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

When your immune system doesn’t work as it should, it 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 a 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 produces and stores cells that fight infections and diseases. Below in detail are the components of the immune system:

• The spleen is the largest lymphatic organ in the body, 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 the immune system.
• 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 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 from 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 common in people with immune system disorders. However, these represent a hyperresponse to external allergens. Various harmless materials, including grass pollen, pet dander, and food particles, may also attack people with weak immune systems. Some of the examples of immunodeficiency disorders are as follows:

• People on certain drugs or a course of chemotherapy to treat their cancer suffer from temporary acquired immune deficiencies. Infections like the flu virus, measles, and mononucleosis (mono) can also temporarily weaken a person’s immune system. Additionally, smoking, alcohol, and poor nutrition can weaken the immune system.
• AIDS or HIV 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, which is an antibody test. This test will confirm the exact situation, and if you are suffering from an immune system disorder, your blood test doesn’t show antibodies.

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

Conclusion: A healthy immune system is necessary to lead a productive life. Early identification and treatment of the disorder are crucial. Various factors may cause immune system disorders. Try to learn as much as possible about the condition and work closely with your healthcare provider to manage it.