Irritant
Irritant
Irritant (/ɪˈrɪtənt/) is a substance that causes discomfort, pain, or an adverse reaction when it comes into contact with the body.
Etymology
The term "irritant" is derived from the Latin word "irritare", which means to excite or provoke.
Definition
An irritant is a chemical or physical agent that induces an inflammatory response in the body. It can affect the skin, eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, causing a variety of symptoms such as redness, itching, burning, coughing, and sneezing.
Types of Irritants
There are many types of irritants, including:
- Chemical irritants: These are substances like acids, alkalis, detergents, and solvents that can cause chemical burns or inflammation.
- Physical irritants: These include things like dust, fibers, and particles that can cause physical damage to the body's tissues.
- Biological irritants: These are living organisms or their products that can cause inflammation, such as pollen, mold spores, and animal dander.
Related Terms
- Inflammation: This is the body's response to injury or irritation, characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain.
- Allergen: This is a substance that causes an allergic reaction, which is different from an irritant reaction.
- Sensitizer: This is a substance that causes a person to develop an allergic reaction to it after repeated exposure.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Irritant
- Wikipedia's article - Irritant
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