Herkistäytyminen

Herkistäytyminen, in Finnish, refers to the process of becoming sensitized to a substance. This often occurs in the context of allergies or immune system responses. When a person is exposed to a particular allergen, such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods, their immune system may mistakenly identify it as a harmful invader. This initial exposure leads to the development of specific antibodies, primarily IgE antibodies, which are then present in the body. This stage is known as sensitization, where the immune system has become "primed" to react to the allergen.

Following sensitization, subsequent exposures to the same allergen trigger a more pronounced immune response. The IgE antibodies bind to the allergen, initiating a cascade of events that release inflammatory chemicals like histamine. These chemicals cause the characteristic symptoms of an allergic reaction, which can range from mild, such as itching and sneezing, to severe, including hives, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. The term "herkistäytyminen" specifically denotes this preparatory phase where the body develops the heightened sensitivity, making it susceptible to future allergic reactions. It is a crucial concept in understanding the development and progression of allergic diseases.