Think of our body as a well-protected country. We have a very powerful 'army' within our body to fight against the enemies that come into this country, that is, germs , viruses , and bacteria that cause diseases. We call this army the immune system . Most of the time, this army is very strong and protects us from diseases. However, sometimes the power of this army decreases, that is, it becomes weak. That is why we simply call it immunodeficiency . At such times, our body's ability to fight germs decreases, and therefore we start getting diseases more often.
What are the main causes of low immunity?
There is actually not one reason why a person's immunity decreases, but several reasons. Let's divide them into two main categories.
1. Acquired conditions: This means that even though we are born with good immunity, our immunity weakens due to some reason during our lives.
- Due to medications: Some medications given for serious illnesses (for example, cancer or after organ transplants) intentionally suppress the immune system. This is part of the treatment.
- Due to other illnesses: Some illnesses, like HIV , attack our immune system and weaken it.
2. Congenital conditions: This is a little different. What happens here is that a person is born with a genetic defect that prevents their immune system from developing properly. We call this a Primary Immune Deficiency. These are often very rare.
The most important thing is, don't worry that you have a weakened immune system just because you get colds frequently. But if you have persistent, severe, recurring infections, it's important to talk to a doctor about it.
Let's learn about several types of immunodeficiencies.
Although there are many of these conditions, let's simply understand a few of the most commonly discussed types. Don't be alarmed by this information, many of these are very rare. This information is provided for your information only.
| Condition | Simply put... | About treatment methods |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID) | This is a very serious genetic condition that is present from birth. In this case, several parts of the baby's immune system do not function at all. Therefore, even the smallest germs make them very susceptible to severe infections. | This is a very serious condition. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening for the baby. In some cases, a bone marrow transplant can cure this condition. |
| Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID) | This is also a condition caused by a genetic defect. What happens here is that the body does not produce enough of the proteins called antibodies that are needed to fight germs. As a result, infections often occur in the ears, lungs, nose, eyes, and other places. | The main thing here is to give the body the antibodies that are lacking from the outside. We call these antibodies immunoglobulins. These are given regularly through injections. |
| HIV/AIDS status | Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that directly attacks the cells of our immune system. Over time, this virus destroys a large number of immune cells. This then completely destroys the body's defenses, leaving us vulnerable to any infection (AIDS). | Although there is currently no cure for HIV, there are very effective treatments (Antiretroviral Therapy) that can control the virus inside the body, protect the immune system, and allow people to live a normal life. |
| Drug-induced Immune Deficiency | This is a side effect of treatment, rather than a disease. Some medications (e.g., cancer chemotherapy, medications for autoimmune diseases) temporarily reduce the activity of our immune system. Therefore, the risk of developing infections is higher while taking these medications. | Doctors monitor patients taking these medications very closely, because even a small infection needs to be recognized and treated before it becomes serious. |
When should you see a doctor?
This is the most important part. Getting a cold two or three times a year is usually not a problem. However, if you or your child has one or more of the following risk factors , it is important to talk to a doctor about it.
- Frequent infections : If you have more than 4 ear infections, more than 2 severe sinus infections, or more than 2 cases of pneumonia in a year.
- Not responding properly to antibiotics: If you have to take antibiotics for weeks to cure an infection.
- Growth failure: Especially in young children, if their weight and height are not increasing normally.
- Frequent fungal infections of the mouth or skin: If you have persistent mouth sores (thrush) or fungal infections of the skin.
- Family history : If someone in the family has a primary immunodeficiency condition.
- Severe, unusual infections: Severe infections of a type that are not usually easily encountered in a healthy person (e.g., brain infections, bone infections).
If you have any doubts about something like this, please don't make decisions on your own or be scared by what you read on the internet. Talk to your family doctor or a qualified doctor near you. He or she will ask you questions, examine you, and if necessary, refer you for blood tests and other things to find out for sure.
Take-Home Message
- Our immune system is the body's defense army that protects us from germs.
- Sometimes this system can be weakened due to a congenital cause or a later disease or medication. We call this immunodeficiency.
- A major warning sign is the occurrence of frequent, difficult to treat, severe, or unusual infections.
- If you have any doubts about this, don't be afraid to consult your doctor, which is the right thing to do. Many conditions can be managed well with early detection and proper treatment.
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