As I wrote in my previous informative articles , the task of the immune system is to separate its own and foreign cells, tissues, and proteins from each other, and if it encounters a foreign pathogen or a changed own cell, it destroys and isolates it. I presented the symptoms resulting from overfunctioning of the immune system , now we will discuss what problems its improper functioning can cause.

First of all, let's state that our immune system basically works very well. This extremely complicated, complex network consisting of an amazing amount of cells, proteins, and messenger substances between cells does its job brilliantly.

It constantly learns, remembers, and shows partial protection against the diseases our ancestors endured.

The latter is the reason why when larger populations with significant differences in immune memory are mixed, the newly introduced diseases have terrible consequences for the natives. This caused the disaster among the Indians after the discovery of America, where smallpox, measles or diphtheria did far more damage than the firearms of the otherwise completely unscrupulous conquistadors. And that's why yellow fever or malaria, against which the locals enjoyed partial protection, were sometimes fatal for the mass of arrivals.

Immune system dysfunction can be simplified into two groups

The first is primary immunodeficiency, which is a rare, congenital, mostly inherited immunodeficiency condition that occurs as a result of genetic damage.

These pathologies usually show familial accumulation, and as a result of a gene defect, a decrease in the number and/or function of the immune cells can be observed.

As I wrote, these symptoms are fortunately rare, in the past they caused the death of children as a terrible tragedy, but today it can be said that

most of them can be treated and cured.

Such a case should be considered when the young child catches infectious diseases more often or in a more severe form than his peers, and in such cases the solution is to visit a specialist.

The second group is the group of acquired, so-called secondary (secondary) immunodeficiency states that develop due to some change occurring during our life - and not necessarily due to illness.

This is the case if someone suffers from a malabsorption disease or has undergone splenectomy for some reason (accident, illness).

These include the autoimmune diseases already discussed in my previous essays, and the effects of the immunosuppressive treatment used in such cases.

Similarly, during the treatment of cancerous diseases, drugs that inhibit the growth of tumor cells also have this effect on the body, but in these cases, by carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages, the doctor prioritizes the treatment of the patient, and also takes care to prevent possible side effects.

But improperly treated diabetes, depression, drug addiction, excessive alcohol consumption, malnutrition (this can be quantitative and qualitative) and smoking are also proven to be associated with immune deficiency.

What can an individual do to ensure the proper functioning of the immune system?

As we can see, the functioning of the immune system is excellent and does not need support. Anyway

There is not much we can do to "strengthen" the immune system ab ovo. However, we have all the more opportunities to NOT DESTROY the operation of this wonderful system.

Let's take care of ourselves and our children's intake of adequate vitamins and minerals and a balanced diet. Stop or significantly reduce smoking and alcohol consumption, completely abstain from drug use.

Let's take the advice and treatment recommendations of our doctors in the case of the above symptoms, and let's develop a way of life that promotes our recovery. Because without the cooperation of our patients, the healing profession will surely encounter difficulties. Help us in this work, take care of yourself, go for a screening test, and cooperate in the jointly developed - sometimes very trying - treatments.

Finally, we wish all our Dear Readers a New Year filled with physical and mental health, and a New Year full of success for our country.

Author: dr. György Temesszentandrasi

Cover image: Gerd Altmann / Pixabay