What are the first indicators of hypersensitivity?

• A. Fever and skin reactions
• B. Cough and wheeze
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Headache and dizziness

Answer: (A)

The first signs of hypersensitivity are often skin changes together with fever because the earliest immune response typically involves exposure of the skin to the allergen and systemic mediator release. Skin reactions like redness, itching, or hives occur quickly as mast cells release histamine and other mediators in the dermal tissues. Fever reflects the cytokine-driven activation of the immune system and can accompany the initial inflammatory response.

Cough and wheeze point to airway involvement that can happen with allergic reactions, but they’re more specific to the lungs and may appear after the initial cutaneous and systemic signs. Nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness are less specific and not as reliably the earliest indicators of hypersensitivity.