Immunbetegségek

Immunbetegségek, or immune system diseases, are a group of disorders that affect the body's natural defense system. The immune system is designed to protect the body from harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. However, in immune diseases, this system either malfunctions, becoming overactive or underactive, or mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

There are broadly two categories of immune diseases. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system identifies the body's own healthy cells, tissues, and organs as foreign and attacks them. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes. These conditions can cause inflammation and damage in various parts of the body.

The other category is immunodeficiency disorders, where the immune system is weakened and unable to effectively fight off infections. This can make individuals highly susceptible to illnesses. Immunodeficiencies can be congenital, meaning they are present from birth, or acquired, such as HIV/AIDS.

The causes of immune diseases are often complex and can involve a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and lifestyle. Symptoms vary widely depending on the specific disease, but can include chronic inflammation, fatigue, pain, and recurrent infections. Diagnosis typically involves medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and sometimes imaging studies. Treatment aims to manage symptoms, suppress the overactive immune response in autoimmune diseases, or boost immune function in cases of immunodeficiency.