Which condition is described as a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system in general terms?

Which condition is described as a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system in general terms?

• A. Allergies
• B. Infections
• C. Autoimmune diseases
• D. Hypertension

Answer: (A)

Hypersensitivity describes an exaggerated immune reaction to something that is normally harmless. Allergies are the classic example of this, since the immune system overreacts to substances like pollen, foods, or dust, leading to symptoms such as itching, sneezing, swelling, or wheezing. Infections involve fighting off pathogens and aren’t defined by an overreaction to harmless substances. Hypertension is a cardiovascular condition with no primary immune hypersensitivity mechanism. Autoimmune diseases involve the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues, which is a different type of immune dysfunction rather than a general hypersensitivity to external antigens. So allergies best fit the idea of a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system.

Hypersensitivity describes an exaggerated immune reaction to something that is normally harmless. Allergies are the classic example of this, since the immune system overreacts to substances like pollen, foods, or dust, leading to symptoms such as itching, sneezing, swelling, or wheezing. Infections involve fighting off pathogens and aren’t defined by an overreaction to harmless substances. Hypertension is a cardiovascular condition with no primary immune hypersensitivity mechanism. Autoimmune diseases involve the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues, which is a different type of immune dysfunction rather than a general hypersensitivity to external antigens. So allergies best fit the idea of a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system.