What is the Immune System? The immune system is a system that is made up from different interdependent cells. These cells collectively protect the body from different infections that are bacterial, parasitic, fungal, or viral and sometimes they protect from the growth of tumor cells.

The Organs of the Immune System There are four major one's: – Bone marrow – Thymus – Spleen – Lymph nodes

Bone Marrow All the cells for the immune system are made here. The main cells produced here that are used by the immune system are – Lymphocytes – Macrophages/dendritic

Macrophages/Dendritic cells Macrophages important in regulating the immune response – They are refereed to mostly as scavengers because they pick up and ingest foreign material and show it to T and B cells Dendritic cells function as antigens presenting cells and do the same job as macrophages but better. Little is know about them out side of this.

Lymphocytes There are two sub-types B cells and T cells. Both made in the bone marrow. T cells though go to the thymus gland to finish the maturing proses. When the lymphocytes are grown they all look the same and both circulate through the body tissues and in the blood.

B Cells B cells make the antibodies in response to foreign proteins such as viruses. – Antibodies are proteins that bind to one particular protein. That binding is crucial because it is the way they signal other cells when they bind to a foreign substances

T Cells T cells are usually divided into two sub categories – T helper cells also called (CD4+ t cells) Two types: – Th1 and Th2 Coordinators of immune regulation Activate other white blood cells to fight off infection – T killer/suppressor also called (CD8+ t cells) Directly kill foreign cells. They usually are around the lymph nodes and spleen. Also could be found in other places such as liver, lungs, and blood.

Thymus The thymus main job is to finish maturing the T cells. – T cells are checked here and the ones that are wrong are destroyed here the rest are released into the blood stream when they are mature.

Spleen Spleen is made up of B, and T cells, macrophages, dendric cells, and red blood cells. – It captures antigens (foreign material) from the blood that passes through the spleen – Macrophages and dendric cells also bring antigens to the spleen through the blood stream and it directs them to the B or T cells – This can be seen as a immunological conference center. – Also B cells produce large amounts of antibody here.

Lymph Nodes Function as an immunological filter for body fluid known as lymph. – Found through the body. Nodes drain fluid from most of our tissue. – Composed mostly of T and B cells, dendritic, and macrophages. – The fluid is filtered through and then returned to the body. Similar to the spleen the dendric and macrophages present any antigen to the T and B cells.

Cytokines Because the immune system is so large the cells communicate through a proses called cytokines. – They tell the immune cells to grow in numbers and tell the cells where the infection is – It also tells them when to stop.

Redundant Immune-System-Structure-and- Function

Allergies An allergic reaction is the body trying to restore homeostasis Allergens are substances that cause allergic reactions Allergens can be contacted through skin, lungs, swallowed or injected Reactions range from mild to life threatening Major allergens are venom from bee stings, certain foods, animal dander, insect bites, medications, and most pollens Most people obtain these due to family history.

Symptoms The body’s reaction causes some mild symptoms due to the excessive release of the body’s histamines Some mild reactions include hives, itching, nasal congestion, rashes, and watery and red eyes More serious symptoms include pain in stomach, tightness in chest, diarrhea, difficulty breathing or swallowing, dizziness, fear, erythema, nausea, edema, weakness, wheezing, and unconsciousness

To Cure Mild Symptoms Calm the individual Identify Allergen Keep person away from allergen; if bee sting, or some venom, scrape off with credit card. Do not pull out, this will release more venom If the individual has a rash, apply some sort of relief cream like cortisone Keep an eye on the individual to see if there are any other symptoms See a doctor. You will usually be prescribed antihistamines

Taking Action With More Serious Symptoms Check person’s airway, look for swelling or redness If airway is blocked, perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Call 911 Keep the person calm, more stress will increase risk of more symptoms Keep person away from allergen. If bee sting, remove by scratching off with credit card If the person has specific allergy medication with him/her, use it. Try not to use oral medication if the person’s away is blocked Take caution to prevent shock. Lay the individual down and lift up their legs about 12 inches. Do not perform if individual has a maimed head, back, neck, or leg

Do Not Assume the allergy medication will heal the individual Place a pillow under individual’s head. This will block airways Give any oral medication if they have trouble breathing

What is Anaphylaxis?  It is a severe and often sudden allergic reaction that may affect various parts of the body. This reaction can be detected by the many different signs and symptoms that occur.

Causes or Triggers  Medication and common antibiotics ex. penicillin, amoxicillin  Food ex. peanuts, milk, and fish  Insect bites and stings ex. bees, wasps, fire ants, snakes

Signs and Symptoms  Hives  Faintness  Obstruction of airway/difficulty breathing  Tightness in chest  Increased heart rate  Low blood pressure  Worst case scenario = DEATH

Dangers of Anaphylaxis  Common signs and symptoms are know, but everyone has different levels of tolerability and the way another person may react is unpredictable, which is why immediate help is needed.  If signs are ignored and severe enough, respiratory failure, respiratory arrest, and death are high possibilities of what may happen.

Treatment  Call 911  CPR  Injection of Epinephrine a.k.a. Epi-Pen  Tracheotomy – emergency surgery; cutting a hole in the victims throat and feeding a tube directly through the trachea to allow breathing

What is asthma? Asthma is inflammation of the lungs in which the airways are narrowed. This causes breathing to become very hard.

Bronchiole inflammation

Early signs of asthma Frequent cough, especially at night Losing your breath easily or shortness of breath Feeling very tired or weak when exercising Wheezing or coughing after exercise Feeling tired, easily upset, grouchy, or moody Decreases or changes in lung function as measured on a peak flow meter Signs of a cold or allergies (sneezing, runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and headache) Trouble sleeping

Symptoms of asthma Coughing, especially at night Wheezing Shortness of breath Chest tightness, pain, or pressure

Treatments Most people with persistent asthma use a combination of long-term control medications and quick-relief medications, taken with a hand-held inhaler. If your asthma symptoms are triggered by airborne allergens, such as pollen or pet dander, you may also need allergy treatment. You may need to try a few different medications before you find what works best. Because asthma changes over time, you will need to work with your doctor to monitor your symptoms and learn how to make needed adjustments.

Experimental treatments Some doctors are administering different mixtures of helium-oxygen gas to their patients, except no doctor would recommend this to their patients because there haven’t been any studies done. There is a new type of asthma therapy called mepolizumab and if taken regularly it can reduce asthmatic symptoms. Also it is proven that this drug lowers a certain type of white blood cells that have been implicated as a potential cause of asthma.

Immunochemistry Arachidonic acid cascade – Arachidonic acid is stored in the membranes. (bronchioles) – During an asthma attack the bronchioles become inflamed this is caused by arachidonic acid. – Arachidonic acid produces leukotrienes which act on the neighboring cells to regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation.