Immune system of a person protects his/her body against infections and other harmful conditions. The primary function of the immune system is to identify the threats in the form of viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The immune system then distinguishes the foreign invaders from the body’s healthy tissue and destroys them.

When your immune system doesn’t work as it should, the condition is known as an immunodeficiency or immune system disorder. You may suffer from immunodeficiency if you:

• Are born with a weak immune system that is primary immune deficiency
• Get attacked by a disease that weakens your immune system, the condition is known as an acquired immune deficiency.
• Have too active an immune system
• Have an immune system that turns against you

Major components of the immune system:

Bone marrow, thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes are a part of the lymphatic system that produce and store cells that fight infections and diseases. Below in detail are the components of the immune system:

• Spleen-The spleen is the largest lymphatic organ in the body, which is on the left side, under the ribs and above the stomach. This lymphatic organ contains white blood cells that fight infections. Spleen controls the amount of blood in the body and disposes of old or damaged blood cells.
• Bone marrow- Bone marrow is a flexible yellow tissue in the center of the bones that produces white blood cells. It is an essential component of the lymphatic system, producing lymphocytes that support immune system.
• Lymphocytes- Lymphocytes are small white blood cells that defend the body against diseases. There are two types of lymphocytes B-cells and T-cells. B-cells make antibodies that attack bacteria and toxins, while on the contrary T-cells help destroy infected or cancerous cells. The killer T-cells assist in determining which immune responses the body makes to a particular pathogen. The immune response is defined as how your body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and substances that appear harmful.

Detailing immune system disorder:

A weak immune system restricts the body in fighting against infections and diseases. It also makes the body more susceptible to viruses, allergies, and bacterial infections. Allergic diseases including rhinitis, asthma, and eczema are very common in people with immune system disorders. However, these represent a hyper response to external allergens. Various harmless materials including grass pollen, pet dander, and food particles may also attack the people with weak immune system. Some of the examples of immunodeficiency disorders are as follows:

• People on certain drugs or on a course of chemotherapy to treat their cancer suffer from temporary acquired immune deficiencies. Infections like flu virus, measles, and mononucleosis (mono) also have the capability to weak the immune system of a person for a brief time. Additionally, the immune system can also be weakened by smoking, alcohol, and poor nutrition.
• AIDS or HIV virus infection destroys the essential white blood cells in the body and also weakens the immune system.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune system disorders:

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and then perform certain tests including a physical exam, T cell count, and white blood cell count. He/she may use vaccines to test your immune system response that is an antibody test. This test will confirm the exact situation, and if you are suffering from immune system disorder then your blood test doesn’t show antibodies.

Treatment of immune system disorder commonly includes antibiotics and antibody replacement. Interferon is a drug often used to treat the viral infections caused by a disease. Moreover, doctors may prescribe medications like corticosteroids or other immune suppressive agents to treat autoimmune conditions. In other immune deficiency conditions, treatment may include replacement of missing elements that is possible through infusions of antibodies to fight infections.

Conclusion: A healthy immune system is very necessary to lead a productive life. For this, early identification and treatment of the disorder is very crucial. There are various factors that may be the reason for immune system disorders. Try to learn as much as you can about the condition and work closely with your healthcare provider to manage it.