Immune System Problems

The reason causing an immune system disturbance can be a small, microscopic particle like a virus or bacteria. The severity of the illness is determined depending on the virulence of the micro-organism. Immune system problems can be dangerous as some of them lead to fatal syndromes like AIDS and cancer.

Immune System Diseases
There are a number of immune system disorders. Some of the major ones are discussed below.

DiGeorge Syndrome
T lymphocytes, which act as antibodies for the immune system and protect the body against foreign antigens are matured in the thymus gland. When this gland is not developed or completely absent, it results in an immune system problem called the DiGeorge Syndrome or thymic dysplasia.

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency
B lymphocytes also act as antibodies for the immune system and are developed in the bone marrow. When there is a total absence of both the B and T lymphocytes, the immune system is the weakest and cannot fight any kind of infection. Such a condition is called SCID or the severe combined immunodeficiency.

HIV/AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
HIV/AIDS is a life-threatening immune system disease as the virus destroys the T lymphocytes and renders the immune system useless. Due to this the body becomes prone to other infections and this situation can prove fatal.

Allergic Disorders
Asthma and eczema are the most common allergic disorders caused due to allergens. Asthma is a respiratory disorder that results in breathing problems due to inflammation of airways in the lungs. It is hereditary and can be acute or chronic. Eczema is the immediate allergic response of the immune system which causes itchy rashes and inflammation of the affected area.

Autoimmune Disorders
Sometimes the immune system recognizes the healthy organs of the body as non-self or foreign antigens and directs the B and T lymphocytes to attack them, these disorders are called autoimmune disorders. 'Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis' is one such disorder wherein the immune system attacks body parts like knee joint and other joints of the body considering them to be foreign invaders. Scleroderma is also such autoimmune disease which results in inflammation of skin and internal organs.

Cancer
Cancer is another type of immune disorder wherein the malignant growth of cells causes destruction of healthy organs. The immune system is further weakened due to the side effects of chemotherapy or other cancer-related medication. Leukemia is a cancer which involves abnormal growth of leukocytes that are present in the bloodstream, while lymphoma is the overgrowth of lymphoid tissue.

Signs of Immune System Problems
A weak immune system can be detected by the signs and symptoms that are observed. Some of them are mentioned below

• Anorexia or loss of appetite due to some disease.
• Weight loss.
• Chronic fever and diarrhea.
• Major infections like pneumonia and meningitis.
• Allergic reactions like inflammation, hypersensitivity, anaphylaxis or exaggerated allergic reaction and reduced immunity to certain diseases.

Causes of Immune System Problems
Viral, bacterial or certain pathogens can disturb the immune system. HIV is one such virus that can destroy the immune system in a major way. Sometimes genetic factors can also cause the immune system to be defective right from birth. Other causes to weaken the immune system can be allergies, deficiencies and cancers.

Treatment for Immune System Problems
Vitamins
Vitamin supplements like Vitamin B6, E and D can prove very helpful for strengthening the immune system. Lymphoid organs, which produce the white blood cells that play a major role in the formation of the antibodies, are nourished because of vitamin B6. Vitamin E helps in the production of B lymphocytes, the natural, killer cells that destroy foreign bodies and cancer cells. Similarly vitamin D protects the skin from inflammation and enhances the immune function.

Diet
Foods like mushrooms increase the body metabolism and help in the production of WBCs. Some vegetables have a chemical, 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) which improves the immune system. Yogurt can be consumed daily to improve your immunity.

Immune system problems can lead to diseases and when the system becomes deficient or less active than normal, it manifests into recurring and life-threatening infections. The most important defense mechanism is to adopt a healthy diet and moderately exercise, moreover rejuvenating our immune system is completely our responsibility.