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Hypersensitivity is when the immune system has an adverse reaction to a substance or drug, with four types of reactions. Allergies are type 1, type 2 has long-range implications, type 3 is an immune complex disease, and type 4 is delayed-type hypersensitivity. It is important to identify the cause and manage it.
Hypersensitivity is a term used to identify situations in which a certain type of substance or drug triggers an unusually strong and adverse reaction from the immune system. In some cases, 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 usually classified as type 1 hypersensitivity. These are 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 can occur.
An antibody-dependent or cytotoxic reaction defines type 2 situations. Within this category, the hypersensitivity reaction manifests itself with the development of particular conditions such as Goodpasture’s Syndrome, Myasthenia Gravis or Graves’ Disease. A type 2 type of hypersensitivity has more long-range implications.
Type 3 hypersensitivity is classified as an immune complex disease. Within this category, conditions such as the Arthus reaction or serum sickness occur. Along with type 2, patients diagnosed with type 3 often require ongoing monitoring to keep the triggered condition under control.
DTH, or delayed-type hypersensitivity, is known as Type 4. Within this category, patients can develop various extremely uncomfortable skin problems, experience fluctuations in T-cell levels, and possibly develop conditions such as multiple sclerosis. As with other types of hypersensitivity, it is important to identify the substance or drug causing the hypersensitivity reaction and to prevent any further ingestion of that substance.
One of the best ways to get a sense of how painful hypersensitivity can be is to consider the momentary sharp pain that is often felt when extremely cold drinks come into contact with a dental filling. The sudden and intense wave of pain created can often feel unbearable for a brief moment before settling down. For people with hypersensitive reactions to medicines, food, or some factor in their environment, that level of pain doesn’t ease overnight, but can last over a long period of time.
Doctors can often identify the cause of the severe reaction and help the patient learn to avoid the irritant. This may involve changing your medication prescription, avoiding certain spices, herbs or foods, or altering some aspect of your home or work environment. Although hypersensitivity can be extremely debilitating and even fatal, in most cases it can be managed.
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