Glossary
Allergen
A substance that causes an allergy, for example dust, pollen,
flakes of skin from animals, fungal spores
Alveoli
The air sacs in the lung
Antibody
A protein produced by the immune system in response to an
allergen
Asthma
A chronic disease of the respiratory system characterised by
wheezing, where the airways constrict and become inflamed, often in
response to one or more triggers
Asthmagen
An agent that causes asthma
Asphyxiation
Suffocation caused by oxygen not getting to the tissues due to
obstruction or damage to the respiratory system
Atopy
A genetic tendency to develop allergic disease, for example
dermatitis, rhinitis or asthma. An atopic person is hypersensitive
to certain substances in their environment
Bronchi
The two air passages that branch off from the trachea
Bronichial challenge test
A person is exposed to the suspected allergen and their lung
function monitored before and after exposure
Bronchioles
The smallest branches of the airways, which branch off from the
bronchi and end in the alveoli
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchial tubes
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Emphysema
A chronic lung disease, which is a form of COPD, involving
damage to the alveoli
Fibrosis
A thickening and scarring of the tissues of the lungs
Immunoglobulin E (IgE)
An antibody produced in large amounts to something to which a
person is allergic
Inhalation
Breathing in air that may be contaminated with a substance such
as a dust, gas, vapour, mist or fume, or a biological agent such as
an animal allergen, fungal spores or bacteria
Larynx
The organ that connects the pharynx (throat) and the trachea.
Commonly known as the ‘voice box’
Lung function test
A measure of how well the lungs are working
Occupational health nursing
Occupational health nursing is a nursing specialism which covers
health and well being in the workplace
Occupational medicine
Occupational medicine is defined by the Faculty of Occupational
Medicine as ‘the medical specialty which covers the
multi-faceted relationship between health and work'
Occupational physician
An occupational physician is a doctor with specialist training
and qualifications in occupational medicine. You can get more
information from the Faculty of Occupational
Medicine
Pharynx
The organ that connects the mouth to both the trachea (windpipe)
and the oesophagus. Commonly known as the ‘throat’
Pulmonary oedema
An accumulation of fluid in the lungs
Respiratory or chest physician
A medical doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment
of lung disorders
Respiratory system
The organs and tissues that make up the lungs and airways
Risk phrase
A note assigned to a substance that describes the associated
hazards. For example, ‘R42’ indicates that the substance may cause
sensitisation by inhalation
Sensitisation
Where a person has become sensitive or allergic to a
substance
THOR
The Health and Occupation Reporting Network
Trachea
The windpipe
Developed in partnership with:
Stress | Musculoskeletal disorders | Skin disorders | Inhalation disorders