hypersensitizes
Increases allergic response
Hypersensitizes means makes excessively or abnormally sensitive.
In medicine, it refers to inducing an allergic or immune response: Repeated exposure hypersensitizes the skin to the allergen.
More broadly, it describes any process that heightens reactivity beyond normal levels: The constant criticism hypersensitizes her to even mild feedback.
Immune reaction triggers
- histamineAllergy-response compound
- anaphylaxisSevere systemic allergic reaction
- pollenFloral reproductive grains
- dustFine settled particles
mold · pet dander · mites · epinephrine · allergist · immunoglobulin · asthma · hives
Proteins targeting pathogens
- lymphocytesAdaptive immunity cells
- T-cellsThymus-matured immune lymphocytes
- B-cellsAntibody-secreting immune cells
- cytokinesImmune signaling proteins
autoimmunity · immunotherapy · antigens · inflammatory response · overactivation · basophils · cross-reactivity · adjuvant
Disproportionate emotional response
- triggersCauses or activates
- raw nervesHypersensitive emotional areas
- thin-skinnedEasily hurt by remarks
- touchyEasily upset or offended
oversensitive · reactive · hypervigilance · emotional volatility · defensiveness · hair-trigger · fragility · overwhelm
Peripheral neural sensors
- pain receptorsNeurons sensing tissue damage
- stimulusWhat prompts a reaction
- irritationMild anger or inflammation
- inflammationProtective tissue response
allergens
Immune reaction triggers
- histamineAllergy-response compound
- anaphylaxisSevere systemic allergic reaction
- pollenFloral reproductive grains
dust · mold · pet dander · mites · epinephrine · allergist · immunoglobulin · asthma · hives · eczema
antibodies
Proteins targeting pathogens
- lymphocytesAdaptive immunity cells
- T-cellsThymus-matured immune lymphocytes
- B-cellsAntibody-secreting immune cells
cytokines · autoimmunity · immunotherapy · antigens · inflammatory response · overactivation · basophils · cross-reactivity · adjuvant
overreaction
Disproportionate emotional response
- triggersCauses or activates
- raw nervesHypersensitive emotional areas
- thin-skinnedEasily hurt by remarks
touchy · oversensitive · reactive · hypervigilance · emotional volatility · defensiveness · hair-trigger · fragility · overwhelm · overstimulation
nerve endings
Peripheral neural sensors
- pain receptorsNeurons sensing tissue damage
- stimulusWhat prompts a reaction
- irritationMild anger or inflammation
inflammation · neuropathy · photosensitivity · tactile · fibromyalgia
hypersensitizesdesensitizes
Makes less responsive
numbs · dulls · anesthetizes · inures · habituates