Advanced Asthma-related Terms and Abbreviations for Navigators
Allergy
An abnormal reaction to an ordinarily harmless substance called an allergen. Allergens can include aeroallergens such as grass, weeds, trees, mold, dust mite and pet dander, as well as food allergens such as mild, egg, wheat, soy, nut and fish. An allergic reaction can trigger symptoms in the nose, lungs, stomach or on the skin. Common allergic symptoms include itching, sneezing, runny nose, tearing/watery eyes.
Allergic rhinitis
( see above under allergy) Allergic response in the lining of the nose following exposure to an allergic trigger that causes sneezing , itching, runny and or congested nose.
Anaphylaxis
Severe life-threatening allergic reaction following contact with a food, drug or bee sting in highly sensitive individuals. Most severe reactions start within 10 to 20 minutes of an exposure. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swallowing, feeling weak, fainting, confused. Associated non-life threatening symptoms such as itching, hives, swelling of lips, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Allergy Test
There are 2 common methods for allergy testing:
- A prick skin test or scratch test introduces a small amount of antigen under the skin to test for IgE sensitization to a specific antigen like a pollen, pet dander and foods. It is read within minutes. A positive reaction (redness and swelling) at the site indicates that a person is sensitized and may have allergic responses when exposed to the antigen.
- ImmunoCAP or IgE specific blood test is a laboratory test to rule in or rule out atopy in patients with allergy-like symptoms. This test can evaluate responses to pollens, pet dander, foods and other suspected antigens.
Atopy
genetic tendency to develop allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and eczema.
Bronchoconstriction
Tightening of smooth muscle surrounding the airways (bronchi and bronchioles) making it difficult to breath and may cause wheezing and shortness of breath.
Bronchodilator
A type of medication that makes breathing easier. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the lungs and widen the airways (bronchi). Albuterol is a short acting bronchodilator.
CAB
Community Advisory Board
Dry Powder Inhaler
Typically, not used for very young children, dry powder inhalers are device that delivers medication to the lungs in the form of a dry powder. This type of device requires deep and rapid inhalation to get the medication from the inhaler into the lungs.
Examples of Dry Powder Inhalers:
- Asmanex
- Twisthaler
- Flovent and Advair Diskus
- Pulmicort Flexhaler.
Eczema
Also called atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease that usually starts in early childhood. One of the symptoms is very itchy and dry skin. The skin becomes inflamed, red, irritated and scaly. Eczema can occur on the face, neck, arms, legs, torso and feet.
FERPA
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act – Protects student education records/data(PII). Entities: Public & Private Schools who accept Federal funds
Student records include:
- Health information
- School nurse notes*
- Special education records
Parents/Students have Rights to request review and amendment of records and the right to privacy of PII
HIPPA
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act – Protects Individually Identifiable Health Information(PHI) Covered Entities: Health Care Providers, Health Care Plans. (Why its important + Training Slides)
Inhaled steroids
a type of medication taken to help control and prevent asthma symptoms by decreasing inflammation (swelling) in the airways. They are considered the most effective long term medication for control and management of asthma. Inhaled steroids are typically taken consistently on a daily basis. Examples, fluticasone (Flovent), budesonide (Pulmicort), mometasone (Azmacort).
SAB
State Advisory Board
Systemic steroids
Steroid medication taken systemically, either by mouth, IV or injections. Examples of liquid or pill formulations (prednisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone).