Which term describes unusual sensitivity to a drug such as mild skin rash, swelling, itching, and nasal congestion?

Which term describes unusual sensitivity to a drug such as mild skin rash, swelling, itching, and nasal congestion?

• A. Adverse drug effect
• B. Hypersensitivity
• C. Anaphylaxis
• D. Breach

Answer: (B)

Unusual sensitivity to a drug that shows up as allergic-type symptoms like a mild skin rash, itching, swelling, and nasal congestion is hypersensitivity. This term describes an immune-mediated reaction—the body's defense system overreacts to the medication, producing allergy-like signs even at normal doses. It’s a specific way the body reacts to a drug, distinct from a general adverse drug effect, which covers any undesired consequence of a drug that isn’t necessarily immune-driven. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening form of hypersensitivity, far more dramatic than the symptoms described here. Breach isn’t related to drug reactions.

Unusual sensitivity to a drug that shows up as allergic-type symptoms like a mild skin rash, itching, swelling, and nasal congestion is hypersensitivity. This term describes an immune-mediated reaction—the body's defense system overreacts to the medication, producing allergy-like signs even at normal doses. It’s a specific way the body reacts to a drug, distinct from a general adverse drug effect, which covers any undesired consequence of a drug that isn’t necessarily immune-driven. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening form of hypersensitivity, far more dramatic than the symptoms described here. Breach isn’t related to drug reactions.