Low immunity refers to a state in which the body’s ability to resist invasion by external pathogens and maintain a stable internal environment is weakened, resulting in susceptibility to infection, slow recovery from illness, and potentially accompanied by various discomfort symptoms such as fatigue and lack of energy. This condition can be related to a variety of factors, including non-disease factors such as unhealthy lifestyle habits, psychological factors, and age, as well as disease factors such as diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, and malignant tumors.
symptom
Typical manifestations
1. Susceptible to infection
People with low immunity are more susceptible to infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and other pathogens, such as recurrent colds, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, etc. The incidence of these infections is significantly higher than that of normal people, and the recovery time is also longer.
2. Fatigue and weakness
Low immunity is often accompanied by persistent fatigue, which is difficult to relieve even after rest. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as lack of energy and inattention.
3. Slow wound healing
When the skin of the body is injured or ulcerated, it is prone to infection and will cause redness, swelling, inflammation, suppuration, and the wound will not heal easily.
Associated symptoms
1. Digestive system symptoms
Gastrointestinal function is weakened, and symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion are more likely to occur. Appetite will also be affected, leading to loss of appetite or picky eating.
2. Neurological symptoms
Due to a weakened immune system, bacterial and viral infections can easily cause neurological symptoms such as headache, dizziness, insomnia, memory loss, etc.
3. Allergic symptoms
Low immunity can also easily lead to allergies or allergic diseases, such as eczema, urticaria, asthma, etc.
4. Endocrine system disorders
For women, low immunity may lead to symptoms of endocrine system disorders such as irregular menstruation.
complication
This symptom generally has no obvious complications.
reason
Overview
Low immunity may be related to a variety of reasons, including non-disease factors such as bad living habits, mental factors, and age factors, as well as disease factors such as diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, and malignant tumors (such as liver cancer, intestinal cancer, and gastric cancer).
Cause of symptoms
1. Non-disease factors
(1) Bad living habits
Staying up late and lacking sleep can disrupt normal sleep cycles, affect the normal function of immune cells, and lead to a decrease in immunity. Furthermore, an unbalanced diet lacking essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and protein can also affect the health of the immune system. Bad habits such as long-term smoking and excessive drinking can also weaken the immune system’s defenses.
(2) Mental factors
Long-term mental stress, anxiety, depression and other negative emotions can affect the normal function of the immune system. These emotional states can cause the body to release stress hormones such as cortisol, which inhibit the activity of the immune system and thus reduce immunity.
(3) Age factor
As we age, our immune system gradually declines. The immune function of the elderly is relatively weak, making them more vulnerable to pathogens.
2. Disease factors
(1) Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease. Long-term hyperglycemia damages vascular endothelial cells, impairs blood circulation, and leads to hypoxia and ischemia in tissues and organs, thereby weakening the activity of immune cells. Furthermore, diabetes can cause metabolic disorders, impairing the absorption and utilization of nutrients, and further reducing immunity.
(2) Systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the patient’s immune system mistakenly attacks normal tissues and organs. This abnormal immune response consumes a significant amount of immune cells and resources, leading to a decrease in overall immunity. SLE can also cause multi-organ damage and dysfunction, further exacerbating the decline in immunity.
(3) Malignant tumors
Cancers such as liver cancer, intestinal cancer, and gastric cancer not only directly invade and destroy normal tissue cells but also influence the body’s immune microenvironment by releasing a variety of cytokines and metabolites. These factors can inhibit the activation and proliferation of immune cells, such as T cells and NK cells, thereby weakening the body’s anti-tumor immune response. Furthermore, the growth and metastasis of malignant tumors consume significant amounts of nutrients and energy, leading to malnutrition and decreased immunity, creating a vicious cycle.
(4) Other factors
In addition to the above-mentioned disease factors, AIDS, tuberculosis, etc. may also lead to low immunity.
Common diseases
Diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, liver cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer, AIDS, tuberculosis
Seeking medical treatment
Outpatient indications
1. Frequent fatigue and difficulty recovering even after rest.
2. Repeated colds that are difficult to relieve.
3. Oral ulcers occur repeatedly and are difficult to improve.
4. Frequent allergic symptoms such as urticaria.
5. Other severe, persistent or progressive symptoms and signs occur.
All of the above symptoms require prompt medical attention.
Treatment department
Patients go to the nutrition department, endocrinology department, rheumatology and immunology department or oncology department for treatment according to their own conditions.
Medical preparation
1. Make an appointment in advance and bring your ID card, medical insurance card, medical card, etc.
2. Patients are advised to wear loose clothing to facilitate physical examination by doctors.
3. If you have had medical treatment recently, please bring relevant medical records, examination reports, laboratory test results, etc.
4. If you have taken some medicine to relieve symptoms recently, you can bring the medicine box with you.
5. Family members can be arranged to accompany the patient to seek medical treatment.
6. Patients and their families can prepare a list of questions they want to ask in advance.
What questions might a doctor ask a patient?
1. What discomforts do you currently have?
2. How long have the symptoms lasted? Are there any patterns?
3. How much sleep do you get and how good is your sleep quality? Do you often stay up late or suffer from insomnia?
4. Is your work and life environment stressful? How do you cope with this pressure?
5. Do you suffer from diabetes, tumors or other diseases?
6. Has your weight changed?
7. Are you currently taking any medication?
8. Have you ever experienced similar symptoms before? How did you relieve them?
9. What medicines or foods are you allergic to?
What questions can patients ask their doctor?
1. Why do I have a low immune system? What is the most likely cause?
2. Is my condition serious? What tests do I need?
3. Do I need to be hospitalized?
4. What treatment methods do I need now? Is it curable?
5. Are there any risks for me from these treatments?
6. What are the next steps in my diagnosis and treatment?
7. I have other diseases. Will this affect my treatment?
8. What should I pay attention to after returning home?
9. If medication is required, what are the usage, dosage, and precautions?
10. Do I need follow-up examinations? How often?
examine
Scheduled inspection
Doctors usually first perform a physical examination to gain a preliminary understanding of the patient’s condition. Afterwards, they may recommend a blood test, immunoglobulin, T lymphocyte subsets, trace elements, blood biochemistry, ultrasound, or CT scan to determine the cause of the disease.
Physical examination
The doctor will conduct a preliminary assessment of the patient’s overall health status through inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation, paying special attention to physical signs such as the skin, mucous membranes, and lymph nodes that may reflect the immune status.
Laboratory tests
1. Blood routine test
Check the number and morphology of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and other components in the blood to help determine whether there is anemia or infection.
2. Immunoglobulins
Detect the levels of various immunoglobulins (such as IgG, IgA, IgM, etc.) in the serum to evaluate the functional status of humoral immunity.
3. T lymphocyte subsets
The proportions of CD4+, CD8+ and other T lymphocyte subsets were detected by flow cytometry and other methods to evaluate cellular immune function.
4. Trace elements
Detect the levels of trace elements such as zinc, iron, and selenium in the body, which are essential for maintaining immune function.
5. Blood biochemistry
Including liver and kidney function, blood sugar, electrolytes, etc. These indicators are important for assessing the patient’s overall health status and immune function.
Imaging examinations
1. Ultrasound examination
Ultrasound technology is used to examine the morphology and structure of internal organs (such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, etc.) to look for possible lesions or abnormalities.
2. CT examination
For situations where the nature or location of the lesion needs to be further clarified, CT examination can provide more detailed imaging information.
diagnosis
Diagnostic principles
It is generally not difficult for doctors to make a diagnosis by taking detailed medical history, conducting physical examinations, and combining the results of auxiliary examinations such as blood routine, immunoglobulins, T lymphocyte subsets, trace elements, blood biochemistry, ultrasound, and CT scans.
Differential diagnosis
1. Diabetes
Chronic high blood sugar levels in diabetic patients can affect their immune system, leading to decreased immunity. Diabetes is diagnosed not only by elevated blood sugar levels but also by typical symptoms of increased drinking, eating, urinating, and weight loss (known as the “three excesses and one deficiency”). Glycated hemoglobin, insulin, and C-peptide levels are also important diagnostic tools.
2. Systemic lupus erythematosus
This is an autoimmune disease in which the body produces antibodies against its own tissues, causing the immune system to attack them. In addition to typical symptoms such as butterfly rash, joint pain, and fever, a positive test for autoantibodies, such as antinuclear antibodies (ANA), is crucial for diagnosis.
3. Liver cancer
Liver cancer patients often experience malnutrition and decreased immune function due to tumor consumption and impaired liver function. Diagnosis requires imaging studies (such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI) to identify liver space-occupying lesions. Elevated tumor markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) can also serve as a supporting diagnostic tool.
4. Bowel cancer
Colorectal cancer patients may also experience weakened immunity due to the tumor itself and the effects of treatment. Differentiation requires consideration of clinical manifestations such as changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and abdominal masses, combined with colonoscopy and biopsy results for a definitive diagnosis.
5. Gastric cancer
Gastric cancer patients often suffer from a weakened immune system due to impaired digestion and absorption, and insufficient nutritional intake. Gastroscopy combined with a biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing gastric cancer, and tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels should also be assessed.
6. AIDS
AIDS is caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which primarily attacks the immune system, leading to a severe decline in immune function. HIV antibody or nucleic acid testing is essential for confirming AIDS, and monitoring the patient’s CD4+ T lymphocyte count is also important to assess immune function.
7. Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis patients infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis may experience symptoms of tuberculosis poisoning, such as prolonged low-grade fever, night sweats, and weight loss, accompanied by impaired immune function. Diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment based on clinical manifestations, sputum examination for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, tuberculin testing, and imaging studies (such as chest X-rays and CT scans).
treat
Expected treatment
To treat a weakened immune system, a doctor should first determine the cause. Then, based on the specific cause, the doctor will develop a treatment plan. This typically includes general care, medication, and, if necessary, surgery.
Treatment of the cause
1. Treatment measures for non-disease factors
(1) Bad living habits
① Improve sleep: Establish a regular sleep schedule, ensure adequate sleep, and avoid staying up late. You can try using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or soaking your feet in warm water to help you fall asleep.
② Balanced diet: Adjust your diet to ensure adequate intake of vitamins, minerals (such as zinc and selenium), and high-quality protein (such as fish, meat, eggs, milk, and soy products). If necessary, consult a nutritionist to develop a personalized diet plan.
③Quit bad habits: quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, reduce the intake of harmful substances, and protect the immune system from further damage.
(2) Mental factors
① Psychological intervention: Seek psychological counseling or treatment, and learn methods to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction.
②Moderate exercise: Regularly performing moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking, jogging, yoga, etc., can help relieve stress and promote physical and mental health.
③ Social activities: Actively participate in social activities, communicate and share with relatives and friends, establish a support network, and reduce psychological burden.
(3) Age factor
①Regular physical examinations: The elderly should undergo regular comprehensive physical examinations to promptly identify and address potential health problems.
② Nutritional supplements: According to the doctor’s advice, take appropriate amounts of nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support the normal functioning of the immune system.
③ Vaccination: Get influenza vaccine, pneumonia vaccine, etc. on time to prevent common infectious diseases.
2. Treatment measures for disease factors
(1) Diabetes
① Blood sugar management: Maintain blood sugar at a stable level through diet control, exercise therapy and necessary drug treatment (such as metformin, insulin, etc.).
② Prevention and treatment of complications: Regularly check blood vessels, nerves and other systems to prevent the occurrence of diabetic complications.
③Immune support: On the basis of controlling blood sugar, appropriate nutrition supplementation is provided to enhance the activity of immune cells.
(2) Systemic lupus erythematosus
① Immunosuppressive therapy: Use glucocorticoids (such as prednisone, methylprednisolone, etc.), immunosuppressants (such as methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil) and other drugs to control autoimmune reactions and reduce damage to normal tissues.
② Symptomatic treatment: Provide corresponding treatment for multiple organ damage and dysfunction, such as kidney protection, cardiovascular protection, etc.
(3) Malignant tumors
① Anti-tumor treatment: Based on the tumor type, stage and patient’s physical condition, a combination of treatment methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy is used.
② Nutritional support: During tumor treatment and recovery, attention should be paid to nutritional intake to ensure that the body has sufficient energy and nutrition to support the recovery of the immune system.
③Immunomodulation: Use immunomodulatory drugs or biological agents to enhance the body’s anti-tumor immune response while reducing the immunosuppressive side effects of treatment.
④Psychological intervention: Provide psychological support to patients to help them develop a positive attitude and cope with challenges during the treatment process.
Drug treatment
For those with severe immunodeficiency, doctors can give thymosin for treatment based on the patient’s specific situation.
Related drugs
Thymosin, metformin, insulin, prednisone, methylprednisolone, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil
Surgical treatment
See treatment of cause for details.
Treatment cycle
The treatment cycle is affected by factors such as the severity of the disease, treatment plan, treatment timing, age and physical condition, and may vary from person to person.
Estimated treatment costs
There may be significant individual differences in treatment costs, and the specific costs are related to the selected hospital, treatment plan, medical insurance policy, etc.