What Is A Dysregulated Immune System?
A dysregulated immune system refers to an immune system that is not functioning properly. Instead of maintaining a balanced response to threats like infections or injuries, it either overreacts or underreacts.
This can lead to a variety of issues:
- Autoimmune Diseases: The immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells and tissues, as seen in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes.
- Immunodeficiency: The immune system fails to respond adequately to infections, making the body more susceptible to illnesses. This can be due to genetic conditions or acquired factors like HIV/AIDS.
- Chronic Inflammation: The immune system remains in a constant state of activation, leading to prolonged inflammation that can damage tissues and organs over time. This is often seen in chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Allergies: The immune system overreacts to harmless substances, such as pollen or pet dander, resulting in allergic reactions.
- Cancer: In some cases, a dysregulated immune system can fail to recognize and eliminate abnormal cells, leading to the development and spread of cancer.
Dysregulation can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predispositions, infections, chronic stress, environmental factors, and certain medications including vaccines.
Recommended for you
