Allergies Glossary: S
Description
This article is from the Health Articles series.
Allergies Glossary: S
Sarcoidosis Rare disease of unknown cause, occurring primarily in young adults, which can affect the function of the lungs as well as other organs and tissues.
Selenium A mineral that works in conjunction with vitamin E as an antioxidant. Selenium prevents oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids, helps the heart function properly, and is necessary for proper immune function. It is widely available in fish, shellfish, red meat, grains (depending on soil content), eggs, garlic and liver.
Sensitivity Allergic reaction to a substance, as a drug or an antigen.
Sensitization An acquired reaction in which specific antibodies develop in response to an antigen.
Shock A serious state of collapse that occurs when not enough blood flows through the body, causing a serious drop in blood pressure, a lack of urine, and dangerous cell disorders.
Sinuses The sinuses are air cavities within the facial bones lined by mucous membranes similar to those that line the airways.
Sinusitis Inflammation of the sinuses, with causes ranging from dust to hay fever. Obstinate cases can be caused by chronic sinus infections or the continued exposure to allergens from food, pets or environmental irritants.
Silicosis Lung disease caused by inhaling dust-containing silica.
Skin Reaction Red, bumpy, scaly, itchy, and swollen skin are all skin conditions that can be symptoms of allergies. Skin reactions vary, and can occur in response to many different allergens.
Skin Test Used to identify allergens responsible for allergies. A sensitizer (allergen) is inserted under the skin and then the area is watched for a visible reaction such as a wheal. A wheal is an individual patch of itchy skin, as in hives.
Smooth Muscle Muscle that involuntarily performs automatic tasks such as constricting blood vessels.
Spirometer Instrument used to measure lung air volumes and flow rates.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cancer that begins in the flat scale-like cells in the skin and in tissues that line certain organs of the body including the larynx.
Sulfites Sulfur-containing preservatives which prevent food spoilage and discoloration. They are used to preserve foods such as processed potatoes, dried fruits, dehydrated vegetables, shellfish and other seafood, and as a bleaching agent for food starches, among other uses. They are also used in medical drugs (both prescription and over-the-counter) to help keep them stable and potent for a longer period of time.
Sulfite Sensitivity An allergic reaction to sulfur-containing preservatives
Surfactant Fluid secreted by alveolar cells that reduces the surface tension of pulmonary fluids and contributes to the elastic properties of pulmonary tissue.
Surface Tension Property of a liquid, related to its chemical structure, that causes its exposed surface to contract to the smallest area.
Symptom Any indication of disease noticed or felt by a patient; in contrast, a sign of an illness is an objective observation.
Symptomatic treatment Therapy that eases symptoms without addressing the cause of disease.
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