Immune system in your body is to defend itself against bacteria, dangerous substances, and abnormal cell changes that might result in illness. It is like a shield composed of several components, such as organs, cells, and proteins. But you can become sick if it fails, either because it's weaker or because it encounters extremely tough bacteria.

White blood cells are like the body's defense team, moving around in your bloodstream to keep an eye out for any problems. Their main job is to find and fight off any foreign invaders that might harm your body.

However, certain health conditions and medications can interfere with how well they work. For instance, some conditions might make these cells too aggressive, causing them to react strongly even to small threats. In such cases, a team of healthcare providers might prescribe medications to help calm down your immune system.

• Primary Immune Deficiency: Some people are born with a weak immune system, which is known as primary immune deficiency.

• Acquired Immune Deficiency: You might acquire a disease that weakens your immune system over time. This is called acquired immune deficiency.

• Overactive Immune System: Sometimes, your immune system can become too active, leading to allergic reactions.

• Autoimmune Disease: In some cases, your immune system may start attacking your own body, which is known as an autoimmune disease.

Several other conditions can also weaken the immune system, including:

• Diabetes: Diabetes elevates blood sugar, impairing immune function and wound healing. This increases infection vulnerability and slows recovery, underscoring the need for blood sugar management and overall health vigilance.

• Cancer: Cancer suppresses the immune system by releasing substances that hinder its function and causing inflammation. Treatments like chemotherapy can also weaken immunity. This emphasizes the importance of supporting the immune system during cancer care.

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS): HIV attacks CD4 T cells, weakening the immune system and making it harder for the body to fight infections. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS, leaving the body vulnerable to serious illnesses.

• Pregnancy: Pregnancy weakens the immune system to accommodate the growing baby, making expecting individuals more prone to infections.

• Alcohol use disorder: Alcohol use disorder weakens the immune system by damaging immune cells and impairing their function. Chronic alcohol consumption suppresses the body's ability to fight off infections and increases susceptibility to illnesses and diseases.

  
  

• Unexplained fever.

• Trouble concentrating or paying attention.

• Hair loss.

• Always feeling tired (fatigue).

• Itchy skin.

• Inflammation, rashes, or redness anywhere on your body.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Fingers or toes that tingle or are numb.

• Sore, aching muscles.

• Drenching night sweats.

• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groyne.

  
  

• Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IRT): Immunoglobulins, also called antibodies, are given as a treatment to help individuals who either can't produce enough of their own antibodies or whose antibodies don't function properly. This treatment is called immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IRT).

• Avoid alcohol and smoking: It's important to steer clear of smoking and alcohol. Tobacco use increases your chances of developing conditions that can weaken your immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis. If you're a tobacco user, it's a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider about effective methods to quit.

• Physical fitness routine: Make sure to incorporate exercise into your daily schedule. Exercise benefits various aspects of your health, including your immune system. Your healthcare provider can assist you in creating an exercise routine tailored to your medical requirements and daily life.

• Healthy diet: Include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your diet to strengthen your immune system. Discuss with your healthcare provider the benefits of various eating styles, such as the Mediterranean diet, which can provide essential vitamins for a healthy immune system.

• Get good sleep: Make sure you're getting enough good-quality sleep to help treat a weakened immune system. Consistent, restful sleep can improve your immune function and overall health.

• Reduce stress and avoid overthinking: To help strengthen a weakened immune system, it's important to manage stress and avoid overthinking. Try relaxation techniques and activities that promote mental well-being for better immune function.

  
  

How can I check if my immune system is weak?

Blood tests can determine if you have typical levels of infection-fighting proteins (immunoglobulins) in your blood and measure the levels of blood cells and immune system cells. Having numbers of certain cells in your blood that are outside of the standard range can indicate an immune system defect.