Glossary
Allergic reaction: A response, such as rash, hives, itching, asthma, hay fever, etc., to an allergen.Allergy: A hypersensitivity of the body's immune system in response to exposure to specific substances (antigens), such as pollen, bee stings, poison ivy, drugs, or certain foods.
Anaphylaxis: Severe allergic response to a substance. Symptoms include wheezing, itching, nasal congestion, hives, intense burning of hands and feet, collapse with a severe drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest.
Hives (urticaria): Elevated patches on the skin usually caused by an allergic reaction accompanied by a release of histamine into the body tissues. Patches are redder or paler than the surrounding skin and itch intensely.
