When we say: "I have weakened immune system," mean by this frequent colds and overall not very vigorous health. In this case the concept of "a" weak immune system "sounds abstract. As its" measured ", and how to reliably determine whether the weak he really is?
Man is constantly exposed to pathogens (especially during the season of colds).These are numerous bacteria, viruses, parasites. To protect against all these "invaders" and there is the immune system, which allows to recognize all foreign to the body's cells and destroy them.
If this system is weakened, a condition called immunodeficiency. Changes in immunological parameters may be a manifestation of a normal body reaction to the effects of physiological or pathological factors (with a different picture of the changes at different stages of the disease), and reflect the over-activation, the depletion of the immune system , characterized by congenital or acquired defects of its individual components.
How to identify immune deficiency: analysis of immunity
Diagnosis begins with a determination of leukocyte counts - counting the percentage of differentiated the various types of white blood cells - lymphocytes, granulocytes, monocytes (these figures can be seen by making a complete blood count).
If the leucocyte count revealed changes, the doctor will likely prescribe " tests for immunity "- the first level of immunological tests. They also are called "immunogram" - a special study of the blood when tested humoral and cellular immunity and phagocytic activity of cells. At this stage, are assessed the most common indicators to identify the "gross" violations of the immune system .
If no abnormalities are not revealed - great! This means that the immune system is normal. If one or more indicators are below (and maybe even higher) level of the norm, doctors usually recommend a repeat study in 2-3 weeks to see how bravely saved the identified changes and whether they were a temporary response to some external influence .
If the changes are still there, it is recommended to perform immunological tests of the second stage (regulators of immunity and mediators - interleukins, the components of the complement system, a study of interferon status, etc.). tests for immunity of the second stage is used for the diagnosis of immune disorders, a decision on the implementation of appropriate replacement therapy, or immune, and for assessing treatment outcomes.
What is immunotherapy?
If there are irregularities in the immune system, which means that it must "treat". All preparations for immunotherapy can be divided into three groups: immunocorrectors, immunomodulators and immunostimulants. All of them are assigned only by the attending physician, and in any case should not take them yourself.
Immunocorrectors influence of point to any particular broken link in the immune system (such as T-lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, etc.). Immunomodulators enhance the functional activity of the immune system as a whole. Each of them has a selective effect on any link of immunity, but its ultimate effect is multifaceted. Adjuvants - a tool that enhance the immune response of the organism. They affect the body as a whole and not on any link of the immune system in particular.
Immunostimulants, for example, can be used for the prevention of infectious diseases.Immunostimulant include vitamin K (mainly vitamins A, C, E) and biologics (with bifidobacteria and lactobacilli), food additives, etc. Choose the "right" for you and assign it to the drug dose will also help your doctor.
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