Hypersensitivity is a condition in which the immune system overreacts to certain objects or substances. This condition is very common, but can also be fatal if it occurs repeatedly or is not treated immediately.
Basically, the immune system functions to protect the body from substances that have the potential to harm the body. However, these systems sometimes err or overreact to substances that are otherwise harmless, causing unwanted effects. This condition is called hypersensitivity.
Types of Hypersensitivity Reaction
In general, hypersensitivity is divided into four types, namely:
Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction
Type 1 hypersensitivity is the same as an allergy and is known as an immediate type hypersensitivity reaction. Called 'fast' because the body's response appears in less than an hour after exposure to the allergen.
Type 1 hypersensitivity occurs when the immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody releases the chemical histamine when it encounters an allergen. This then triggers a mild to severe allergic reaction.
Food allergies, drug allergies, and reactions to bee stings are included in type 1 hypersensitivity. There are several symptoms of type 1 hypersensitivity, including:
- Urticaria or hives
- Angioedema
- Rhinitis
- Asthma
- Anaphylaxis
Type 2 hypersensitivity reaction
The second type of hypersensitivity reaction, also known as a cytotoxic hypersensitivity reaction, is a condition in which normal body cells are mistakenly destroyed by the body's own immune system. This reaction involves either immunoglobulin G (IgG) or immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies.
Type 2 hypersensitivity can cause inflammation and tissue damage. Examples of this type of hypersensitivity reaction are autoimmune hemolytic anemia, organ transplant rejection, and Hashimoto's disease.
Type 3 hiper hypersensitivity reaction
This type of hypersensitivity reaction is also known as immune complex disease. This condition occurs when antibodies and antigens combine together in certain parts of the body, such as blood vessels in the skin, kidneys, and joints, causing inflammation or local damage.
Type 3 hypersensitivity reactions generally appear 4–10 days after exposure to the antigen. Examples of diseases that occur due to type 3 hypersensitivity reactions are lupus, glomerulonephritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Type 4 hiper hypersensitivity reaction
Type 4 hypersensitivity reactions are referred to as delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions, because they last relatively long compared to other types of hypersensitivity. In hypersensitivity type 4, what plays a role in causing an allergic reaction is a type of white blood cell called a T cell.
Examples of type 4 hypersensitivity are contact dermatitis and various forms of drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions.
Seeing the number of hypersensitivity reactions that can occur, the treatment that is carried out also depends on the type of reaction suffered. Therefore, consult your doctor if you experience an allergic reaction so that you can get the right treatment and treatment.
If necessary, the doctor will perform allergy tests to find out what triggers your hypersensitivity reaction, so that preventive measures can be taken.