Atopy

A predisposition to various allergic reactions (see allergy). Atopic individuals have a tendency to suffer from one or more allergic disorders, such as asthma, eczema, urticaria, and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). The mechanism that underlies the predisposition is unclear, but atopy does seem to run in families.

 

Online Medical Dictionary: Your essential reference to over 5000 medical terms.