Which term describes a reaction that can be life-threatening due to sensitivity to an antigen?

Which term describes a reaction that can be life-threatening due to sensitivity to an antigen?

• A. Hypersensitivity
• B. Anaphylaxis
• C. Allergy
• D. Intolerance

Answer: (B)

The term that describes a reaction that can be life-threatening due to sensitivity to an antigen is anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly after exposure to an allergen, such as certain foods, medications, or insect stings. The body’s immune system responds dramatically to the antigen, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat and tongue, hives, and a drop in blood pressure. While hypersensitivity refers to exaggerated immune responses, not all hypersensitive reactions lead to life-threatening consequences. Similarly, an allergy is a broader term that encompasses any abnormal immune response triggered by an antigen, which may or may not be severe. Intolerance generally refers to non-immune reactions that lead to discomfort but are not life-threatening. In contrast, anaphylaxis specifically narrates the acute and dangerous nature of a hypersensitive reaction, making it the correct term in this context.

The term that describes a reaction that can be life-threatening due to sensitivity to an antigen is anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly after exposure to an allergen, such as certain foods, medications, or insect stings. The body’s immune system responds dramatically to the antigen, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat and tongue, hives, and a drop in blood pressure.

While hypersensitivity refers to exaggerated immune responses, not all hypersensitive reactions lead to life-threatening consequences. Similarly, an allergy is a broader term that encompasses any abnormal immune response triggered by an antigen, which may or may not be severe. Intolerance generally refers to non-immune reactions that lead to discomfort but are not life-threatening. In contrast, anaphylaxis specifically narrates the acute and dangerous nature of a hypersensitive reaction, making it the correct term in this context.