A weak immune system can be a result of several diseases, including cancer, diabetes and pregnancy. Individuals who take certain medications can also have a weakened immune system. It can make you more susceptible to infections.
The immune system is the body’s defence mechanism against viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that can cause illness. In most healthy individuals, the immune system works as intended, but sometimes it overacts or does not work as it should.
What Causes a Weak Immune System?
White blood cells are immune cells. They circulate in the body to prevent and fight infection. These blood cells mostly do their job in healthy people, but in certain conditions, procedures, and medications can affect the functions of these cells.
A weak immune system or immunodeficiency is characterised as either primary or acquired. By primary, we mean present at birth and acquired means developed later in life. Here are some of the causes of a weak immune system:
- Medications can cause a weak immune system. These medications can be corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors.
- Health conditions, including alcohol use disorder, BENTA disease, cancer, diabetes, common variable immunodeficiency and liver or kidney disease, can lead to immunodeficiency.
- Age can impact how well the immune system functions. Newborns and young children’s immune system is still developing, making them less able to fight off infection. The immune system often declines as you age, particularly after midlife.
- Lifestyle factors like a lack of exercise, inadequate sleep, poor nutrition, heavy alcohol intake and smoking can lead to immunodeficiency.
Moving ahead, we will discuss symptoms and risk factors of a weak immune system.
Symptoms and Risk Factors of a Weak Immune System
| Symptoms | Risk Factors |
| Certain factors can increase the risk of having a weak immune system, including:
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FAQs: Immune System and You
Q1. When to report a healthcare professional for a weak immune system?
When a weak immune system is not adequately addressed, particularly in cases of negligence, misdiagnosis, or incompetence that lead to harm.
Q2. What are the signs of an immune deficiency?
Frequent, severe, or unusual infections like pneumonia, sinusitis, and skin infections.
Q3. Can a weak immune system be inherited?
Yes, a weak immune system can be inherited, leading to conditions known as primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDDs). These are a group of genetic conditions where a defect in DNA causes the immune system to not function properly from birth, making it difficult to fight off infections.
Q4. What medications lead to immunodeficiency?
Medications that cause immunodeficiency include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and chemotherapy agents. Examples of immunosuppressants include azathioprine and cyclosporine, while corticosteroids like prednisone are also frequently used to suppress the immune system. Chemotherapy drugs, including alemtuzumab and cyclophosphamide, can also weaken immune function.
Q5. What lifestyle factors can affect the immune system?
Lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of sleep, chronic stress, and excessive alcohol use can negatively impact the immune system. Conversely, regular physical activity, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, adequate sleep, and good hygiene can support a healthy immune response.
Final Thoughts
At Chermside, your health will be monitored by the team of experts. The healthcare professionals can provide guidance on how to treat a weak immune system and how one overcome prolonged infections. Your experts will keep monitoring your health with regular checks, and you can discuss your queries regarding the issue.
A weak immune system can be a result of poor lifestyle, certain medications, or a family history of infection or a weak immune system. You can discuss your family history of a weak immune system, and you must because it can affect the way a healthcare professional approaches you.
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