IMMUNE SYSTEM DISORDERS Allergies Overreaction by the immune

IMMUNE SYSTEM DISORDERS

Allergies • Over-reaction by the immune system to a harmless substance (pet hair, dust, pollen…. ) • Involves 2 nd line defenses (inflammation, watery eyes, runny nose…. ) • TREATMENT: Antihistamines

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES The result of faulty immune systems that recognize “self” cells as foreign. As a result, “self” cells are destroyed.

Type I Diabetes • Autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the pancreas…… • So, the pancreas cannot produce insulin, which is a molecule that allows body cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream • SYMPTOMS – Abnormally high blood sugar – Sugar in urine – Weight loss – Excessive thirst • TREATMENT: Insulin injections

Rheumatoid Arthritis • Autoimmune disease that attacks the joints of the body • SYMPTOMS – Painful, swollen joints…. . especially within hands, knees, and feet – Fatigue – Fever • TREATMENTS – Anti-inflammatory drugs – Immunosuppressive drugs

Lupus • Autoimmune disease that can affect virtually any organ of the body……especially the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs • SYMPTOMS: – Fever – Achy joints – Butterfly rash • TREATMENT: Immunosuppressive and -inflammatory drugs anti

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) • Autoimmune disease that attacks the body’s nerves • SYMPTOMS – trouble walking – “pins and needles” – bowel and urinary incontinence – memory problems – vision problems • TREATMENTS: – Immunosuppressive drugs

HIV / AIDS HIV is a virus. Viruses are particles that cannot reproduce on their own, but they can reproduce inside living “host” cells. The host cells die in the process.

HIV infects human white blood cells, reproducing inside of them, killing them.

AIDS patients are susceptible to many infections that are lethal, including: • Pneumocystis pneumonia • Karposi’s Sarcoma (a form of skin cancer) • Tuberculosis

How is HIV transmitted? Through the exchange of these bodily fluids: • • Blood Semen Vaginal Fluids Breast Milk

IMMUNE SYSTEM DISORDERS • Allergies • Autoimmune disorders: – Type I Diabetes – Rheumatoid Arthritis – Lupus – MS • HIV/AIDS