FAQs on Immune Disorders:

How Does the Human Immune System Work?

Simply put, the human immune system is like having an entire military force ready to recognize and attack "invaders" in order to preserve one’s health. The immune system has three main assignments:

• Identify alien substances such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemical toxins.
• Develop a strategy to destroy each specific type of invader; one plan of action does not apply to all invaders.
• Maintain a "built-in" memory to recall the specific type of invader next time it presents a threat.

What Causes Immune Disorders?

The immune system can be seen as an internal communication system, comprised of a network of integrated cells working to protect its host - you. When there is a "loose connection," messages sent through this network can be misinterpreted. This affects the system’s ability to differentiate between the host (you) and harmful substances. As a result, the immune system begins to destroy healthy cells and tissues, causing autoimmune disorders.

Factors that can contribute to the deterioration of your immune system include:

• A lack of healthy, organic food to nourish immune protection.
• A nutritional imbalance between fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
• Being subjected to excessive, prolonged stress (physical, emotional and psychological).
• Increased levels of intestinal toxicity.
• Excessive use of prescription drugs, specifically antibiotics.

What are the Two Types of Immune Disorders?

There are two types of immune-related disorders: autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

In cases of inflammatory disorders, a deficient immune system leaves the body vulnerable to the countless microbes surrounding us and living inside us. This results in redness and inflammation of cells and tissues in the body.

The most widely known inflammatory disorders include:

• Asthma - where one’s airways constrict, become inflamed, and have excessive amounts of mucus.
• Rheumatoid arthritis - where patients suffer from inflammation of joints.
• Inflammatory bowel disease - where patients experience long-lasting inflammation of colon and rectum.
• Type 1 diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes.
• Crohn’s disease - where sufferer’s feel the effects of an inflamed gastrointestinal tract.
• Psoriasis - where patients experience inflammation and the rapid growth and reproduction of skin cells.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus - where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, often affecting the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs.
• Ulcerative colitis - where patients experience chronic inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the lining of the large intestine.

In cases of autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly identifies the body’s own cells as “invaders” and attacks them.

Some examples of autoimmune diseases are:

• Graves’ disease - marked by an increase in metabolism due to chronic hyperthyroidism
• Hashimoto’s disease - marked by a decrease in metabolism due to chronic hypothyroidism
• Celiac disease - marked by malabsorption via the digestive system.
• Multiple sclerosis - marked by an infection in the brain.

Immune disorders are complicated and must be diagnosed and managed by a trained and  credentialed immunologist. Dr. Kumar Patel, MD has years of experience in helping patients with immune disorders, and he and his team at Advanced Allergy & Asthma have the experience needed to address and manage these illnesses on a case-by-case basis. Call us or request an appointment through the online booking tool to let us help you with your immune conditions.