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Hypersensitivities

Hypersensitivities

Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...

Allergic Reactions

Allergic Reactions

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...

Allergic Drug Reactions

Allergic Drug Reactions

Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing numerous...

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions

Type II hypersensitivity involves IgG and IgM antibodies targeting cell surface antigens, leading to cell destruction. This can occur through complement activation, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or acting as opsonins for phagocytosis. When excessive, these reactions cause significant tissue damage.Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is a common example, where drugs like penicillin or cephalosporins bind to red blood cells, forming drug-protein complexes. These complexes...

Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions

Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions

Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial exposure to a...

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The International Guideline for the Definition, Classification, Diagnosis and Management of Urticaria.

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Epidemiology, comorbidities, and healthcare utilization of patients with chronic urticaria in Germany.

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Updated: May 8, 2026

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis

Published on: May 31, 2021

[Urticaria … and treatment fails].

B Wedi¹, D Wieczorek, U Raap

¹Klinik für Dermatologie, Allergologie und Venerologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland, wedi.bettina@mh-hannover.de.

Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift Fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, Und Verwandte Gebiete

|August 17, 2013

Summary

Achieving complete symptom relief for urticaria is challenging. Standard antihistamines and other therapies often fail, even at higher doses, highlighting the need for further research.

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Area of Science:

Dermatology
Allergology
Immunology

Background:

Urticaria treatment guidelines aim for complete symptom relief.
Current therapies, including H1-antihistamines, often fall short of this goal.
Limited data exists on achieving full symptom alleviation in urticaria management.

Purpose of the Study:

To review existing literature on urticaria treatment efficacy regarding complete symptom relief.
To identify treatment failure rates and explore alternative therapeutic options.
To highlight the need for further research to meet treatment objectives.

Main Methods:

Systematic review of available literature on urticaria treatment.
Analysis of data concerning complete symptom alleviation and treatment failure.
Evaluation of standard and up-dosed H1-antihistamines, and add-on therapies.

Main Results:

Standard H1-antihistamine doses rarely achieve complete urticaria symptom relief.
Even four-fold increased doses of H1-antihistamines show high failure rates.
Add-on therapies like montelukast, dapsone, and cyclosporine A also demonstrate limited success in achieving complete control.

Conclusions:

Omalizumab shows promise for severe chronic spontaneous urticaria with low failure rates.
Significant data gaps exist regarding optimal urticaria treatment strategies for complete symptom relief.
Further controlled studies are essential to establish effective treatments for complete urticaria symptom control.