Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Immune System Diseases

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against infection and disease. However, the immune system can sometimes malfunction, leading to immune system diseases.

There are several types of immune system diseases, including:

Allergies: Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance, such as pollen or pet dander. Symptoms can include sneezing, itchy eyes, and difficulty breathing.

Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to symptoms such as inflammation and organ damage. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Immunodeficiency diseases: Immunodeficiency diseases occur when the immune system is not functioning properly, leading to an increased susceptibility to infections. Examples include HIV/AIDS and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).

Immunodeficiency disorders: Immunodeficiency disorders occur when the immune system is not developing properly, leading to an increased susceptibility to infections. Examples include primary immune deficiency and secondary immune deficiency.

Treatment of immune system diseases can vary depending on the specific condition, but may include medications, such as immunosuppressants or allergy medications, or therapies, such as allergy shots or bone marrow transplants. If you have questions about immune system diseases, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional.