A 31-year-old member asked:
What is the difference between hypersensitivity and autoimmunity?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Ramirezanswered
Allergy and Immunology 20 years experience
Very different: A hypersensitivity is generally what we call an allergic reaction. This is mostly to things you find in the environment, and most of the time is driven by an antibody called ige. An autoimmune disease is usually driven by igg antibody, and what is being attacked is something in the body that the immune system thinks is "foreign" and should be "dealt with" when it shouldn't be.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. John Chiuanswered
Allergy and Immunology 59 years experience
Yes: Hypersensitivity usually means that your immune system reacts to something the majority of people do not. The agent is from the outside world.
Autoimmunity means that your immune system is attacking your body's own tissue.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 21, 2017
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