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Acidosis
A condition in which the acidity of the body fluids is higher than normal.
Adrenaline (early treatment of asthma)
An important hormone secreted in the medulla of the adrenal gland that increases the rate and depth of breathing.
Aerolin
A brand name for the drug, Salbutamol.
Airomir
A brand name for the drug, Salbutamol.
Alkalosis
A condition in which the alkalinity of the body fluids is abnormally high.
Allergic rhinitis
Hay fever.
Allergies
Arise when the body becomes hypersensitive to the inhalation of or contact with certain substances termed allergens such as dust mites and pollen.
Alveoli
The minute divisions of glands and the air sacs of the lungs.
Alveolitis
Inflammation of the alveoli of the lungs caused by an allergic reaction.
Aminophylline
A bronchodilator drug that relaxes smooth muscle and stimulates respiration.
Anaphylaxis
An abnormal reaction to a particular antigen e.g. a localised allergic attack which can lead to anaphylactic shock, an extreme and generalised allergic reaction in which widespread histamine release causes swelling, constriction of the bronchial tubes, heart failure, circulatory collapse and sometimes death.
Antibiotics
An antibacterial agent derived or produced by a micro-organism that destroys or inhibits the growth of other micro-organisms.
Anticholinergic bronchodilators
A group of bronchodilator drugs that block the neurotransmitters that trigger muscle contraction, and reduce production of mucus.
Antigen
A substance which causes the formation of antibodies, and is usually a protein that is foreign to the body.
Antihistamines
A drug that inhibits the production of histamine in the body, which in turn inhibits the body's allergic response to substances.
Anti-inflammatories
A drug which reduces inflammation.
Asmasal
A brand name for the drug, Salbutamol.
Asthma
A condition with widespread narrowing of the airways in the lungs which leads to coughing, wheezing and difficulty in breathing.
Atrovent
A brand name for the drug, Ipratropium Bromide.
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