Being diagnosed with any type of chronic medical condition is disheartening. You have to learn to live with your new normal — as well as become familiar with new medical terms, medications, and lifestyle modifications. Then there’s also the way it impacts your loved ones. The family dynamic changes. You have to make time on your schedules for doctor appointments, meal planning, therapies, and whatever else this new health condition may require. All of this applies to immune system disorders. But, what exactly are they? What are the most common symptoms? And, what can you do to treat them?
What is an immune disorder?
The immune system is one of the most complex systems in your body. It’s composed of cells, organs, and proteins — known as antibodies — that fight infections and viruses that enter your body. Whenever the immune system is actively protecting you against harm, the temperature in your body rises, resulting in a fever — which also triggers the body’s repair process. However, in certain individuals, the immune system can become overactive. When this occurs, it is possible for it to start attacking normal components of your body — such as cells and tissues — by mistake. This is known as an autoimmune disorder.
There are two ways a person can become immunocompromised. Primary immunodeficiency means that you were born with a health condition that weakens your immune system. And, secondary immunodeficiency means that your immune system has been weakened due to ailments developed later in life, taking certain medications, and/or life events — such as trauma or environmental factors.
10 Common Immune System Disorder Symptoms
There are many different types of autoimmune disorders. Therefore, it can take a long litany of tests to determine whether you have one. However, before it gets to that point, you will usually experience several symptoms. They may range from mild to severe, depending on the condition. The most common ones include:
1. Skin rashes
2. Numbness and tingling of your hands and feet
3. Low fever
4. Muscle aches
5. Fatigue
6. Swelling and redness in different areas of the body
7. Difficulty concentrating
8. Hair loss
9. Recurring infections
10. Loss of appetite
Depending on the disorder, you may also experience changes in bowel movements, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, unintended weight loss, increased urination, and excessive thirst. It’s also possible for the symptoms to come and go in phases. This is known as experiencing flare-ups and remission. If the patient is a child, it is also common to experience developmental delays.
There’s also a link between stress and immune system disorders. People who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often also suffer from autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), celiac disease, or Type 1 diabetes.
Contact Care Options for Kids for Home Health Care
It can be hard to balance your time between work, home, and caring for a child. That’s why our team of professionals at Care Options for Kids are here to help.
Our home care services offer support in the comfort of your home. We refer loving and competent nurses to provide customized care for families — from a few hours a day to around-the-clock supervision. Contact us directly to speak with a home health care professional or request a free in-home assessment. Together we can determine the best plan of action to keep your loved ones happy and healthy.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home health care services, contact the caring staff at Care Options for Kids. Call today (888) 592-5855.
