Immune system disorders are conditions in which the immune system doesn't work as it should. The immune system is responsible for protecting the body against viruses, bacteria, and other invaders. Show
Immune system disorders can be characterized by a weakened immune system or autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's healthy cells. There are over 100 types of autoimmune diseases and approximately 80% of all people diagnosed with these conditions are female. There are different ways that immune system disorders can develop. Some people are born with a weak immune system, while others have an overactive immune system that reacts to substances that are normally harmless, as in some forms of asthma and eczema. How the Immune System Works Immune System Disorders: Primary and Secondary Immune DeficiencyPrimary immune deficiency disorders are present at birth. They cause a weakened immune system and are often inherited. The diagnoses can be made months after birth or many years later. These disorders can be triggered by a single gene defect. There are more than 200 different forms of primary immune deficiency disorders, and they affect approximately 500,000 people in the United States. People with primary immune deficiency disorders can sometimes have a weak response to vaccines and an increased risk of developing autoimmune disorders and malignancy. Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), also called bubble boy disease, is an example of a primary immune deficiency. Children with this condition are missing important white blood cells. Secondary immune deficiency refers to diseases that people can get later in life that weaken their immune systems. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) caused by an HIV infection is one example. Without treatment, HIV infection can cause severe damage to the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to infections. Overactive Immune System ExamplesAn overactive immune system may react to allergens (harmless elements) like dust, mold, pollen, and foods. in these cases, your body can't tell the difference between your healthy, normal cells and invaders. Allergies and AsthmaAn overactive immune system will react to allergens like dust, mold, pollen, and foods. Asthma is one of the most common conditions associated with an overactive immune system. When you have asthma, an immune response in your lungs can lead to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Eczema (itchy skin is triggered by an allergen) and hay fever (seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis) are other examples. Seasonal allergens can trigger itchy/watery eyes and a runny nose. Autoimmune ConditionsWhen you have an autoimmune condition, your body attacks itself because it can't tell the difference between your healthy, normal cells and invaders. Is Your Immune System Making Your Asthma Worse? Common Autoimmune Diseases and SymptomsAutoimmune diseases cause the immune system to attack healthy cells in the body. They are chronic conditions that require ongoing treatment. They usually do not have a cure. The cause is unknown. It has been hypothesized that they are caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Different autoimmune diseases affect the body in different ways and cause different symptoms. Type 1 DiabetesType 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune process in the body that mistakenly destroys the beta cells of the pancreas, which are the insulin-producing cells. It affects people who are genetically predisposed to the condition. It's found in 5% to 10% of people who have any type of diabetes. It can appear at any stage of life, but it is the most common type of diabetes in children, teens, and young adults. Symptoms include:
Children and teenagers who have type 1 diabetes are more likely to develop other autoimmune diseases, like thyroid disorders or celiac disease. How Hyperglycemia Is Diagnosed Rheumatoid ArthritisIn rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the immune system attacks healthy cells, resulting in inflammation in different parts of the body. It commonly affects joints in the hands, wrists, and knees. RA can begin at any age, and it is more common between 45 and 60 years old. Women have a higher chance of developing the disease and experiencing more severe pain from the condition. Symptoms include:
Causes and Risk Factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis Psoriatic ArthritisPsoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a form of chronic inflammatory arthritis that is present in nearly 30% of people who have psoriasis. It can also affect people without psoriasis. The disease affects the joints and skin—mainly large joints of the lower extremities, distal joints of the fingers and toes, joints in the back, and sacroiliac joints of the pelvis. This condition often begins between ages 30 and 50 years. For many people with psoriasis, PsA starts about 10 years after psoriasis develops. PsA can be mild with occasional flare-ups, or it can be continuous and cause joint damage if it is not treated. The most common symptoms are:
Clinical Features of Psoriatic Arthritis Multiple SclerosisMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that affects the brain, optic nerves, and/or spinal cord. This condition damages the myelin sheath, which is the material that surrounds and protects nerve cells. This damage slows down or blocks messages between the brain and body. Although it is not inherited, people with a family history of this condition are more susceptible to the disease. The first signs of MS often appear between 20 and 40 years old. Multiple sclerosis affects women more than men. MS symptoms often include:
An Overview of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Systemic Lupus ErythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can affect any organ in the body and encompass a wide spectrum of severity. It can cause mild symptoms, such as skin rash, or severe complications, like heart problems. It tends to run in families, and it affects women more than men. The most common symptoms of lupus are:
How Lupus Is Diagnosed Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of disorders that cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Two of the most common forms of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Approximately 1.5 million people in the United States have either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Frequent symptoms include:
How Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is Diagnosed Addison's DiseaseAddison's disease, also known as adrenal insufficiency, affects the function of the adrenal glands, which are small hormone-producing glands located on top of each kidney. It is a rare disorder in which the body doesn't produce enough adrenal hormones. Addison’s disease affects 1 in 100,000 people and affects men and women equally. It runs in families, and people first notice symptoms between ages 30 and 50 years old. Diagnosis is often delayed because it is a rare disease and the symptoms are nonspecific and can come and go. Some of the symptoms include:
Graves DiseaseGraves disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid). With Grave's disease, the immune system overstimulates the thyroid and causes it to make more thyroid hormone than your body needs. Excess thyroid hormones can cause a variety of problems. Graves disease affects about 1 in 200 people. It is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism in the United States. Women have higher chances of developing the disease. The condition can trigger many symptoms, including:
Sjögren's SyndromeSjögren's syndrome affects the salivary and tear glands, and people with this disease will often complain about dry mouth and dry eyes. It can also affect the joints, nose, skin, and other body parts that need moisture, including the lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, digestive organs, and nerves. Sjögren's syndrome primarily affects women age 40 and older. It is estimated that between 400,000 and 3.1 million adults have Sjögren's syndrome. It is sometimes linked to RA and lupus. Hashimoto's DiseaseHashimoto's disease is a type of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and is at least eight times more common in women than men. With this condition, the immune system attacks the thyroid, damaging it so it can't make enough thyroid hormones. Hashimoto’s disease is common and affects about five people in 100 in the United States. It commonly appears between ages 30 to 50 and tends to run in families. People with other autoimmune diseases are also more likely to have this condition. The most common symptoms are:
Causes and Risk Factors of Hashimoto’s Disease Celiac DiseaseCeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten triggers the immune system to damage the small intestines. It often impairs nutrient absorption. The condition is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. Celiac disease runs in families, and people who have a first-degree relative with celiac disease (parent, child, sibling) have a one-in-10 risk of developing this condition. It can develop at any age. Frequent symptoms are:
How Celiac Disease Is Diagnosed Autoimmune Disease Risk FactorsMany factors can increase the risk of autoimmune disease: heredity, genetics, and environmental triggers. The conditions are prevalent in women and researchers don't have a consensus to explain why women are more vulnerable. Why Autoimmune Diseases Affect More Women Than Men Diagnostic TestsDiagnosis of autoimmune disease is challenging. The initial symptoms tend to be vague or may come and go. Individuals also tend to experience autoimmune diseases in different ways. If you have symptoms of autoimmune disease, your healthcare provider will start your evaluation by considering your medical history and family history, and performing a physical exam. If these show signs of an autoimmune disease, your healthcare provider might request diagnostic tests. Some common lab tests used in screening for autoimmune diseases include a complete blood count (CBC), antinuclear antibody (ANA), and rheumatoid factor. What Is a Rheumatoid Factor Test? Autoimmune disease diagnosis can be tricky. It is vital to pay attention to your body and any new symptoms, even if they are not permanent or seem harmless, like a skin rash. A Word From VerywellThe journey to a diagnosis of autoimmune disease can be long and stressful. The symptoms of autoimmune diseases are often nonspecific and episodic. It is important for you to tell your healthcare provider about any new symptoms you are experiencing. Although the conditions can't be cured, there are medications that can help alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of autoimmune diseases. Early treatment generally leads to better outcomes. What are symptoms of an overactive immune system?Symptoms of an Overactive Immune System?. Pain in more than one joint.. Stiffness in more than one joint.. Weight loss.. Fever.. Fatigue or weakness.. What happens if you have an overactive immune system?Some conditions caused by an overactive immune system are: Asthma. The response in your lungs can cause coughing, wheezing, and trouble breathing. Asthma can be triggered by common allergens like dust or pollen or by an irritant like tobacco smoke.
How do you treat an overactive immune system?Use nutrients such as fish oil, vitamin C, vitamin D, and probiotics to help calm your immune response naturally. Exercise regularly — it's a natural anti-inflammatory. Practice deep relaxation like yoga, deep breathing, biofeedback, or massage, because stress worsens the immune response.
Is a hyperactive immune system good?Although, based on our current understanding of the interaction between the related coronavirus SARS and the immune system, hyperactive immunity may be detrimental, leading to overactive inflammation and tissue damage in the lung.
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