According to Senefeld, Franchini, Medngoli, et al. study on JAMA Netw Open, immunocompromised patients have an increased risk for morbidity and mortality with respiratory diseases. The immune system of an immunocompromised person cannot fight off infections and illnesses easily. Several things can weaken a person's immune system, from chronic conditions to medical treatments. Below are a few things that happen when you are immunocompromised.
You Keep Getting Sick
It is perfectly normal for adults to have two or three colds every year. Usually, a cold does not last for more than 7-10 days. Your cold may last for a shorter period, depending on how quickly your immune system can develop antibodies to fight off the invaders. If you get more colds and each episode lasts longer, there is a possibility that you have a weakened immune system.
You Have Lots of Tummy Troubles
Research shows that almost 70 percent of the immune system is in the digestive tract. The area is inhabited by beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that protect the gut from infection and support the immune system. Unfortunately, an immunocompromised person's body cannot produce enough beneficial bacteria. Lower concentrations of beneficial bacteria leave you vulnerable to gut problems such as bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.
You Become Vulnerable to Infections
Your immune system is your body's defense against harmful invaders, including disease-causing germs. Immunocompromised people are more vulnerable to infections than healthy people. If you have a weak immune system, the following may occur.
- Frequent ear infections – four or more times a year.
- You may get pneumonia twice (or more times, depending on the severity of your condition) in one year.
- You may experience chronic sinusitis symptoms or three or more episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year.
- Your body may need more than two courses of antibiotics a year to deal with health problems. (Remember to take a course of probiotics after finishing a round of antibiotics.)
Your Wounds Heal Slowly
When you get injured, your skin goes into damage-control mode. Your body sends nutrients to the injury site to help regenerate new skin and tissues, fast-tracking healing. An immunocompromised person's immune system is unable to produce a sufficient amount of healthy cells. As a result, their skin takes longer to regenerate. This slows down the healing process.
You Feel Tired All the Time
The body of an immunocompromised person tries to conserve energy so their immune system can fight germs. When the body goes into energy-saving mode, less energy is available for daily activities. As a result, they feel tired and sluggish all the time.
Tips to Boost Your Immune System
There are several benefits of a healthy immune system. It creates a protective shield that stops invaders or antigens from entering your body. A healthy immune system speeds up wound healing and keeps infections and illnesses at bay. Here are some ways to boost your immune system.
- Stay up to date on your vaccinations
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Get plenty of sleep
- Stay hydrated
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About the Author
Alex Barr is the founder of Beyond The Barr, LLC. He is a Certified Human Resources Professional, Lifestyle & Wellness Consultant, and Lecturer. Alex developed the fusion of lifestyle consultations grounded in anti-inflammatory eating to help people reduce ailments, restore health, and rejuvenate the body.