Hypersensitivity refers to an exaggerated or inappropriate immune response to a foreign substance. It can lead to tissue damage and various allergic reactions.
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There are four types of hypersensitivity reactions: Type I (immediate), Type II (cytotoxic), Type III (immune complex-mediated), and Type IV (delayed-type).
Type I hypersensitivity includes common allergies such as hay fever, asthma, and anaphylaxis.
Type IV hypersensitivity is mediated by T cells and often involves skin reactions like contact dermatitis.
Autoimmune diseases can be a result of hypersensitivity where the body attacks its own tissues.
Treatment for hypersensitivity reactions may include antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive drugs.
Review Questions
What are the four types of hypersensitivity reactions?
How is Type I hypersensitivity different from Type IV?
What kind of treatments are commonly used for managing hypersensitivity reactions?
Related terms
Antigen: A substance that induces an immune response in the body.