Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Allergen: A substance that triggers an allergic reaction.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Allergic Rhinitis: An allergy affecting the mucus membrane of the nose. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is often called "hay fever."
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Allergist: A doctor that diagnoses, treats, and manages allergy-related conditions.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Ana-Kit: A device used to inject epinephrine during an anaphylaxis attack.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Anaphylaxis: A life-threatening allergic reaction that involves the entire body. Anaphylaxis may result in shock or death, and thus requires immediate medical attention
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Animal dander: The small scales or pieces of skin, often containing proteins secreted by oil glands, which are shed by an animal. These proteins are the major causes of allergies to pets.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Antibiotics: A class of medications used to treat bacterial infections. Certain antibiotics, such as penicillin, may cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Antibody: A protein in the immune system that recognizes and attacks foreign substances in the body.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Anticonvulsant: A medication used to prevent or treat seizures. Certain anticonvulsants may cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Antihistamines: A class of medications used to block the action of histamines in the body and prevent the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Asthma: An inflammatory disorder of the airways, causing periodic attacks of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Atopic dermatitis: A chronic skin rash, also known as "eczema," that often appears in the first few years of life.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Basophil: An immune system cell that attaches to antibodies and circulates through out the blood.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Beta-blockers: A class of blood pressure medications that ease the heart's pumping action and widen the blood vessels. Beta-blockers counteract the effects of epinephrine used for emergency treatment of anaphylactic shock and should not be used during immunotherapy.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Bronchial tubes: The lower sections of the airway that lead into the lungs.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Challenge test: A test used to confirm an allergy to specific substance. A doctor will administer small but increasing amounts of a suspected allergen until an allergic response is noticed. Due to the risk of anaphylaxis, this should only be performed under a controlled setting.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva, or the mucous membrane surrounding the eye. Also known as pinkeye.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Corticosteroid: An anti-inflammatory medication used to treat the itching and swelling associated with some allergic reactions.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Cromolym sodium: An anti-inflammatory nasal spray used to treat and sometimes prevent allergic rhinitis.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Decongestants: A class of medications used for nasal congestion. Decongestants are available in oral doses, nasal sprays, or eye drops (for conjunctivitis).
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Dust mites: A microscopic organism that lives in dust.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Eczema: See Atopic dermatitis.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Eosinophil: A specific type of immune cell that can cause tissue damage in the late phase of an allergic reaction.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Epinepherine: A medication used for immediate treatment of anaphylaxis by raising blood pressure and heart rate back to normal levels. Epinepherine is also known as adrenaline.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
EpiPen: A device used to inject epinephrine during an anaphylaxis attack.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Heparin: A chemical released by basophils and mast cells that causes nearby tissues to become swollen and inflamed.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Histamine: A chemical released by basophils and mast cells that causes nearby tissues to become swollen and inflamed.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Hives: See urticaria.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Hypertension: High blood pressure. When blood pushes against artery walls harder than normal.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Immunoglobulin E: A type of antibody responsible for most allergic reactions.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Immunotherapy: A series of shots that help build up the immune system's tolerance to an allergen.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Insulin: A hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Diabetics who take insulin derived from animals may have allergic reactions.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Intradermal test: A test where an allergen is injected just underneath the skin. Intradermal tests are generally used when results from a skin prick test are unclear.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Late Phase: The period 4 - 24 hours after exposure to an allergen where tissue damage may occur.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Leukotrienes: Inflammatory substances that are released by mast cells during an allergic response or asthma attack.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Lymphocyte: A specific type of immune cell that can cause tissue damage in the late phase of an allergic reaction.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Mast cell: An immune system cell which attaches to antibodies and is located in the tissue that lines the nose, bronchial tubes, gastrointestinal tract, and the skin
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Neocromil sodium: An inhaled medication used to treat inflammation involved with asthma.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Neutrophil: A specific type of immune cell that can cause tissue damage in the late phase of an allergic reaction.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Radioallergosorbant Test (RAST): A blood test that measures the amount of IgE antibody produced when the sample is mixed with a specific allergen.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Rhinitis: An inflammation of the nasal passageways, particularly with discharge.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Sinusitis: An inflammation or infection of one or more sinuses. The sinuses are hollow air spaces located around the nose and eyes.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Skin prick test: A test where a needle is used to scratch the skin with a small amount of allergen. A response can usually be seen within 15 - 20 minutes.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Urticaria: Raised areas of the skin that are often red, warm, and itchy. Urticaria is also known as hives.
Click a word on the left and the definition will appear here:
Urushiol: An oil found on poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
The term "otitis media" means inflammation of the middle ear, usually due
to colds or allergies. The inflammation often leads to ear infections. Otitis
media is a common childhood illness that usually requires a doctor's visit.
Otitis media occurs most often among infants and young children because their
inner ears are less developed and at an angle where bacteria, viruses, and
other irritants can easily enter through the throat. Otitis media is often
accompanied by a stuffy, runny nose. Many children get acute cases that go
away within a few days after treatment with antibiotics. Some children, however,
get recurring bouts of otitis media. This can lead to the build-up of middle
ear fluid (otitis media with effusion). Children
who have recurrent or chronic otitis media with fluid build-up may experience
difficulty hearing, which can lead to problems with speech and language development
later on.
Symptoms
Early signs of otitis media are ear pain and discomfort. Children may have
trouble sleeping, lose their appetite, or show signs of irritability. Other
symptoms include hearing loss, snoring, mouth breathing, fever, headache, vomiting,
and diarrhea.
Causes
The Eustachian tube is a drain that connects the nose and throat to the middle
ear. It allows fluids from the ear to drain down the back of the throat, and
keeps pressure equal on both sides of the eardrum. When the tube becomes blocked,
either by swelling, inflammation, or mucus, fluid in the middle ear can accumulate
and an infection can develop. People with chronic ear infections usually have
allergies that play a key role in blocking the Eustachian tube.
Other factors that can lead to otitis media include exposure to cigarette
smoke, cold or flu (which are especially common in day care centers), bottle-feeding
while lying down, and pre-existing upper respiratory conditions.
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask detailed questions about your child's symptoms, previous
ear infections, family history of allergies, and potential exposure to environmental
allergens.
The doctor will then examine your child's ears with an otoscope, which allows
the doctor to see the eardrum and look for inflammation and fluid build-up.
Management
Early treatment and prevention of otitis media is important, because of the
associated hearing loss.
Some cases of otitis media require antibiotic treatment, but many do not.
An acute ear infection deserves pain relief, either from oral medicines or
from ear drops. If your child has recurrent otitis media due to bacterial infection,
the doctor may recommend giving antibiotics as a preventive precaution. If
your child's recurrent or chronic otitis media continues to be a problem, the
doctor may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist who can discuss
surgical remedies like insertion of tubes in the ears or removal of the adenoid
glands.
 |
Click the icon to see an illustrated series explaining the insertion
of an ear tube.
|
If the doctor finds that your child's symptoms are caused by allergies, the
doctor may refer you to an allergist who can then recommend steps to prevent
symptoms, such as allergen avoidance, allergy
medication, or immunotherapy.
Reference
American Academy of Pediatrics Subcommittee on Management of Acute Otitis
Media. Diagnosis and management of acute otitis media. Pediatrics.
2004 May;113(5):1451-65.
Review Date: 4/4/2007
Reviewed By:
Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
