HYPERSUSCEPTIBILITY Meaning and
Definition
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Hypersusceptibility refers to an unusually heightened or exaggerated sensitivity or vulnerability to certain triggers or stimuli. In biological contexts, particularly in immunology and pharmacology, hypersusceptibility describes an excessive response from the body's immune system to an antigen, allergen, drug, or other external substance.
In the field of immunology, hypersusceptibility is synonymous with hypersensitivity, which encompasses a range of immune responses beyond the normal range. These responses can be divided into four types known as hypersensitivity reactions: type I (immediate hypersensitivity), type II (cytotoxic hypersensitivity), type III (immune complex hypersensitivity), and type IV (delayed hypersensitivity). Each type is characterized by distinct immunological mechanisms and manifests differently in the body.
Hypersusceptibility can also refer to an exaggerated reaction to drugs or chemicals, described as drug hypersusceptibility or drug intolerance. This can manifest as adverse drug reactions, allergic reactions, or idiosyncratic responses to specific medications. Individuals with hypersusceptibility to certain drugs may experience severe side effects or allergic symptoms even at lower doses that are typically well-tolerated by most people.
Therefore, hypersusceptibility denotes an enhanced sensitivity or reactivity of the immune system or an individual's body to specific triggers, potentially leading to exaggerated or abnormal responses. Proper understanding and management of hypersusceptibility are crucial in clinical settings to minimize adverse reactions and promote individual well-being.
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1. Extreme vulnerability to infection. 2. Anaphylaxis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPERSUSCEPTIBILITY
- gypersusceptibility
- bypersusceptibility
- nypersusceptibility
- jypersusceptibility
- uypersusceptibility
- yypersusceptibility
- htpersusceptibility
- hgpersusceptibility
- hhpersusceptibility
- hupersusceptibility
- h7persusceptibility
- h6persusceptibility
- hyoersusceptibility
- hylersusceptibility
- hy-ersusceptibility
- hy0ersusceptibility
- hypwrsusceptibility
- hypsrsusceptibility
- hypdrsusceptibility
- hyprrsusceptibility
Etymology of HYPERSUSCEPTIBILITY
The word "hypersusceptibility" is derived from two main components: "hyper" and "susceptibility".
1. "Hyper" is a prefix that comes from Greek, meaning "excessive" or "beyond". It is commonly used in English to indicate an increased or exaggerated state or condition. For example, "hyperactive" means excessively active, and "hypersensitive" means overly sensitive.
2. "Susceptibility" comes from the Latin word "susceptibilis", which means "capable of undergoing". In English, it refers to a person or thing's vulnerability or readiness to be affected or influenced by something. For instance, "immunodeficiency" refers to the reduced ability to resist infection or diseases.
Therefore, "hypersusceptibility" combines these two components to create a term that signifies an exaggerated or excessive vulnerability or susceptibility to something.
