Auto-immune disease vs immunodeficiency by Esther Ghim _ Student - EnloeHS

Auto-Immune Disease

ehghim — 2023-11-04 02:28:58 UTC

If one has an auto-immune disorder, the immune system loses its ability to distinguish between "self" and "non-self," leading to an abnormal immune response that can result in inflammation, damage to organs and tissues, and a range of symptoms and health problems.

Example of Auto-Immune Disease

ehghim — 2023-11-04 02:30:43 UTC

Celiac disease, also known as coeliac disease, is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the small intestine. It's triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

When people with celiac disease consume gluten-containing foods, it sets off an abnormal immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage impairs the intestine's ability to absorb essential nutrients from food.

Features of Celiac Disease

ehghim — 2023-11-04 02:32:21 UTC

If someone has celiac disease, the immune system mistakenly recognizes gluten as harmful and starts an immune response. This immune response leads to inflammation and damage to the small intestinal lining.

Symptoms: Celiac disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, including digestive issues like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. It can also include non-digestive symptoms such as fatigue, skin rashes, joint pain, and neurological symptoms.

Due to the damage to the small intestine, celiac disease can lead to malabsorption of essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and vitamin D. This can result in nutritional deficiencies.

Immunodeficiency

ehghim — 2023-11-04 02:34:16 UTC

Immunodeficiency, also known as immunodeficiency disorder/disease, is a condition diagnosed by a weakened or impaired immune system. In individuals with immunodeficiency, the immune system is less effective in defending the body against infections and diseases, which can make them more susceptible to various pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Immunodeficiency can be either congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developed later in life).

An example of immunodeficiency

ehghim — 2023-11-04 02:38:47 UTC

The chronic diseases HIV/AIDS is a known secondary immunodeficiency disorder.

HIV

Known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus, it's a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4+ T cells which are crucial for the body's ability to fight infections. HIV infection can lead to a range of symptoms, but it may also be asymptomatic in the early stages. It can progress over years, gradually weakening the immune system.

AIDS

AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection, characterized by a severely compromised immune system. It is a clinical diagnosis made when a person with HIV experiences a range of specific opportunistic infections or a significant drop in CD4+ T cell count.

The transition from HIV to AIDS can take years, and not all individuals with HIV progress to AIDS. The use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) can delay or prevent this progression.