When the immune system works perfectly, antibodies travel throughout our body to kill off germs and other foreign substances. Usually this system knows the difference between good and bad, killing off only the bad particles. But when something...
The immune system is composed of specialized cells such as B cells that make antibodies (protein), T cells that kill pathogens (bacteria, viruses or fungus) and white blood cells that fight off infection. MedlinePlus says that immunodeficiency...
The immune system protects your body from pathogens, or disease-causing agents such as viruses and bacteria. The immune system is an elaborate network of tissues, cells and organs that protect you from foreign invaders, and your immune system...
Immunosuppressive drugs can cause depression of the body's natural defense system, resulting in increased risks of infections and illnesses. Common immunosuppressive medications include corticosteroids and prednisone. These drugs are usually...
Immunosuppression is a condition associated with a weak or unhealthy immune system, according to Medline Plus. The immune system consists of various tissues in the body, including bone marrow, lymph nodes, tonsils, proteins and cells. An unhealthy...
Some patients have genetic mutations that cause problems with the way the immune system functions. These problems, called primary immunodeficiency disorders, can lead to patients suffering from recurring infections. One such disorder, chronic...
The environment teems with potentially infectious microbes. Human survival depends on the immune system's capacity to fight infection if a microbe penetrates the surface-level body defenses. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, leaves the...
White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are a class of cells that make up the blood which contribute to the immune system. There are five main classes of white blood cells, all of which have a unique structure and function within the blood. In...
Dandruff is a condition that is characterized by white, dry, scaly flakes of skin that form on your scalp. Dandruff flakes are often visible in the hair and fall onto your shoulders. Dandruff can be present in people of any age, and is usually not...
Korean ginseng, also referred as panax ginseng, is an herbal supplement commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. Although few studies have been conducted on panax ginseng’s specific benefits for bladder problems, some studies have...
Most children get minor infections and colds and yet, even children who have them a lot do not have an immune system disease. According to Lora Stewart, M.D. of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, a...
Cold sores (fever blisters) are small, fluid-filled blisters on a raised, red area of skin. An estimated 30 percent of the population will suffer from fever blisters at one time or another, according to Colgate.com. While generally harmless, cold...
Primary immunodeficiency disorders are caused by a weak or impaired immune system. Some cases are caused by genetic disorders where a person is born without important aspects of the immune system. Cases can be so mild that they go unnoticed for...
The immune system is essentially your body's defense mechanism. When harmful substances such as viruses, bacteria, toxins or cancer cells are detected, your immune system springs into action to fight off these invading antigens with proteins...
Probiotics, also known as "friendly bacteria," provide a host of health benefits. They can keep your intestines healthy and help to treat conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, boost your immune system and help you fight food allergies or...
Bone marrow transplantation is a treatment for leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and various immunodeficiency disorders. Since the adverse side effects of this treatment are so extreme, it is usually attempted when other treatments have...
Fish provide an excellent source of low-calorie protein without the fat and cholesterol of red meats. The top healthy fish to eat do not include fish such as shark and mackerel, which are very high in mercury. Mercury is a known carcinogen and a...
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, is a life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. This virus attacks the immune system, allowing the infected person to be more susceptible to other viruses, bacteria...
Sometimes cracked lips are a result of extreme weather conditions, allergies or the common cold. If lips are sore, painful and bleeding, it could be indicative of a more serious condition. People with an illness like cancer, HIV or an...
A primary immunodeficiency occurs when part of the immune system is malfunctioning or missing. As discussed by the National Institutes of Health, there are more than 70 kinds of immunodeficiency diseases and they range in severity from mild to...
Chronic granulomatous disease is an immunodeficiency disorder in which certain types of white blood cells, called phagocytes, are unable to protect the body against infections caused by bacteria or fungi. This rare disease is caused by the...
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by red patches covered with white scales. This chronic allergic inflammation is not contagious or malignant but people often scratch continually to relieve itching sensation of the skin. Psoriasis...
Immunodeficiency occurs when the body's immune system is impaired, making an individual more susceptible to frequent and severe illnesses. Primary immunodeficiency is present at birth, occurring as a result of genetic abnormalities. Secondary or...
The immune system is made up of cells that identify and eliminate foreign bacteria, viruses and fungi. A properly functioning immune system is essential for life. A number of conditions that can affect infants and young children are inherited...
Lymphoma is a cancer in the lymphatic system that results when a lymphocyte B or T white blood cell of the immune system malfunctions and begins dividing or multiplying uncontrollably. Ultimately, a mass of these unregulated lymphocytes leads to...
The liver is the largest organ of the human body. It plays an important role in the production of energy and detoxification of the body, and it makes a yellowish-greenish liquid called bile that helps digest food. Viral infections, excessive...
The body produces two main categories of white blood cells, granulocytes, cells containing granules suspended within their plasma and agranulocytes which have no granules. Neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils are types of granulocytes....
Approximately 3 to 4 percent of all babies are born with a genetic disease or birth defect, according to information provided by Net Wellness. Genetic diseases are those that are passed down from parent to child through damaged or defective genes,...
Within the blood of your newborn's umbilical cord and placenta are stem cells. Banking this cord blood can allow for future use as an alternative to bone marrow transplants, the treatment of some cancers, immunodeficiencies, metabolic disorders...
Primary immunodeficiency disorders, also called primary immune disorders, are immune system defects that can permit recurrent infections and other problems. Learn about immunodeficiency symptoms, treatments and diagnosis in this video on health...