What are the functions of the immune system, and what is an autoimmune disease?
Please help!

Suggestion by Arash A
HI,immune system IS DEFENDING YOUR ORGANISM FROM THE BACTERIA OR VIRUS immune system MARKED THEM AND THEN DESTROY THEM WITH ANTI BODY AGAINST ANTIGENS THE ALIEN .autoimmune disease WHEN THE immune system FIGHT WITH THE OWN BODYS PARTS ITS COME FROM MANY THING GENETIC disease OR MANY OTHER FACTOR AND WHEN THE SOME ONE GIVE IMPLANT ORGAN FROM THE OTHER ONE CAN IT BE.

Suggestion by N
The immune system is composed of white blood cells and other cells that protect the body from infection and help fight infections when they are present. In some cases these cells can attack the body’s own cells and cause many disorders which are considered autoimmune.

Suggestion by SZO
IMMUNE SYSTEM is a protection mechanism of an organism against millions of bacteria, microbes, viruses, toxins and parasites that would love to invade the body. The immune system is very complex and are made up of several organs, hence it is a system — thymus, spleen, lymph system, bone marrow, white blood cells, antibodies, complement system & hormones.

An autoimmune disease occurs when your immune system attacks itself by mistake, and you can get sick. Autoimmune diseases can affect connective tissue in your body (the tissue which binds together body tissues and organs). Autoimmune disease can affect many parts of your body, like your nerves, muscles, endocrine system (system that directs your body’s hormones and other chemicals), and digestive system.

impairment of the immune system functioning.?
could it be increased levels of…
A.
epinephrine
B.
cortisol
C.
norepinephrine
D.
testosterone

i believe its norepinephrine bc internet states that high levels of it can cause impairment…

can someone shed some light on this, i want to know if im right or … the right answer
i was afraid to use cortisol because i just used google… but thank you soo much its gonna help me understand the release better bc i only looked at the headline cuz… right now im in a hurry

Suggestion by knicname
B. Cortisol

Google: immune system & cortisol
Site from Wikipedia

Cortisol is the stress hormone produced by the adrenal gland.
It is the “fight or flight” response
Stress (increased cortisol) burns out the immune system.

What are the two main functions of the immune system?

Suggestion by Meatloaf
Keep you healthy, and keep you not sick.

Deep, I know.

Suggestion by ♫Jessie♫
Lymph nodes have two main functions:. phagocytic cells act as filters for particulate matter and micro-organisms;

how phagocytic immune response become specific or acqiured immunity if phagocytosis is present in innate?
i’m confused because phagocytosis is present in innate response for 6-12 ours, by then how there is a phagocytic immune response again in the acquired immunity?

Suggestion by ?
Ι think it is better seeing a doctor in person to answer this kind of questions.

What do we call the immune response caused by the first exposure to a pathogen?

Suggestion by Snowshoes
First you have exposure, then sensitivity response develops. Sensitivity is described as your body having seen this pathogen/allergen before, and the HLA markers on our cells recognize the pathogen and thus, mounts a quicker response.

Suggestion by Tato
If you’re wanting a term for a class/homework, it’s ‘primary immune response.’

Immune system

Suggestion by Carly
Taking zinc and vitamin c are supposed to help ward off colds, not sure about a boil. Anyway, take care.

How many times can a child with a low immune system catch the chickenpox?
My just got over the chickenpox in December.Can she catch them again 2 years later and then get over them and then another 2-3 years catch them again and so on and so on?

Suggestion by Help Me
i think once

Suggestion by Kelsey
That’s really unlikley. Most people only get it once. Some people do get it twice, but only if they have had a mild case the first time. I have never heard of someone getting it more than twice… but that’s not to say that it’s impossible. It is possible to get shingles over and over again, which is a much more likely in someone with immune supression. The chicken pox virus never really ‘dies’. When it finally goes away, it is really just lying dormant in one of your nerves. Your immune system is usually enough to keep the virus from causing any problems. But, with people who have a immune supression the virus can ‘wake up’ and cause shingles.

Suggestion by versantly
sure =follow up with the pediatrician and wash hands better.

Suggestion by JEFFREY C
1

Can a dirty house cause problems for a child with a low immune system?
My friend is a pack rat and her son has recently become ill. He’s coming home after receiving a couple blood transfusions and her friends are worried the house may make him even sicker.

Suggestion by HED
Yes! My younger sister is the same way.
We always have to keep the house spotless just so she doesn’t have a reaction.

Suggestion by Bobby’s Girl
To answer your main question YES a dirty house is not good for anyone with a low immune system because of the fact of Germs, Bacteria, Mold, etc. that will be in the air and most everything that is touched. Now, if your friend is just a “pack rat” and just has a lot laying around that should not be a problem, just as long as the stuff that is laying around has been dusted and doens’t have trash or stuff like that all over it. Hope that helps

Suggestion by satish k
Yes , naturally & scientifically.

I think I am a strep carrier, my bf keeps getting sick and has a low immune system.Could he be allergic to me?
Ive read all these articles online saying not to worry, even if I was a carrier I cant spread it to anyone and shouldnt even bother going to the doctor unless my BF has a low immune system. Well he is on Zoloft and I also read that those on anti depresents are more prone to illness and lethargy.
So my question is, If Im a carrier and hes been sick several times since we started dating…Am I causing his sickness? I know I shoudnt worry if he doesnt have an immune defficiency but WHAT IF HE DOES?? What procautions should he be taking if I am causing it? Will he have to take herbal supplements for the REST of our relationship??

Suggestion by msmoobaby1
when he get antibiotice you should too so yall can take them at the same time and stop shareing germs

Suggestion by destinies p
DON’T TAKE HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS! HERBAL CAN CAUSE BAD DEPRESSION PROBLEMS, AND ILLNESS. TELL HIM TO STOP TAKING HERBAL. ITS NOT YOU…..HE NEEDS TO GO BACK TO THE DOCTORS.

Suggestion by alynnemgb
I don’t know if Zoloft will decrease his immune system that much. It’s possilbe that you may be causing his sickness, but I doubt it. If he has a decreased immune system, then he should see a doctor.

why would a patient with bone cancer have a low immune system?
why is the immune system low

Suggestion by lakeplacidgirl2001
Because it is the bone marrow where white blood cells are produced, and this is what keeps he immune system strong. The white blood cells are what fight infection.

Also, cancer patients go through chemotherapy which kills off not only the bad cancer cells but the good healthy cells as well.

Suggestion by Joseph F
i) they have cancer

ii) bone marrow is where white blood cells (the “Storm Troopers” of the immune system) are manufactured…

Suggestion by Jenn B
The cancer can weaken the immune system by invading the bone marrow where the cells that help fight infection are made. This happens most often in leukaemia or lymphoma. But it can happen with other cancers too.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can weaken immunity by causing a drop in the number of white blood cells made in the bone marrow. Apart from bone marrow or stem cell transplants, this effect on the bone marrow is temporary. High doses of steroids can also weaken your immune system temporarily.

Some cells of the immune system can recognise cancer cells as abnormal and kill them. Unfortunately, this is not enough to get rid of a cancer altogether. But some new treatments aim to use the immune system to fight cancer.

What is the immune response to neisseria meningitidis?
I have a biology project and am wondering about the immune response to this particular disease or just meningitis.

Thanks!

Suggestion by Lori S
http://www.webmd.com

Suggestion by bactiman63
The major defense mechanisms are the organism is killed by antibody and lytic complement; opsonized and phagocytized.

How Thimesoral amplifies the immune response against virus and not against healthy tissue and good proteins?
It is claimed that Thimesoral is added to vaccine to boost the immune response. How does it targets only a respone against the virus and not against healthy cells and proteins that is found normally in the human body?

Suggestion by Elizabeth B
You are mistaken – thiomersal’s main use is as an antiseptic and antifungal agent. It is used in vaccines as a preservative so they don’t get contaminated. Thiomersal is not an adjuvant, which is a compound added to boost immune response. Alum would be an example of an adjuvant.
Failure to react to the body healthy tissue is called “tolerance” and is maintained (thankfully) even when generating a powerful immune response to foreign proteins.

What is the immune response/body defenses against mononucleosis?
IMMUNE RESPONSE/BODY DEFENSES – how would a person’s body try to fight the illness infectious mononucleosis?

Thanks very much.

Suggestion by Been there!
Usually the first obvious symptom is sleeping all the time. You glands can swell and so can your spleen. It is nothing to fool around with. With the spleen swollen and the glands – this is your body’s defense system along with nothing but being very, very tired and sleeping all the time.

It is also very contagious (called the kissing disease).

See a doctor if this is what you have. Good luck!

1. Which of the following is NOT a function of the immune system? A) To defend the body against disease B) T?
1. Which of the following is NOT a function of the immune system?
A) To defend the body against disease
B) To destroy dead and damaged body cells
C) To coordinate and regulate the body
D) To attack and destroy foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria
2. White blood cells that destroy bacteria, viruses, and dead or damaged cells are called
A) lymphocytes.
B) antigens.
C) antibodies.
D) bone marrow.

Suggestion by Nanah
1. B
2. C

Suggestion by Jacqui
1. C.

2. C.

Explain how the immune system functions and describe age-related changes in its functioning?
Be as descriptive as possible please! I have some answers on this topic for my psychology course but I’d like your outlook on this topic to further enhance my research.

Suggestion by Sharaqi
Age related changes: Lymphocytes
- no change on total number
- no change in number of B cells
- No change or increase Th cells
- decreased in suppressor T cells
- decreased T cell responsiveness
- decreased CD4 abd CD8 cells

Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes
- reduced migration ability

Antibody
- decrease of T cell dependant antibody responsiveness
- decreased primary response to new antigens
- Maintenance of secondary response to anitgens
- increased globulins associated with secondary response and autoimmunity
- increased incidence of antibodies to self-antigens

Lymphiod Tissue
- involution of thymus
- atrophy of thymic cortex
- atrophy or hyperatrophy of some lymph nodes

Mechanical Barriers
- changes in skin and mucous membranes, resulting in reduced effectiveness of physical barriers

All taken from “Gerontologic Nursing 3rd Edition” 2006 Sue E Meiner & Annette G Lueckenotte. St. Louis: Mosby. Page 330.

I’m studying nursing and and ‘Health changes in the older adult’ is one of my current subjects. This textbook will tell you all about different age related changes

can taking high dosage of vitamin c mess up the normal function of an individuals immune system?
I mean my skin clarity is generally improving, but my facial skin clears at a different rate?

Suggestion by SINGLEMOMWITHSON
No anything your body does not use is passed thru your kidneys.

Suggestion by Shhbob
No…basically you’ll pee it right out, the body only keeps what it needs. If you do get too much though, I think the worst that could happen is get a cold sore from to much acidy stuff. I’m not a doctor, but that’s just what i’ve always been told.

Suggestion by Nurse Brandi
No – vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin. But, large doses could be toxic. Follow the directions and take what is prescribed.

Suggestion by Robert S
High Vitamin “C” will kill off both good & bad microbes.
You need to take lots of yoghurt to replenish your immunity.

What are the immune response in atherosclerosis?
Can one say that atherosclerosis is an autoimmune deficiency?

Suggestion by Sluth master
When the body senses the presence of bacteria or pathogen, the immune system is activated, the inflammation process that occurs has been linked to an increase of plaque formation or atherosclerosis. So no actually it is not an autoimmune deficiency but actually may be caused by an autoimmune reaction. Reduction of the autoimmune response, according to the attached article, will cause a decrease in the plaque formation.

What are helper and killer T cells and what do they do in the immune response?
I have to make a comic in which i use pictures to represent killer t cells, macrophage, helper t cells, antigens, anti bodies, and b cells. briefly, how do they all relate, easy enough so i can put them together in a comic strip?

Suggestion by jackie
T cells are a type of Lymphocyte, a white blood cell, and they fight infectious organisms. The other kind of Lymphocyte if a B cell which produces antibodies to fight antigens(the bad boys) in the body. Macrophages are a type of white blood cell called a Monocytes that has changed into a macrophage in Connective tissue and they fight “the bad boys.” So in the end, Monocytes (WBC) become macrophages and fight “the bad boys” in tissue. Lymphocytes (WBC) have 2 types of cells, T cells that FighT infectious organism and B cells that produced antiBodies to fight antigens “the bad boys.” hope it helps

Suggestion by TweetyBird
Antigens are proteins on the surfaces of bacteria, viruses and pollens. These antigens, these proteins are foreign to our body. When, for example, bacteria enter the body, the body recognizes the antigens on the bacteria as a foreign protein.

Antibodies are also proteins, produced by the body, and are like watchdogs. They circulate in the blood, patrolling. When a foreign protein (antigen) is found, antibodies bind to it and attack it. They also signal the rest of the immune system and white cells arrive on the scene.

There are T-cells, Helper T-cells, Killer T-cells and Suppressor T-cells. Macrophage and B cells are two other types of white blood cells.

Monocytes are released by the bone marrow, float in the bloodstream, enter tissue and turn into macrophages. The primary job of macrophages is ingesting bacteria and microbes.
They also clean up dead neutrophils and pus. They’re the clean up crew, the housekeepers.

B cells, when stimulated, mature into plasma cells — these are the cells that produce the antibodies that circulate in our blood. They could be compared to farmers.

T cells, on the other hand, actually bump up against cells and kill them. T cells known as Killer T cells can detect cells in your body that are harboring viruses and when it detects such a cell it kills it. Two other types of T cells, known as Helper and Suppressor T cells, help sensitize killer T cells and control the immune response. These cells are the Army, the troops.

But you shouldn’t overlook the neutrophils, which are the paramedics. They’re the most plentiful white cell and are first on the scene of an infection. Neutrophils are attracted to foreign material, inflammation and bacteria. And then there are the eosinophils and basophils. Eosinophils and basophils are far less common than neutrophils. Eosinophils seem focused on parasites in the skin and the lungs, while Basophils carry histamine and are therefore important (along with mast cells) to causing inflammation. From the immune system’s standpoint inflammation is a good thing. It brings in more blood and it dilates capillary walls so that more immune system cells can get to the site of infection. So eosinophils and basophils help sound the alarm.

What is the full immune response to salmonella in an animal?
salmonella is a gram negative bacteria invading the body through the gastro intestinal tract.

Suggestion by Daniel
the virus enters the animals gastrointestinal tract, the brain sends signals to receptor chemical control neurons within the stomach lining. the pH level is raised to attempt to kill the bacterium. if it fails the bacteria penetrates the stomach lining and proceeds to the blood within any corresponding vessels. if it is not killed by then, white blood cells recognize the pathogen and manufacture antigens to it. the brain senses the foreign invaders and raises the bodies average temperature making another attempt to kill the bacterium. if this fails the white blood cells use exocytosis to engulf the pathogen, if that fails the body will start an automatic shut down of its major organs in an attempt to allow the pathogen to die on its own. if that fails the organism will shut down nearly all organ function except for the brain and heart. if the pathogen is not destroyed yet, the body goes into complete comatose. if this does not stop the pathogen the pathogen will have by now reached the heart. the body will shut off all cellular function. if the pathogen is still alive it will have replicated its self through binary fission. the new pathogens start attacking cardiac tissue and strip the hemoglobin from red blood cells. the organism will not be able to recover from this and is now dead due to the loss of all original and necessary cellular tasks and functions.

why cant our immune system fight certain diseases?
i just read about someone dying from a brain eating amoeba…why cant immune system just kill the amoeba? Wouldnt our immune system go crazy on something eating our brain? the one thing it lives for…also with other things like parasites whats up with that

Suggestion by David
The immune system isn’t within that organism. Same as a tapeworm. Even though they are in the body, they are not in areas controlled by the immune system.

Suggestion by blah
hmm let me see…probly cuz we arent immortal?…yup i think thats the answer

EASY 10 POINTS!! : What parts of the body (i.e., Immune System) help prevent bacteria and diseases?
What parts of the body (i.e., Immune System) help prevent bacteria and diseases?

Suggestion by martywdx
White blood cells

Suggestion by peepoohead7
immune, circulatory, excretory, skin

Suggestion by ali
Your stomache, digestive system.
Your kidneys, and your bladder.
Your nose hairs, your tongue.
Catch,clean, get rid of, bacteria, virues, and well…diseases i suppose..

Suggestion by Louis A
the lymphatic system, major part of the immune system

Does anyone know reliable sites for studying diseases and immune system?

Suggestion by Mellow
Naturalnews.com

hours of learning.

Suggestion by djb3500
No question about it – www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/

This provides access to abstract summaries of vast amounts of credible, peer reviewed scientific information.

You need to be pretty specific in what you want to know as these are scientific papers, however you will be able to get an insight into the latest research free of commercial bias, voodoo and BS.

Suggestion by Liam S
This looks promising:

http://www.microbiologybytes.com/iandi/index.html

Suggestion by brandyswilkes
keep you from getting sick.

Suggestion by HS Sweetness
white blood cells attack foreign cells liek bacteria and viruses to keep them from harming you…diseases liek AIDS just harm the immune system so it cant do anything

Does a normal blood count (CBC) mean i have a healthy immune system?
i have done 3 different CBC blood tests in the past 4 months and they all came back perfectly normal. But i still get sick a lot. Does the fact that i have a normal CBC show that my immune system is functioning properly? im kind of scared about having an autoimmune disease

Suggestion by izzy
You don’t say why the blood tests were done.
If you had an auto immune disease it should have been picked up from the CBC.
eg decreased white cell count, or high platelet count.
Reasons why your immune status can become poor
Emotional state, stress, lifestyle, dietary habits and nutritional intake can impact the immune system. Low immunity can be caused by a number of conditions, surgical or medical treatments or due to age. Either of these conditions can reduce the ability of the immune system and cause serious infections.
The remedy for low immunity depends on the cause. A good diet can boost the immune system considerably.
It a known fact that for an optimal immune function a healthy diet is the best solution. One should ensure the diet comprises of:
Foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, seeds, whole grains, and nuts.
The diet is low in fats and refined sugars.
Foods high in carotenes such as: yellow and orange squash, dark greens, carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, red peppers and tomatoes.
Cabbage family foods (Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, radish and turnip) help prevent low immunity.
Must contain adequate amounts of protein.
Flavonid rich berries, garlic, yoghurt and artichoke help boost immunity.
Exercise: Regular exercise every day for at least 30 minutes by walking or aerobics is a good way to keep the body active and reduce susceptibility to diseases. It is also advisable to perform deep breathing and relaxation exercises.
De-stress: It is advisable to engage in de-stressing activities such as hobby classes, shopping etc. to avoid stress affecting your system.

does a normal blood count (CBC) mean i have a healthy immune system?
i have done 3 different CBC blood tests in the past 4 months and they all came back perfectly normal. But i still get sick a lot. Does the fact that i have a normal CBC show that my immune system is functioning properly? im kind of scared about having an autoimmune disease

Suggestion by Sam
It depends

Suggestion by april
They don’t prevent cancer or anything else they are claiming..They are basically vitamins, herbs…anti oxidants.. So go pick up some antioxidants and take them daily, just like you would any supplement.

Suggestion by Waytootiny
There are MANY immune system enhancers on the market at the local vitamin shop. I am a big fan of a good quality liquid multivitamin along with extra E,A.C.CoQ10,Alpha Lipoic Acid,D,and a good mineral pack. I successfully beat back late stage lymphoma and I have to give at least some credit to the added vitamin therapy along with juicing and eating no white sugars. Best Wishes!

What is the best all natural immune system booster from a health food store?
I was just really sick and had to be on antibiotics, so once I’m off them and better I’d like to go to the health food store and get things to kind of fix myself up, since taking any kind of “meds” makes me uncomfortable. Are Probiotics or any kind of protein drinks, etc any good? Thanks!

Suggestion by oldtimekid2
Some of the most popular natural products for boosting the immune system are Colostrum, Mushrooms (Maitake, Shiitake, and Reishi), IP-6 (Inositol Hexaphosphate), Beta Glucans, Elderberry, Echinacea (should be taken short-term only), and any antioxidants.

As far as Probiotics, that’s the beneficial bacteria that lives in your intestinal tract. If you are taking antibiotics for a short time, you should get some good Probiotics to take after the antibiotics are completely finished. If you take them together, the antibiotics will kill the Probiotics before they can be beneficial and it might lessen the potency or effect of the antibiotics… but you’ll need the Probiotics to replenish your intestinal flora after the antibiotics have killed them all off.
Protein powders are just protein (like a hamburger)… they don’t directly impact your immune system at all.
Good luck!

Suggestion by hecla 1
Probiotics are excellent for keeping the body populated with good bacteria. Protein drinks offer nothing in terms of immune system enhancement. Other good choices are Oil of Oregano, Olive Leaf, Vitamin C, Green Tea, and a good multivitamin. A healthy diet and exercise are important also, as is drinking plenty of water, avoiding sugar, alcohol, and nicotine.

Suggestion by MyselfandI
I like using probiotics after being on anitbiotics, and there are many out there to choose from. They can be kind of pricey, though. Yogurt is a good way to “reseed” your gut after anti-b use. Look for brands with “active cultures” right on the label, because if it’s not there, there aren’t any beneficial bacteria in there! Dannon has a line of yogurt and drinks that purport to have more active cultures in them. They would be a good route to start on if you don’t want to invest the $ 20 (or more) in a bottle of probiotic capsules.

I also take elderberry concentrate for immune system boosting. Here’s a link about elderberry: http://www.elderberry.net/medical.html

Hope you feel better soon!

Suggestion by Lady Bern
To the best of my understand:
Vitmen C is good
Echinecia is a little better
Echinecia and Goldseal is better still
and Oil of Oregano is the best possible. A good health food store might well have a suplement with all of the above ingredients listed.

What’s the Best Natural Remedy to safely boost ones’ Immune System while undergoing Chemotherapy?
My sister is undergoing chemotherapy, she is low and needs an immune booster; one that is natural and can be taken with little or no side-effects while she is on this treatment…thanks for your responses.

Suggestion by Spunky
Normally I would suggest a few vitamins. With your sister being on chemo though. I suggest nothing. Talk to her doctor first, make absolutely sure of what she is allowed to take. Her immune system and body is being put through hell, right now. Something that normally would not cause any sort of reaction, definitely could under chemo.
As an example, Vitamin C, for people with kidney disease or cancer they cannot take it, because it is difficult for the kidneys to flush out.

Really, being on chemo is a special situation, do not take advice on what she can take from anyone but the doctor treating her.

Good luck to her, I hope she beats the hell out of cancer!

Alright, I have to edit:
Yes, chemo is hard on the body. However, it is necessary, the cancer is not going to kill its self, but it will kill your relative. It kills everything, good cells, bad cells, cancer cells, white and red blood cells. Which is why you have no immune system, which is why one should be careful of where they go, who they are around and not put anything in their body that is not 100% approved by their oncologist.
Chemo did not kill your sister, or your mother, cancer did. I am sorry for that, but its the truth.

Suggestion by Gary Y
There is nothing that will not have side effects. She must not start any ‘alternative’ treatments, especially herbs, without consulting her doctors. And remember that natural does not mean safe.

Suggestion by lo_mcg
Spunky is right; before your sister takes any vitamins or supplements they should be cleared with her oncologist to make sure they don’t cause the chemo to become less effective.

I strongly suggest that for advice about coping with the side effects of chemotherapy you ask your question in the Cancer section, where you will get answers based on experience or knowledge.

I think in this section you are for more likely to get answers from people suggesting you urge her to give up treatment in favour of ‘alternative’ (ie unproven) treatments, or to undertake restrictive diets that may very well make her feel worse.

Be aware that people giving such advice have no experience of cancer or its treatments, just the ability to google.

EDIT: Told you so.

The two answerers below are examples of distressed relatives, who sometimes look for something or someone to blame after a cancer patient’s death, and conclude that it was the treatment that killed the person.

Chemo isn’t always effective. But in those cases it is the cancer, not the treatment, that kills the patient – they have died in spite of treatment, not because of it.

Iscador/mistletoe is not used in Europe; in some countries, for example the UK, it is available at a price. But there is no evidence that it is effective against cancer. And in all European countries, the treatments are the same as those used in the US. I know – I was treated in the UK

Suggestion by jhkyve
My advice is do not receive chemotherapy, it hurts the body. My mother is because after the death of chemotherapy.Please necessarily believe me.