ATHLETES WITH ASTHMA

Asthma Glossary Many terms are used to describe asthma and asthma management. Included in this glossary are those words that need to be defined precisely so that their meaning may be clearly understood and not confused with usages elsewhere. Acute Brief (days to weeks). Airflow limitation A prolonged forced expiratory time (ie, longer than four seconds). "Airflow limitation" is preferred to other phrases such as "airway obstruction" and "airway narrowing" that imply specific mechanisms of athletes with asthma athletes with asthma airflow limitation. "Airflow limitation" reflects the heterogeneity of the mechanisms involved in the physiological abnormalities of asthma. Airway hyperresponsiveness Describes airways that narrow too easily or too much in response to a provoking stimulus. In asthma, airways can be hyperresponsive to many different stimuli. Anti-inflammatory Inhibiting one or more of the components of the inflammatory reaction. Allergen A protein that causes one to have an allergic reaction. Examples include foods, animal dander and some drugs. Antibody A protein (also sudden cough asthma athletes with asthma called an immunoglobulin) that is manufactured by lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) to neutralize an antigen or foreign protein. Bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms commonly contain many antigens, as do pollens, dust mites, molds, foods and other substances. Although many types of antibodies are protective, inappropriate or excessive formation of antibodies may lead to illness. When the body forms a type of antibody called IgE (immunoglobulin E), allergic rhinitis, asthma or eczema may cough variant asthma athletes with asthma result when the patient is again exposed to the substance which caused IgE antibody formation (allergen). Antigen A substance that can trigger an immune response, resulting in production of an antibody as part of the body's defense against infection and disease. Many antigens are foreign proteins (those not found naturally in the body). An allergen is a special type of antigen that causes an IgE antibody response. Asthma The operational definition: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder medications used to treat asthma athletes with asthma in which