Immune System: Working, Disorders & Tips to Boost Function

Our bodies face countless threats every day, from viruses, bacteria & other toxins.  

That can cause serious damages like frequent infections, prolonged illnesses, and decline in health. Especially in children, the elderly, or ones already fighting with diseases.

All these struggles boil down to one critical system: the immune system.

When it isn’t functioning properly. There is no shield for your body from external invaders. And any type of pathogen can knock on your door.

Let’s understand this vital system to maintain overall well-being & enjoy a healthy life.

At Main Street Medical Centre, our mission is to keep your family healthy with care and compassion. Our team follows the rigorous RACGP standards and offer reliable immunisation services to you.

Let us help you understand how immunity works.

Immune System | What Does It Do?

The immune system is your body’s built-in defence network.

It’s responsible for recognising and destroying anything that is harmful for the body. E.g. bacteria, viruses, toxins, and even abnormal cells. It also plays a role in healing wounds and managing inflammation.

Think of it as a highly trained security team operating 24/7. It scans every cell, identifies threats, and neutralises them ASAP. So, your body can stay healthy, avoid infections, and bounce back quicker from illnesses.

Let’s see how the system immune system operates in human body.

Types of Immunity: Innate vs Acquired

The immune system has two main layers of protection, innate and acquired immunity. The details of them are given below.

1. Innate Immunity (Your First Line of Defence)

To define innate immunity: it’s the body’s immediate response to invaders.

Present from birth, this system acts fast. It includes physical barriers like your skin and mucous membranes, as well as certain immune cells that attack anything foreign.

• Skin blocks bacteria and viruses from entering.
• Mucous membranes trap germs in your nose and throat.
• Stomach acid kills ingested pathogens.

The innate system doesn’t adapt or “remember” invaders but keeps you protected as the acquired system gears up.

2. Acquired Immunity (Tailored and Memory-Based)

Acquired immunity develops over time through exposure to pathogens or vaccines.

It uses highly specialised cells like T-cells and B-cells to recognise and remember specific threats. E.g. If you’ve had chickenpox, your body remembers it and likely won’t get it again.

Vaccinations train your acquired immune system to fight certain viruses before you’re exposed. So, it is prepared when actual pathogen hits. This is why booster shots and vaccinations are so crucial for long-term immune defence.

Key Components of Immune System

Your immune system isn’t just one organ, it’s a vast network. Let’s discuss its key components and their roles in detail.

1. White Blood Cells (WBCs)

WBCs, or leukocytes, are the front-line soldiers. They circulate in your blood and tissues, & constantly check for infections. If any bacteria detected, they engulf it and send out signals to recruit more immune cells.

2. T-Cells

T-cells are a specialised type of WBC. They identify and kill infected or cancerous cells. Some T-cells are “helper cells” that direct the immune response. Others are “killer cells” that destroy invaders.

3. Antibodies

Produced by B-cells, antibodies are proteins that attach to viruses or bacteria and mark them for destruction. This mark act as an identifier for acquired immune response. They also help immunology in diagnosis of certain infections.

4. Cytokines

Cytokines are like messengers. They tell immune cells where to go and what to do. They control inflammation & infection and even mark up the infectious sites. But can cause problems if out of balance.

5. Complement System

This is a group of proteins in your blood. It “complements” antibodies and phagocytes in clearing microbes and damaged cells. It also helps trigger inflammation.

Supporting Structures of the Immune System

Many structures of your body help the immune system to function properly. Let’s go one by one through them.

1. Lymphatic System

This system is a network of vessels and organs (like lymph nodes) that filter out harmful substances. It helps WBCs move around the body and dispose of waste products.

2. Spleen

Located in your abdomen. The spleen filters blood, recycles old red blood cells, and stores WBCs. It also helps fight certain bacteria.

3. Tonsils

They are two small lumps of soft tissue located at the rear of your throat. They trap all the germs that enter the body through the nose or mouth.

4. Adenoids

These are lymph tissues located in the back of your nose. They trap bacteria and other invaders that enter through your nose.

5. Bone Marrow

This soft tissue inside your bones produces all the blood cells. E.g. WBCs, red cells, and platelets. It’s the factory where immune cells are born.

Your Body’s Physical and Chemical Barriers

Immune system has put many guards in your body that don’t let the pathogens enter in body. So, vital structures can function without any stress. These check points include:

1. Skin

The skin is your largest organ and the first line of defence. It insulates the body & prevents pathogens from getting inside.

2. Mucosa

These moist linings in your mouth, nose, and digestive tract trap germs. They contain immune cells that neutralise threats early.

3. Body Fluids

Fluids like saliva, tears, and mucus contain enzymes and antibodies. That break down bacteria and viruses before they enter your system.

However, this system not always work smoothly. Let’s find out what happens when it lose its normal working scheme.

When the Immune System Doesn’t Work Well

Weak Immune System

When your immunity is low, you’re more likely to catch colds, flu, and infections. Poor nutrition, lack of sleep, chronic illness, or medications can all contribute.

An immunocompromised person has a particularly vulnerable immune system. E.g. patients undergoing chemotherapy, transplant recipients, or those with HIV.

Overactive Immune System

Sometimes, the immune system gets confused and attacks the body’s own tissues. This is the basis of autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Allergies are another example of an exaggerated immune response to something harmless like pollen.

Other Disorders of the Immune System

Below are some major types of immune system disorders. Understanding them can save you from chronic illness, discomfort, or serious health complications.

1. Allergies

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances. E.g. pollens, dust, fragrance or certain foods. These triggers, called allergens, are mistaken by immunity for dangerous invaders.

Common allergic reactions include:

• Sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes
• Skin rashes or hives
• Swelling and difficulty breathing (in severe cases)

Allergies interfere with quality of life and also cause anaphylaxis in severe cases. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate care.

2. Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune conditions happen when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy cells. It fails to differentiate between self and invader.

Some well-known autoimmune diseases include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (joints)
• Type 1 diabetes (pancreas)
• Multiple sclerosis (nerves)
• Lupus (multiple organs)

These disorders are chronic and need long-term treatment. They can significantly affect daily functioning and overall health.

3. Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency occurs when the immune system is too weak to respond properly. It can be congenital (from birth) or acquired (develop later in life).

Common types:

• Primary Immunodeficiencies:

Genetic disorders such as Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)

• Secondary Immunodeficiencies:

Caused by HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, or poor nutrition

Being immunocompromised makes individuals more vulnerable to infections.

4. Infectious Diseases

When the immune system is unable to fight off certain bacteria, viruses, or fungi, infections take hold. It includes:

• Recurrent colds or flu
• Chronic respiratory infections
• Skin or gastrointestinal infections

A strong immune system can deal with these diseases quickly. However, people with weakened immunity experience more frequent and severe episodes.

5. Cancer

Cancers like lymphoma and leukaemia directly affect immune tissues & replace them with abnormal cells. While others avoid immune detection altogether.

Immunotherapy, a recent breakthrough, uses immunology to train the immune system to fight cancer more effectively.

Causes of Immune System Disorders

Several factors can trigger or worsen problems in the immune system. Such as:

Signs of a Disturbed Immune System

An unhealthy immune system is not always obvious but show up in subtle ways. Common signs include:

• Frequent colds & infections
• Slow-healing wounds
• Digestive issues like bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea
• Fatigue & lack of energy
• Brain fog or poor concentration
• Allergic reactions or skin rashes
• Joint pain or unexplained inflammation

If you notice any of these signs regularly, it’s important to seek medical advice.

How Are Immune System Disorders Diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a thorough medical history and physical exam. Your GP can recommend:

Tips to Keep Your Immune System Healthy

Here are some daily habits to help boost the immune system naturally.

1. Eat a nutrient-dense diet with plenty of immune boosting foods: e.g.

• Citrus fruits (rich in Vitamin C)
• Leafy greens and colourful vegetables
• Garlic, ginger, turmeric
• Yoghurt and fermented foods
• Lean proteins like chicken and fish

2. Sleep 7–9 hours a night as needed by an adult body. Proper sleep allows your immune cells to regenerate, repair and function optimally.

3. Exercise moderately for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. E.g. walking or swimming. It improves circulation, lowers inflammation, and helps immune system.

4. Manage stress with breathing techniques, yoga, or therapy sessions with a counsellor. Chronic stress produces cortisol, which suppresses immune defence.

5. Stay hydrated and consume enough water (8-12 glass per day for adults). Water helps flush out toxins and keeps mucous membranes moist to block germs.

6. Maintain hygiene and keep your body & surroundings clean to prevent infections. E.g. Washing hands regularly, bathing and eating germ-free food.

7. Limit alcohol and quit smoking to support your immune defence. Toxins in both of them impair immune responses and increase the risk of chronic disease.

8. Stay up-to-date with vaccinations of flu or relevant viral diseases. They strengthen your body’s ability to fight specific infections and boost the immunity.

9. Visit your GP regularly for routine checkups. They help identify issues early and keep your immune system in proper shape.

10. Arrange all the screening tests prescribed by your GP. Missing them can lead to seriously adverse outcomes.

Want Personalised Immune Health Advice?

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At Main Street Medical Centre, we take your health seriously.

Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or need guidance on how to boost immune system function. Our experienced doctors are here to help. We provide personalised care with empathy and professionalism, right in the heart of Osborne Park.

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