What is Immunology?
Immunology is a branch of science that deals with the study of the immune
system in the human body; it is the field of medicine which treats diseases
caused by immune system disorder. The immune system is a network which binds
the cells and the organs to defend the body against foreign elements. And,
immunity is the body’s capacity to resist a disease. Failure of the immune
system can cause simple diseases like allergies to complex and chronic
diseases.
Diseases
caused by improper functioning of the immune system can be broadly classified
into two; immunodeficiency and autoimmunity. Immunodeficiency is caused when
the immune system fails to respond effectively to foreign bodies. On the other
hand, autoimmunity is a condition in which the immune system attacks its own
body.
In most
cases of immunodeficiency, the disease can be either inherited or acquired.
Inherited immunodeficiency disorder will cause genetic abnormality. Whereas,
acquired immunodeficiency disorders will result in chronic diseases like HIV
infection and AIDS. Recurring infection is one of the main symptoms of the
immunodeficiency. Other than this, the patient will also have diarrhea, which
can lead to malnourishment and worsen the disorders. Immunodeficiency diseases
are commonly found in children above 10 years and in adults.
Autoimmune disorders are mostly inherited, and a trigger like viral infection
or tissue damage will develop the disease in the body. The disease will vary
depending on the part of the body which is affected. Some autoimmune disorders
affect organs like kidneys, lungs, heart, or brain. And, certain disorders
affect blood vessels, cartilage, or skin. Symptoms of autoimmune disorders
will alter depending on the type of disease. The most common symptom of
autoimmune disorders is fever.
Unfortunately, there is
no complete cure for immunodeficiency and autoimmune disorders. The treatments
can only boost the body’s immunity, thus preventing infections.
