Taking care of your immune system is crucial for maintaining your body's health year-round. It can help reduce absenteeism from work or school. But what exactly is immunity, and how does the immune system responsible for it work?
What is immunity?
Do you really know what this often-talked-about immunity is? Immunity can literally be interpreted as the ability to "fight something," specifically, the attack of pathogenic microorganisms on specific systems and organs. The body's immunity is a range of defense mechanisms activated by the immune system, whose function is to defend a person against diseases caused by pathogens. Importantly, immune resistance is built throughout life – it is influenced by several factors, which we will discuss. It is also not stable – it can be weakened by their action and strengthened under certain conditions.
Immunity in children – what makes it unique?
Immunity begins to develop in utero, and during natural childbirth, a newborn's skin comes into first contact with the bacteria that colonize its digestive tract. A child's immunity is built primarily through diet – breastfeeding or special formulas rich in appropriate probiotic strains. Their immune system is not yet fully developed, so a toddler is much more susceptible to infections than a healthy adult.
What is the immune system?
What is the immune system? In the human body, the immune system is formed by organs that collectively activate defense mechanisms. An important characteristic of the immune system is so-called immunological memory—the ability to learn. Humans possess numerous anatomical elements that make it difficult for microorganisms to enter their digestive, respiratory, or circulatory systems. However, if an infection does occur, the microorganisms are immediately identified, recognized as a threat, and combated. The first contact with a given pathogen allows the immune system cells to "know the enemy" and be able to recognize it upon subsequent encounter, and therefore, to take appropriate action to eliminate it.
What is the structure of the immune system?
The structure of the immune system is quite complex – it comprises numerous organs scattered throughout the body, functionally interconnected and performing various functions. The individual components of the immune system include:
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thymus,
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spleen,
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marrow,
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tonsils,
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lymph nodes,
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Peyer's lymphatic patches,
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lymphatic tissue of the small intestinal mucosa,
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lymphatic vessels,
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Waldeyer's ring,
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appendix.
The structure and functioning of the immune system are an important issue, allowing us to better understand why we get sick, how to prevent it and – paradoxically – why it is so important not to create a sterile environment around us.
Functions of the immune system, or how does the immune system work?
The primary function of the immune system is to generate an immune response. Microbes contain antigens recognized by specific antibodies, which are then "sent" to them upon pathogen entry into the body. The role of the immune system is to biologically destroy microbes, primarily through lymphocytes. Therefore, it is crucial that the body has an adequate number of them, capable of dealing with multiple pathogens. Some immune system functions are directed against a very specific threat, while others help prevent the pathogen from entering the body.
What are the types of immunity?
As mentioned above, immune defenses have various functions, and not all of them are activated simultaneously when the body encounters a pathogen. Different types of immunity primarily consist of simple barriers that impede the entry of microorganisms, and weapons that the immune system learns to produce only after it recognizes and remembers its enemy.
Specific immunity
Adaptive immunity is also known as acquired immunity. This means that for its mechanisms to be developed, prior contact with a specific pathogen is necessary. This can occur not only through exposure (e.g., contact with a sick person) but also through vaccination (the introduction of a specific antigen or information about its production under controlled conditions). Artificially acquired immunity is effective for years, and in some cases, even lifelong. In this case, it is active immunity. A fetus in the mother's womb, a breastfed child, or a person administered antiserum develops something called passive immunity – it does not require the immune system to produce antibodies; the body simply receives them.
Nonspecific immunity
Nonspecific immunity can also be described in publications as innate immunity. Every human being possesses it from birth. These are simple defensive reflexes directed against any type of pathogen, not a specific one. These include sneezing, a runny nose, and tearing. They are also referred to as active immunity because the pathogen triggers specific responses aimed at eliminating it. Passive immunity, on the other hand, encompasses various anatomical elements and structures such as cilia in the respiratory tract, mucous membranes, bacterial flora, and pH—these exist regardless of the presence or absence of the pathogen and protect against its entry into the body.
Humoral immunity
Another important type is humoral immunity, one of the mechanisms of specific immunity. Acquired humoral immunity involves the production of antibodies and other chemical substances necessary to neutralize the pathogen.
Cellular immunity
Cellular immunity is the kind of immunity that involves leukocytes, which engulf and digest pathogens. It can be transferred from an immune donor to a non-immune recipient via the recipient's cells.
Immune system what tests?
If you want to ensure your immune system is functioning properly, what tests should you get done? The first step is a complete blood count. A low neutrophil count, as well as an elevated white blood cell count and a low platelet count outside of the infection period, may indicate a weakened immune system. The simplest tests for immunity These include those assessing the concentration of total protein (CRP) and albumin, which are essential for antibody production. Where appropriate, your doctor may also recommend genetic testing to assess your immune system—for example, if you suspect an autoimmune disease or other illness, such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, or Lyme disease.
Weak immune system symptoms and causes
When it comes to a weak immune system, symptoms primarily include an increased number of infections, but also fatigue and poor well-being. In people who suspect they have a weak immune system, the causes aren't always immediately apparent. These may include an improper diet, prolonged antibiotic therapy, excessive stress, or previous viral or bacterial illnesses, even those that were not treated properly.
Overactivity of the immune system
Excessive immune system activity is known as autoimmunity – placing the body in a state of constant heightened readiness to fight pathogens. Immune system hypersensitivity always requires consultation with a doctor and appropriate treatment, as if left untreated, it can lead to chronic cell inflammation, cell damage, or organ dysfunction.
Take care of your immune system and that of your loved ones. Prepare for the fall and winter season with a proper diet and supplementation. Stay active and enjoy good health all year round!
