Immune System Disorders Objective 8

Disorders Our immune system is our primary line of defense against invading organisms What happens if the immune system doesn’t work right? Immune Deficiencies (disorders) include: Allergies Autoimmune diseases Immunodeficiency diseases

Allergies Allergies are when your immune system thinks harmless invaders (dust, pollen, pet hair) are dangerous The immune system turns on to battle the invading particles Inflammatory Response Coughing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, etc.

Asthma Asthma is an extreme allergy The air passageways in the lungs swell, decreasing air flow If not treated, it can be deadly Triggered by allergies, exercise, stress, smoke, etc.

Autoimmune Diseases The immune system functions by identifying invading particles What if the immune system couldn’t tell the difference between your cells and invading cells? Autoimmune disorders are when your immune system attacks your own cells Diabetes type I Multiple sclerosis

Immunodeficiency Disease Immunodeficiency = weak immune system Sometimes the immune system fails to develop properly AIDS can also cause an immunodeficiency

AIDS Caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) HIV attacks your helper T cells, breaking down your immune system’s ability to react to invaders Transmission: STD Blood transfers Mother to child No cure… yet