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What is Hypersensitivity?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Hypersensitivity is a term that is used to identify situations in which some type of substance or medication triggers an unusually strong and adverse reaction from the immune system. In some instances, hypersensitivity reactions can be extremely uncomfortable, cause permanent damage, or even result in death. There are four commonly accepted types of this condition, with variations of these four supported by different schools of medical thought.

Allergies are normally classified as Type 1 hypersensitivity. These involve allergic reactions that produce an almost immediate effect. The individual may begin to have difficulty breathing, experiencing what amounts to an asthma attack. In more extreme situations, anaphylaxis may occur.

One of the most severe types of hypersensitivity is a possibly deadly allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
One of the most severe types of hypersensitivity is a possibly deadly allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.

An antibody-dependent or cytotoxic reaction defines define Type 2 situations. Within this category, the hypersensitive reaction manifests with the development of particular conditions such as Goodpasture’s Syndrome, Myasthenia Gravis, or Graves disease. A Type 2 hypersensitivity type has more long range implications.

Type 3 hypersensitivity is classified as an immune complex disease. Within this category, conditions such as Arthus reaction or Serum sickness occur. Along with Type 2, patients diagnosed with Type 3 often require ongoing monitoring in order to keep the triggered condition under control.

Hypersensitivity may be caused by prescription medication, and changing to another drug could help.
Hypersensitivity may be caused by prescription medication, and changing to another drug could help.

DTH, or delayed type hypersensitivity, is known as Type 4. Within this category, patients may develop various dermatological issues that are extremely uncomfortable, experience fluctuation in T-cell levels, and possibly develop conditions such as multiple sclerosis. As with other hypersensitivity types, it is important to identify the substance or medication causing the hypersensitive reaction and prevent any further ingestion of that substance.

Hypersensitivity is often a major medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Hypersensitivity is often a major medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

One of the best ways to get an idea of how painful hypersensitivity can be is to consider the momentary sharp pain that is often experienced when extremely cold beverages come in contact with a tooth filling. The sudden and intense wave of pain created can often seem unbearable for a brief moment before leveling off. For people with hypersensitive reactions to medicine, food, or some factor in their environment, that level of pain does not subside within a moment, but can last for an extended period of time.

Drug hypersensitivity can quickly become a medical emergency if the person stops breathing.
Drug hypersensitivity can quickly become a medical emergency if the person stops breathing.

Physicians can often identify what is causing the severe reaction and help the patient learn to avoid the irritant. This may involve changes of prescription medication, avoiding certain spices, herbs or foods, or altering some aspect of the home or work environment. While hypersensitivity can be extremely debilitating and even fatal, it can be managed in most cases.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Discussion Comments

Melonlity

Anyone with allergies is very familiar with hypersensitivity. The more sensitive someone is to an allergen, the more violent the reaction. For some reason, people who are allergic to bees seem to be overly so and a sting can result in death in some cases.

Serious stuff.

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    • One of the most severe types of hypersensitivity is a possibly deadly allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
      By: jinga80
      One of the most severe types of hypersensitivity is a possibly deadly allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
    • Hypersensitivity may be caused by prescription medication, and changing to another drug could help.
      By: emiliau
      Hypersensitivity may be caused by prescription medication, and changing to another drug could help.
    • Hypersensitivity is often a major medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
      By: blondsteve
      Hypersensitivity is often a major medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
    • Drug hypersensitivity can quickly become a medical emergency if the person stops breathing.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Drug hypersensitivity can quickly become a medical emergency if the person stops breathing.
    • Some types of hypersensitivity trigger asthma-like attacks that require immediate treatment.
      By: dmitrimaruta
      Some types of hypersensitivity trigger asthma-like attacks that require immediate treatment.
    • Patients in the Type 4 hypersensitivity category may develop conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
      By: joshya
      Patients in the Type 4 hypersensitivity category may develop conditions such as multiple sclerosis.