreasing breathing capacity. Common diseases causing this process include chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma, and emphysema.
Cilia Small hair-like projections on the outer layer of some cells that push dust, debris or mucus across a surface. Cilia are present in the mucous membranes of the nose as well as the bronchial airways to help passages remain clear.
Connective Tissue Tissue that connects, supports, or surrounds other tissues and organs.
Contact Dermatitis Skin rash resulting from exposure to either an irritant or allergic substance.
Cor Pulmonale Heart disease due to resistance to the passage of blood through the lungs; it often leads to right heart failure.
Corticosteroids Drugs that mimic the action of a group of hormones produced by adrenal glands; they are anti-inflammatory and act as bronchodilators.
Cough Natural body mechanism for ridding the respiratory tract of irritating and harmful substances.
Cross Reactivity A reaction of one antigen with antibodies developed against second antigen; a measure of relatedness between two different antigenic substances.
Cyanosis Bluish color of the skin due to insufficient oxygen in the blood.
Cystic Fibrosis A serious genetic disease of excretory glands, affecting lungs and other organs; it causes production of very thick mucus that interferes with normal digestion and breathing.
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