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The three subsets of type 4 hypersensitivity are as follows: This type also differs from the other three in that it causes a delayed reaction. Experts can further subdivide these reactions into type 4a, type 4b, type 4c, and type 4d based on the type of T cell involved and the reaction it produces. Instead of antibodies, white blood cells called T cells control type 4 hypersensitivity reactions. Unlike the other types, type 4 hypersensitivity reactions are cell-mediated. This may involve immunosuppression with systemic glucocorticoids and disease-modifying drugs. Typically, treatment involves controlling the underlying condition. There are many treatment options available, depending on the severity and presentation of the hypersensitivity response. When diagnosing type 3 hypersensitivity, a doctor may look at a person’s clinical history, perform a physical exam, and conduct various assessments, including tests of blood and urine samples, biopsies, and imaging scans. Type 3 hypersensitivity reactions can lead to:
#Type 3 hypersensitivity examples series#
These complexes cause a series of reactions that lead to tissue damage.Ĭauses of a type 3 hypersensitivity reaction can include: In type 3 hypersensitivity, antigens and antibodies form complexes in the skin, blood vessels, joints, and kidney tissues. Type 5 hypersensitivity reactions are responses that occur when an antibody targets receptors present on a cell, which a hormone would normally activate.Īlthough more research is necessary, some experts suggest that this reaction may actually be a subset of type 2 rather than a type on its own.
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Treatment for type 2 hypersensitivity typically involves immunosuppressants to prevent the action of unusual antibodies. Diagnosis may involve direct immunofluorescence to help identify causative antibodies. Methods of diagnosis vary according to these subsets, as a doctor must be cautious to avoid provoking further damage. There are different subsets of type 2 hypersensitivity, depending on the trigger and the response.
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Similar to type 1, type 2 hypersensitivity reactions also involve antibodies. Also, people should try to avoid the allergen in the future. Some people may require emergency medical treatment with an immediate effect, whereas people with mild symptoms may require other medications. There are different treatments for type 1 hypersensitivity, depending on the cause of the reaction and how the body responds. After this, they will conduct a physical examination in addition to blood and allergy tests to help identify which antigen caused the reaction. The first step a doctor may take to diagnose type 1 hypersensitivity is assessing the person’s history, including taking information on signs and symptoms and reviewing their medical records. Some physical symptoms of type 1 hypersensitivity can include: As the body now recognizes the antigen, it is able to produce a response that results in the symptoms that people typically experience with an allergic reaction. During the effect stage, the person has exposure to the antigen again. There are two stages to type 1 hypersensitivity: the sensitization stage and the effect stage.ĭuring the sensitization stage, the person encounters the antigen but does not experience any symptoms.
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There are different components that can trigger type 1 hypersensitivity responses, including antigens that come from:
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With this type of reaction, the body responds to an antigen by producing a specific type of antibody called IgE. Type 1 hypersensitivity causes an immediate response and occurs after a person has exposure to an antigen.
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