Type I hypersensitivity

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Type I hypersensitivity
Synonyms	Immediate hypersensitivity
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis, asthma, allergic rhinitis
Complications	Anaphylactic shock, asthma exacerbation
Onset	Seconds to minutes after exposure to allergen
Duration	Variable, can be chronic with repeated exposure
Types	N/A
Causes	Allergen exposure (e.g., pollen, dust mites, food allergens, insect stings)
Risks	Atopy, family history of allergies
Diagnosis	Skin prick test, serum IgE testing
Differential diagnosis	Type II hypersensitivity, Type III hypersensitivity, Type IV hypersensitivity
Prevention	Avoidance of known allergens, immunotherapy
Treatment	Antihistamines, corticosteroids, epinephrine for severe reactions
Medication	Antihistamines, corticosteroids, epinephrine
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common, varies by population and region
Deaths	Can be fatal if not treated promptly, especially in cases of anaphylaxis

Overview of Type I hypersensitivity

Detailed pathway of Type I hypersensitivity reactions.

Type I hypersensitivity, also known as immediate hypersensitivity, is an allergic reaction provoked by re-exposure to a specific type of antigen referred to as an allergen. This reaction is mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and is characterized by rapid onset, typically occurring within minutes of exposure to the allergen.

Mechanism

Type I hypersensitivity involves a two-phase process:

Sensitization

During the initial exposure to an allergen, the immune system responds by producing IgE antibodies specific to that allergen. These IgE antibodies bind to FcεRI receptors on the surface of mast cells and basophils. This process is known as sensitization.

Re-exposure

Upon subsequent exposure to the same allergen, the allergen cross-links the IgE antibodies on the surface of mast cells and basophils, triggering these cells to degranulate. This degranulation releases various mediators, including histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins, which lead to the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Type I hypersensitivity can vary depending on the route of exposure and the individual. Common symptoms include:

• Urticaria (hives)
• Rhinitis (runny nose)
• Asthma
• Anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening reaction

Examples

Common examples of Type I hypersensitivity reactions include:

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Allergic asthma
• Food allergies
• Insect sting allergies

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Type I hypersensitivity typically involves:

• Skin prick test
• Serum IgE testing
• Challenge testing

Treatment

Treatment options for Type I hypersensitivity include:

• Avoidance of known allergens
• Antihistamines
• Corticosteroids
• Epinephrine for anaphylaxis
• Allergen immunotherapy

Also see

• Type II hypersensitivity
• Type III hypersensitivity
• Type IV hypersensitivity
• Allergy
• Immune system