Hypersensitivity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คง
hypersensitivity
[หhaษชpษrหsษnsษหtษชvษชti ]
Definition
medical
Hypersensitivity is an exaggerated immune response to a substance that is normally harmless to most people. It can lead to a variety of symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions.
Synonyms
allergy, intolerance, sensitivity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hypersensitivity |
Used in medical or scientific contexts to describe an exaggerated response by the immune system to certain substances.
|
| allergy |
Commonly used in everyday language to describe a condition where the immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance, typically not harmful to most people.
|
| sensitivity |
Can refer to a mild reaction to various substances or situations, often used in both medical and non-medical contexts.
|
| intolerance |
Refers to an adverse reaction to a substance, typically food, that does not involve the immune system. Often used in dietary contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- His hypersensitivity to pollen causes him to have severe allergic reactions.
- The doctor diagnosed her hypersensitivity to certain foods after conducting allergy tests.
- The child's hypersensitivity to pet dander made it difficult for him to visit his friend's house with a cat.
- Individuals with hypersensitivity to sunlight may develop skin rashes upon exposure.
- She experienced hypersensitivity to noise, which made it challenging for her to concentrate in a busy environment.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Health
- Some people may experience physical hypersensitivity, where they react strongly to certain textures, sounds, or lights, leading to discomfort.
- Psychological hypersensitivity can cause intense emotional reactions, often related to past experiences or trauma.
- Commonly associated with conditions like autism spectrum disorder, allergies, and certain mental health issues.
Science
- In neuroscience, hypersensitivity can be linked to heightened activity in certain brain areas, affecting how stimuli are processed.
- Research shows that those with hypersensitivity often have more active connections between their sensory processing regions and emotional centers of the brain.
Psychology
- Individuals with increased emotional sensitivity may have strong empathic abilities, allowing them to feel others' emotions more deeply.
- Hypersensitivity can sometimes lead to anxiety or depression, as constant overstimulation may create overwhelming stress.
Cultural Perspectives
- In some cultures, heightened sensitivity is viewed as a gift, often linked to creativity and artistic expression.
- Pop psychology has popularized the term 'highly sensitive person' (HSP) to describe those with acute sensory experiences and emotional responses.
Literature and Media
- Many authors explore themes of emotional hypersensitivity in characters, often portraying them as deeply connected to their surroundings.
- Films and books that highlight personal struggles with hypersensitivity typically resonate with audiences seeking deeper emotional connection.
Origin of 'hypersensitivity'
The term 'hypersensitivity' originated in the field of immunology to describe an excessive immune response to antigens. It was first used in medical literature in the early 20th century to explain allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases. The concept of hypersensitivity has since been expanded to include various forms of immune-mediated reactions beyond allergies, such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and drug reactions.
See also: desensitized, insensibility, insensible, insensitive, nonsense, nonsensical, nonsensically, sensation, sensational, sensations, sense, senseless, senselessly, sensibility, sensible, sensibly, sensitive, sensitivity, sensor, sensory, sensual, sensuous.