Etymed
hypersensitivity
Definition
an exaggerated immune response to a substance that is normally harmless, resulting in allergic reactions or other pathological responses
Clinical context
A 25-year-old woman develops urticaria and wheezing within minutes of eating shrimp at a restaurant. She has no prior history of shellfish allergy but experienced similar symptoms after a beach trip where she was exposed to seawater containing shellfish particles. Her skin prick test with common allergens is positive only for shrimp proteins.
Mnemonic
HYPERSENSITIVITY = Harmful Yelling at Puppies causing Excessive Reactions Involving Tissues and Immune responses
These morphemes also unlock…
- hyper- — above; excessive
- sensitiv/o — sensitive
- -ity — state; condition