Body signals: Doctor identifies signs of immune system failure

How immune system works

According to the expert, the immune system is the body's first line of defense against harmful pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi that cause infections and parasites. It also helps recover after infections and injuries.

The immune system works correctly if it:

• distinguishes between cells that belong to the body and those that do not belong to the body

• activates to destroy harmful microorganisms

• stops the attack when the threat disappears

• produces antibodies against harmful microorganisms and destroys them in the future

Weak immune system

The immune system can be too weak to fight foreign bodies. Many different conditions or diseases can weaken the immune system and make the body more susceptible to infections.

Conditions present at birth are less common than those developing later, such as type 2 diabetes and cancer. Additionally, certain medications can weaken it: corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other cancer treatments.

Overactive

There are cases where the immune system can overreact to pathogens. Specifically, it may activate when none are present or continue attacking after they are gone. An overactive immune system can lead to autoimmune diseases or allergic reactions.

What immune system consist of

The main components of the immune system are:

• white blood cells – attack and destroy harmful microorganisms

• antibodies – protect against pathogens by binding to them

• cytokines – messengers that tell immune cells where to move and what to do

• complement system – a group of proteins that join other cells to protect against pathogens and promote healing of injuries or infections

• lymph nodes – filter lymph, trapping microorganisms and foreign particles

• spleen – stores white blood cells that protect the body from foreign agents and filters blood

• tonsils and adenoids – trap bacteria or viruses immediately after they enter the body

• thymus – helps T-cells mature before they spread throughout the body

• bone marrow – soft fatty tissue inside bones acts as a factory for blood cell production

• skin – a protective barrier that prevents microorganisms from entering the body

• mucous membrane – a three-layer membrane that lines cavities and organs throughout the body

Innate and acquired immunity

The doctor explained that innate immunity is the protection a person is born with. In this case, the immune system immediately reacts to the invasion of foreign microorganisms. White blood cells involved in innate immunity do not learn to recognize specific pathogens.

Therefore, acquired immunity, also called adaptive or specific, comes into play. The body gains this protection over time after contact with harmful microorganisms. Lymphocytes 'remember' specific pathogens and can determine when they are foreign.

'This is the principle behind vaccines, which teach adaptive immune cells to recognize and destroy pathogens before they cause disease,' Shvets noted.

What disrupts immunity

There are several conditions that disrupt the normal regulation of the immune system:

• allergies – excessive reaction of the immune system to substances that are usually harmless (pollen, dust, certain foods)

• autoimmune diseases – the immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells. Examples include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis

• primary immunodeficiency diseases – hereditary conditions where individual components of the immune system function incorrectly or insufficiently

• infectious diseases – includes HIV and mononucleosis

• oncological diseases – leukemia and lymphoma affect bone marrow, preventing the production of white blood cells needed to fight infections

• sepsis – the immune system begins to damage healthy tissues and organs, causing potentially life-threatening inflammation

Symptoms indicating failure

Signs and symptoms of immune system disorders vary, including:

• constant fatigue

• prolonged high fever without an obvious cause

• weight loss without changes in diet or physical activity

• heavy night sweats

• skin itching

• muscle pain

• tingling or numbness in fingers or toes

• concentration problems

• hair loss

• inflammation, rashes, or redness

• swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin

How to strengthen

Medic noted that no quick and simple solution fits everyone. Maintaining normal immune function is best achieved through a healthy lifestyle and daily habits.

It is important to consume sufficient amounts of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Daily physical exercise positively affects all body systems, including the immune system.

Body mass index (BMI) above 30 (obesity) is associated with impaired immune function, so maintaining a healthy weight is essential. Additionally, lack of sleep prevents the immune system from functioning properly. Vaccines train' adaptive immunity and reduce the risk of severe infectious diseases. Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.

Earlier, we wrote about 5 myths about garlic that people still believe.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.