The Immune System is essential for survival. It keeps us healthy and protected from bacteria, viruses, parasites and more. The immune system is found throughout the body. It’s composed of many types of cells, tissues, and organs that work as a lookout for invaders. It is so complex that it might go wrong as it work. These result in immune deficiency disorders. These disorders reduce the body’s skills to guard it against infections. These disorders weaken the body and make it harder for the body to fight infections and diseases. They make the body prone to viral and bacterial infections.
Causes of immune disorders
- Emotional state
- Level of stress
- Lifestyle
- Dietary habits
- Nutritional status
- Nutrient deficiency
Types of immune disorders
Immune deficiency disorder occurs when the immune system is weak. These result in repeated and life-threatening infections. The disorder can interrupt the body’s ability to defend itself from the simplest infections. The disorders can be either congenital disorder or acquired. Congenital Disorders are those inborn disorders and are more common. Acquired Disorders are triggered by anything that weakens the immune system.
There are three categories
- Immune deficiencies – occurs when one or more components of the immune system do not function. It is caused by excess intake of alcohol, age, malnutrition, obesity and drug use. The immune system ability respond to pathogens is slow hence the person is prone to sickness.
- Autoimmunity – The immune system targets the healthy cells rather than the foreign cells. Overactive immune responses include the other end of immune dysfunction.
- Hypersensitivity – The immune system overreacts in a way that damages healthy tissues. The immune response damages the body’s own tissues.
Risk for Immune deficiency disorders
- Increase in age tends to weaken the immune system. Somebody organs that make white blood cells reduce in size and produce lesser as the body ages.
- Sleep produces proteins that help the body combat infections. Lack of sleep reduces immune defenses.
- People with family history of disorders are at higher risks.
- Cancers and drugs used in chemotherapy can diminish immunity.
- Anything that makes the immune system weak can bring up acquired immune deficiency disorder.
Signs and symptoms of immune deficiency disorders
- Sinus infections
- Diarrhea
- Yeast infections
- Pneumonia
- Pinkeye and catch colds easily
- Suffering chronic infections
- Frequent cold sores, genital herpes,
- Lymph gland sore and swollen
Immune disorders diagnosis
Immune deficiencies disorder diagnosis includes:
- Blood tests
- Allergy skin testing
- Examine immunoglobulin levels
- Inquire medical history
- Execute physical exam
- Find out T cell count
- Find out white blood cell count
Preventive measures of immune disorders
Congenital Immune deficiency disorders can be controlled and treated. However, it cannot be prevented because it is in the system already. Acquired Immune deficiency disorders can be prevented. Preventive measures include:
- having enough sleep
- proper nutrition
- healthy lifestyle
- Preventing one self from getting AIDS.
Immune disorders treatment
The treatment of the immune deficiency disorders depends on the specific conditions. Treatments involve preventing and treating infections and boosting the immune system. Below are some ways to treat these deficiencies:
- Taking immune supplements
- Treating symptoms through medications
- Gamma interferon therapy
- Growth factor therapy
- Stem cell transplant
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