Signs that your immune system needs help
On a daily basis, we are constantly exposed to potentially harmful microbes of all sorts. Our immune system, a network of intricate stages and pathways in the body, protects us against them as well as against certain diseases. It recognizes foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other pathogens and takes immediate action, like in this video, where a white blood cell chases bacteria.But as good as it may be, it is not perfect. Sometimes, this group of special cells, tissues, and organs doesn’t act the way it should. If the immune system becomes weak, we are more at risk of various illnesses, including certain serious illnesses. So, it is important to recognize when it happens to provide help and support in a timely manner.
What are the signs of a weak immune system?
If your immune system isn’t working properly, you are immunocompromised. Immunocompromisation is sometimes also called immunodeficiency. The general signs of a weak immune system include: - Constant feeling of tiredness - You easily catch colds and coughs - Frequent tummy aches and diarrhea - Stress level is sky-high - Poor wound healing - Frequent cold sores around the lips - Frequent infections - Sudden high fevers - Muscle and joint aches - Skin breakouts, boils, eczema - Always on medication for one illness or the other Signs of compromised immunity: frequent illness and slow recovery.
What is the difference between a weak immune system vs. being sick?
Can we separate the meaning of these two? Not entirely. Many people walk around with weak immunity but do not feel sick. They feel constantly tired, and a quick nap usually brings relief. Then, there is that headache that occasionally springs up and goes away temporarily with a dose of paracetamol. Usually, many people do not ascribe being sick to these nagging symptoms, and most would ignore them as pointers to a weak immune system. In fact, being sick is an expression of a weakened immune system that was unable to withstand the attack of an offending organism such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
What causes the weakening of the immune system?
The immune system may be weakened due to various factors affecting our life and our body. - Older age: As we age, our internal organs may become less efficient, including immune-related. Organs like the thymus or bone marrow produce less immune cells needed to fight off infections. Aging is sometimes associated with micronutrient deficiencies, which may worsen a declining immune function. - Environmental toxins (smoke and other particles contributing to air pollution, excessive alcohol): These substances can impair or suppress the normal activity of immune cells. - Excess weight: Obesity is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation. Research is early, but obesity has also been identified as an independent risk factor for the influenza virus. - Poor diet: Malnutrition or a diet lacking in one or more nutrients can impair the production and activity of immune cells and antibodies. - Chronic diseases: Autoimmune and immunodeficiency disorders attack and potentially disable immune cells. - Chronic mental stress: Stress releases hormones like cortisol that suppress inflammation (inflammation is initially needed to activate immune cells) and the action of white blood cells. - Lack of sleep and rest: Sleep is a time of restoration for the body, during which a type of cytokine is released that fights infection; too little sleep lowers the amount of these cytokines and other immune cells.
How to determine that the immune system is weak?
A blood test can determine how well an immune system is functioning by looking at levels of immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulins are also called antibodies. When you are exposed to germs, your body makes unique antibodies that are specifically designed to destroy only those germs. The test will also compare your levels of white blood cells and red blood cells. If you have any signs of weakened immunity, talk to your doctor, who can order such a test for you to detect any possible weakness in your immune system. Other tests done for immune system disorders can include skin tests, biopsies, and prenatal/DNA tests: - Skin tests are done to check for a reaction to a protein administered under the subcutaneous layer of the skin. A positive reaction of redness, inflammation, and warmth shows that T cells, one of the important white blood cells of the immune system, are working and the immune system is functioning correctly. A negative reaction, or no change in the skin, shows that there may be an issue with the immune system and T cell function. - Biopsies take a tissue sample from the desired body part, usually lymph nodes, bone marrow, or lungs, to see if certain immune cells are present. A lack of immune cells could mean that an immune system disorder is present. - Prenatal /DNA tests are done to confirm specific disorders. Since disorders are congenital or acquired, parents who have had previous children with immune system disorders can be tested in future pregnancies. Samples are taken from amniotic fluid, blood, or tissue from the placenta.
What can you do for your immune system?
Learn how you can support your immune system here. Read the full article
