allergy

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al·ler·gy (al'er-jē),

1. Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen) resulting in a marked increase in reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes resulting in harmful immunologic consequences.

See also: allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, immune. Synonym(s): acquired sensitivity, induced sensitivity

2. That branch of medicine concerned with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of allergic manifestations.

3. An acquired hypersensitivity to certain drugs and biologic materials.

[G. allos, other, + ergon, work]

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

allergy /al·ler·gy/ (al´er-je) a hypersensitive state acquired through exposure to a particular allergen, reexposure bringing to light an altered capacity to react. See hypersensitivity. aller´gic

atopic allergy atopy.

bacterial allergy specific hypersensitivity to a particular bacterial antigen.

bronchial allergy atopic asthma; see asthma.

cold allergy a condition manifested by local and systemic reactions, mediated by histamine, which is released from mast cells and basophils as a result of exposure to cold.

contact allergy see under dermatitis .

delayed allergy see under hypersensitivity.

drug allergy an allergic reaction occurring as the result of unusual sensitivity to a drug.

food allergy , gastrointestinal allergy allergy produced by ingested antigens in food, usually manifested by a skin reaction.

hereditary allergy atopy.

immediate allergy see under hypersensitivity.

latent allergy that not manifested by symptoms but which may be detected by tests.

physical allergy a condition in which the patient is sensitive to the effects of physical agents, such as heat, cold, light, etc.

pollen allergy hay fever.

polyvalent allergy see pathergy (2).

spontaneous allergy atopy.

ALLERGY RESOURCES