Desensitization (medicine)
Desensitization (medicine)
Desensitization (pronunciation: /diːˌsɛnsɪtɪˈzeɪʃən/) is a medical process that reduces the body's sensitivity to a particular substance, often used in the context of allergies or immunology.
Etymology
The term "desensitization" originates from the prefix "de-" meaning "remove" and "sensitize," which means "to cause (someone or something) to respond to certain stimuli." In a medical context, it refers to the process of reducing the body's negative reactions to certain substances.
Process
Desensitization involves gradually exposing the body to increasing amounts of an allergen or other substance to which the body has an adverse reaction. This process can help the body become less reactive to the substance over time. It is often used in the treatment of severe allergies, such as food allergies, drug allergies, and insect sting allergies.
Related Terms
- Allergen: A substance that causes an allergic reaction.
- Immunotherapy: A type of treatment that uses the body's immune system to fight diseases.
- Hyposensitization: Another term for desensitization in the context of allergies.
- Anaphylaxis: A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can be prevented through desensitization.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Desensitization (medicine)
- Wikipedia's article - Desensitization (medicine)
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