IMMEDIATE HYPERSENSITIVITIES Meaning and
Definition
-
Immediate hypersensitivities, also known as immediate allergic reactions, refer to rapid and exaggerated immune responses triggered upon exposure to certain allergens. These reactions occur within minutes or hours of contact with the allergen and involve the release of various substances such as histamine and other chemicals by mast cells and basophils. Immediate hypersensitivities can manifest themselves in a wide range of symptoms, such as itching, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, hives, skin rashes, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
The underlying mechanism behind immediate hypersensitivities is an abnormal immune response where the body's immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances as a threat. Upon exposure to the allergen, the immune system produces large amounts of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which bind to specific receptors on mast cells and basophils. Subsequent exposure to the same allergen triggers the release of stored histamine and other mediators from these cells, resulting in the characteristic allergy symptoms.
Immediate hypersensitivities are commonly associated with various allergens, including pollen, dust mites, pet dander, certain foods (such as peanuts, shellfish, and eggs), insect venoms, medications (such as penicillin), and latex. Management of immediate hypersensitivities usually involves allergen avoidance, symptomatic relief through antihistamines and corticosteroids, and for individuals at risk of anaphylaxis, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector for immediate emergency treatment. Additionally, allergen-specific immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, may be recommended for individuals with severe allergies to stimulate immune tolerance and reduce allergic reactions.
Common Misspellings for IMMEDIATE HYPERSENSITIVITIES
- ummediate hypersensitivities
- jmmediate hypersensitivities
- kmmediate hypersensitivities
- ommediate hypersensitivities
- 9mmediate hypersensitivities
- 8mmediate hypersensitivities
- inmediate hypersensitivities
- ikmediate hypersensitivities
- ijmediate hypersensitivities
- imnediate hypersensitivities
- imkediate hypersensitivities
- imjediate hypersensitivities
- immwdiate hypersensitivities
- immsdiate hypersensitivities
- immddiate hypersensitivities
- immrdiate hypersensitivities
- imm4diate hypersensitivities
- imm3diate hypersensitivities
- immesiate hypersensitivities
- immexiate hypersensitivities
Etymology of IMMEDIATE HYPERSENSITIVITIES
Immediate hypersensitivities are often referred to as allergic reactions. The etymology of the word "hypersensitivity" comes from combining the prefix "hyper-" meaning excessive or beyond normal, and "sensitivity" which is derived from the Latin word "sensibilis" meaning capable of feeling. Together, "hypersensitivity" means an exaggerated or excessive reaction to a substance.
The term "immediate" in this context refers to the rapid onset of these hypersensitivity reactions. It is used to distinguish them from delayed hypersensitivity reactions that take longer to develop. "Immediate" comes from the Latin word "immediatus", which combines the prefix "im-" meaning not or without, and "medius" meaning middle or intermediate. Hence, "immediate" implies that the reaction occurs without any intermediate or delay.
