What does it mean to be immunocompromised?
- How It Works
- Conditions That Cause It
- Symptoms and Diagnosis
- Treatments For People Who Are Immunocompromised
- How You Can Protect Yourself
Do you feel under the weather often? Do your illnesses last for longer periods? Being constantly sick is not only frustrating, but it can be concerning as well. If you have a much harder time warding off diseases, you may be immunocompromised. What is immunocompromised?
How It Works
Our bodies are naturally equipped to fight off diseases because of the immune system. It is made up of a complex network of cells and proteins that work together to defend your body.
When you are immunocompromised, your immune system’s defenses are defective or ineffective. This is a major concern because your body is not strong enough to stop foreign intruders such as viruses and bacteria. Thus, making you more susceptible to sickness and diseases.
Being immunocompromised can be either permanent or temporary — depending on its cause. It is also possible to be immunocompromised with varying degrees.
If a person is slightly immunocompromised, they are more prone to catching diseases. Those who are severely immunocompromised may acquire the most common diseases and find them life-threatening immediately.
Conditions That Cause It
There are two kinds of immunodeficiency: primary and secondary. Primary immunodeficiency is congenital. Here, you are born lacking immune defenses or with a defective immune system.
On the other hand, secondary immunodeficiency, the most common kind of immunodeficiency, arises as a consequence of exposure to other factors and conditions. Some of the common causes include:
- Cancers such as Hodgkin’s disease, myelomas, lymphoma, and leukemia
- Immunosuppressive treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis
- Medications that treat autoimmune diseases
- Chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney failure, and liver failure
- Infections like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, glandular fever, CMV, chickenpox
- Advanced age
- Pregnancy
- Malnutrition
- Exposure to environmental toxins
- Asplenia or hyposplenism
- Pregnancy
- Aging
- Organ or bone marrow transplant
- Tobacco smoking and alcoholism
Symptoms and Diagnosis
There are a few ways to find out if you are immunocompromised. You may become sick more than usual or for longer periods. You may also likely catch infections that people wouldn’t typically acquire.
If you think you might be immunocompromised, we strongly recommend getting checked by a doctor.
Here, your doctor will ask for a detailed medical history to determine signs of the disorder. Afterward, administer a range of lab tests that may include white blood cell count, T-cell count, and a test that checks your immunoglobulins levels.
Treatments For People Who Are Immunocompromised
The treatment for people who are immunocompromised will depend on the specific conditions that caused it. For example, HIV/AIDS causes specific infections that lead to compromising one’s immune system. Your doctor may prescribe treatment for the said infection.
Simply put, it’s the root cause of the condition that is treated, not the immunodeficiency itself. There are therapies available that can help individuals fight off certain infections like immunoglobulin therapy. You may also be prescribed antibiotics or antiviral medications to fight diseases.
How You Can Protect Yourself
The best way to protect yourself from being immunocompromised is by taking extra precautions and making healthy lifestyle changes. Here are some of the best habits you can do to protect yourself:
- Wash your hands frequently with water and soap
- Avoid people who are sick
- Avoid touching your face
- Stay physically active
- Regularly disinfect your household
- Eat a balanced diet
- Get adequate sleep
- Quit vices such as smoking and drinking
- Minimize stress as much as possible.
Key Takeaway
It pays to know more about the question “what is immunocompromised?” Having a compromised immune system can be unfortunate and difficult — especially if you don’t take steps to treat it as soon as possible.
If you think you might be immunocompromised, visit The Perpetual Help Medical Center-Las Pinas immediately. Our health professionals will find the right options for you. Remember to protect yourself by taking extra precautions as well!
