Learn about the causes of Immune System Dysfunction & find a practitioner in Auckland, Hamilton, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin to help you overcome Immune System Dysfunction within New Zealand.
The immune system is collection of organisms and mechanism that protect the body from viruses and infections by locating and killing pathogens (infectious agents that can cause disease or illness). There are two types of immune system dysfunctions - Autoimmunity (the immune system attacks a part of the body believing it to be an intruder e.g. eczema) and Immunodeficiency (occurs when the body fails to recognise and fight pathogens e.g diarrhoea, thrush).
There is a variety of causes of immune system dysfunction as the body's defence mechanism can become weak by a host of factors.
Rare
inherited diseases cause immune dysfunction whereby the system fails to
recognise viruses, bacteria or anything that is not a normal part of
the body. Diseases of the spleen, thymus or other inherited defects
lead to an absence of white blood cells which results in frequent
infections that can be potentially fatal.
HIV/AIDS is an immune
system disease but rather than being inherited or congenital it is an
infection transmitted sexually or through blood transfused from an
infected person. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevents the
production of antibodies and killer T-cells which destroy viruses,
bacteria and cancer cells.
Certain conditions may be caused by
immune system dysfunction. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, MS, psoriasis
and juvenile diabetes are believed to be caused by an over-active
immune system. Allergies are also related to immune system dysfunction
and some medications can prevent the immune system from functioning
correctly.
Given the number of causes of immune system dysfunction the symptoms
can be wide ranging. Depending on the condition, a person may
experience any number of problems that are associated with the immune
system.
Some of the common symptoms include:
In the first instance you should visit your GP if your health
deteriorates and problems become persistent. The GP will question you
about your symptoms and may refer you for a blood test to help
determine the possible cause of your condition.
Depending on the type of immune system dysfunction, you may be referred to a specialist for further investigation and tests.
*Source: GoToSee.co.uk