Immune Dysfunction: Types, Symptoms, and Impact on Daily Living

Types of Immune Dysfunction

Immune dysfunction manifests as immune system disorders, overactive immune system, and autoimmune disease. Immune system disorders include severe combined immunodeficiency (present at birth), temporary acquired immune deficiencies (from medications or infections), and AIDS (destroying immune function) (Johns Hopkins University, 2024). Overactive immune system causes asthma, eczema (atopic dermatitis), and allergic rhinitis. Autoimmune diseases include Type 1 Diabetes (attacking insulin-producing cells), rheumatoid arthritis (causing joint swelling and deformities), and lupus (attacking kidneys, lungs, and skin).

Symptomatology and Daily Living Impact

Individuals experience frequent infections including thrush, sinus infections, pink eye, chronic gum disease, colds, yeast infections, and pneumonia. Other symptoms include inflammation of internal organs, blood disorders (anemia, low platelet count), delayed growth, and digestive problems such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, and nausea (Vaillant & Qurie, 2023). Immune dysfunction influences brain function leading to social isolation and compromises interactions, negatively affecting relationships.

References

• Johns Hopkins University. (2024). Disorders of the immune system. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/disorders-of-the-immune-system
• Vaillant, A. A. J., & Qurie, A. (2023). Immunodeficiency. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500027/