Glossary
Ophthalmologist: A medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. After graduation a doctor pursues many years of training before they can qualify as an OphthalmologistHIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus; the virus that is responsible for causing AIDS.
Allergy: A hypersensitivity of the body's immune system in response to exposure to specific substances (antigens), such as pollen, beestings, poison ivy, drugs, or foods. Anaphylactic shock is a severe form of allergy response, which is a medical emergency. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock include dizziness, loss of consciousness, labored breathing, swelling of the tongue and breathing tubes, blueness of the skin, low blood pressure, and death.
Asthma: In simple terms asthma refers to increased responsiveness of lower airways to multiple stimuli. It can be acute – when it lasts for a short period or chronic- when it lasts for days.
Steroids: Drugs used to relieve swelling and inflammation.
Antihistamines: Drug used to offset the effects of histamine.
Arthritis: A disease marked by inflammation and pain in the joints.
Swelling: Abnormal inflammation that occurs in the body.
