Immune response Health Dictionary

See IMMUNITY.

Age Disease and mode of administration

3 days BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin) by injection if tuberculosis in family in past 6 months.

2 months Poliomyelitis (oral); adsorbed diphtheria, whooping-cough (pertussis)1 and tetanus2 (triple vaccine given by injection); HiB injection.3

3 months Poliomyelitis (oral); diphtheria, whooping-cough (pertussis)1 and tetanus2 (triple vaccine given by injection); HiB injection.3

4 months Poliomyelitis (oral); diphtheria, whooping-cough (pertussis)1 and tetanus2 (triple vaccine given by injection); HiB injection.3

12–18 months Measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles)4 (given together live by injection).

(SCHOOL ENTRY)

4–5 years Poliomyelitis (oral); adsorbed diphtheria and tetanus (given together by injection); give MMR vaccine if not already given at 12–18 months.

10–14 females Rubella (by injection) if they have missed MMR.

10–14 BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin) by injection to tuberculin-negative children to prevent tuberculosis.

15–18 Poliomyelitis single booster dose (oral); tetanus (by injection).

1 Pertussis may be excluded in certain susceptible individuals.

2 Known as DPT or triple vaccine.

3 Haemophilus in?uenzae immunisation (type B) is being introduced to be given at same time, but di?erent limb.

4 Known as MMR vaccine. (Some parents are asking to have their infants immunised with single-constituent vaccines because of controversy over possible side-effects – yet to be con?rmed scienti?cally – of the combined MMR vaccine.)

Recommended immunisation schedules in the United Kingdom... immune system

A severe manifestation of infection with the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).... acquired immune deficiency syndrome (aids)

A person or animal that possesses specific previous antibodies or cellular immunity as a result of previous infection or immunisation, or is so conditioned by such previous specific experience as to respond adequately with production of antibodies sufficient to prevent illness following exposure to the specific infectious agent of the disease. Immunity is relative; an ordinarily effective protection may be overwhelmed by an excessive dose of the infectious agent or an unusual portal of entry.... immune person/animal

The number of completed or returned survey instruments (questionnaires, interviews, etc) divided by the total number of persons who would have been surveyed if all had participated. Usually expressed as a percentage.... response rate

Stimulation of the retina of the EYE with light causes changes in the electrical activity of the cerebral cortex (see BRAIN). These changes can be measured from outside the skull and can give valuable information about the state of the visual pathway from the retinal ganglion cells to the occipital cortex. Not only can it determine that function is normal, it can also help to diagnose some causes of poor VISION.... visual evoked response

The tracing of electrical activity in the brain in response to a specific external stimulus. The procedure is similar to that for an EEG.

The technique is used to check the functioning of various sensory systems (such as sight, hearing, or touch). The information obtained can be used to reveal abnormalities caused by inflammation, pressure from a tumour, or other disorders, and to help confirm a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.... evoked responses

Arousal of the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system in response to fear but which also occurs in anxiety disorders. Adrenaline (epinephrine), noradrenaline (norepinephrine), and other hormones are released from the adrenal glands and nervous system, leading to a raised heart-rate, pupil dilation, and increased blood flow to the muscles. These effects make the body more efficient in either fighting or fleeing the apparent danger.... fight-or-flight response

see AIDS.... acquired immune deficiency syndrome

(ABR audiometry, brainstem evoked response audiometry, BSER) an objective test of hearing that measures the electrical activity in the auditory nerve and *brainstem following sound stimulation using repeated clicks or brief tones.... auditory brainstem response audiometry

(ASSR) an objective test of hearing that measures the electrical activity in the auditory nerve and *brainstem following sound stimulation using a modulated continuous tone.... auditory steady state response

(BRM) a therapeutic agent, such as *interferon or *interleukin, that influences the body’s defence mechanisms to act against infection and disease. In small amounts, these substances are produced naturally by the body; larger doses have been genetically developed for use against rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, and cancer (especially melanoma and renal cancer).... biological response modifier

see auditory brainstem response audiometry.... brainstem evoked response audiometry

(CERA) an objective test of hearing that measures the electrical activity in the *cerebral cortex following sound stimulation.... cortical evoked response audiometry

adj. protected against a particular infection by the presence of specific antibodies against the organisms concerned. See immunity.... immune

Your immune system consists of a series of antibodies and other microorganisms whose main purpose is to defend your system against external attacks. When we have a cold or flu, the main thing that keeps us alive is this line of defense that keeps all bacteria, infections and microbes away from us. Unfortunately, our immune system is not strong enough to fight all causes, so we need to enhance its power by taking a treatment. How a Tea for Immune System Works A Tea for Immune System must contain enough active constituents to fight a wide range of diseases. First of all, it must contain minerals, manganese, magnesium, iron, volatile oils, acids, tannins, nutrients and enzymes. These teas can be taken as cures for a short amount of time (1 or 2 weeks) to enhance your body strength, so you mustn’t exaggerate when taking it. Efficient Tea for Immune System A Tea for Immune System must contain a lot of active constituents and it must be very effective. If you don’t know which teas to choose from, here’s a list to guide you on: - Garlic Tea – can be found almost anywhere on the globe and it has a wide range of uses, from cuisine to pharmaceutical purposes. Also a great cure for diarrhea, this Tea for Immune System has a rather unpleasant taste and smell. Feel free to add honey, lemon, ginger or mint in order to make it more adequate. - Green Tea – probably the most important tea in the world, Green Tea contains all the ingredients necessary to promote a healthy life, full of great benefits. However, don’t take it in case you suffer from menstrual and menopausal pains in order to avoid stomach and uterus irritations. - Yerba Mate Tea – the South American tea has a series of health advantages and it’s been named by the scientific society “the new green tea”. Drink it from a traditional bombilla or straight from a normal glass, but make sure you know which the risks are and that you’re taking this treatment under supervision. - Ginseng Tea – this wonderful Chinese Tea is used as a main ingredient in the Asian cuisine, but also as a great adjuvant in cases of nausea, vomiting and auto-immune deficiencies. However, make sure that you’re using the right amount of herbs when preparing this decoction in order to avoid developing a acid foods and drinks intolerance! Tea for Immune System Side Effects When taken properly, these teas are generally safe. However, drinking more tea than it’s recommended may lead to constipation, upset stomach or even death. Talk to your doctor before starting any kind of herbal treatment and find out which are the risks. Don’t take a treatment based on a Tea for Immune System if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on anti coagulants, blood thinners or preparing for a surgery. Also, children must be kept away from these teas since there’s no study to prove how safe it is for them. When in doubt, always ask your doctor. If he says there’s nothing that could interfere with your treatment, choose a tea that fits you best and enjoy its health benefits!... tea for immune system

... immuno- combining form denoting immunity or immunological response.

n. the way in which the body or part of the body reacts to a *stimulus. For example, a nerve impulse may produce the response of a contraction in a muscle that the nerve supplies.... response

a form of *behaviour therapy given for severe *obsessions. Patients are encouraged to abstain from rituals and repetitive acts while they are in situations that arouse anxiety. For example, a hand-washing ritual might be treated by stopping washing while being progressively exposed to dirt. The anxiety then declines, and with it the obsessions.... response prevention

(SCID) a rare disorder that usually manifests itself within the first three months of life by severe bacterial, fungal, and viral infection and *failure to thrive. It is due to reduced numbers of T and B *lymphocytes – white blood cells necessary for fighting infection. Some cases are caused by *adenosine deaminase deficiency. The only treatment currently available is a bone-marrow transplant, but *gene therapy offers hope for the future.... severe combined immune deficiency

see shock.... systemic inflammatory response

An abnormal reaction of the body to groups of its own cells which the immune system attacks. In a case of anaemia, it may destroy the red blood cells. Failure of the body’s tolerance mechanism.

The immune system is the body’s internal defence armoury which protects from sickness and disease. White blood cells are influenced by the thymus gland and bone marrow to become “T” lymphocytes or “B” lymphocytes which absorb and destroy bacteria. There are times when these powerful defence components inflame and attack healthy tissue, giving rise to auto immune disease which may manifest as one of the numerous anaemic, rheumatic or nervous disorders, even cancer.

A watchful eye should be kept on any sub-acute, non-specific inflammation going on quietly over a long period – a certain indication of immune-inadequacy. It would appear that some unknown body intelligence operates behind the performance of the immune system; emotional and physic stresses such as divorce or job dissatisfaction can lead to a run-down of body defences. Some psychiatrists believe it to be a self-produced phenomenon due to an unresolved sense of guilt or a dislike of self. When this happens, bacterial, virus or fungus infections may invade and spread with little effective opposition. People who are happy at their home and work usually enjoy a robust immune system.

An overactive immune system may develop arthritis with painful joint inflammation, especially with a background of a fat-rich diet. A link between silicone implants and auto-immune disease is suspected.

“There is increasing evidence,” writes Dr D. Addy, Consulting Pediatrician, “that fevers may enhance the defence mechanism against infection.” (See: FEVER) “There is also increasing evidence of a weakening of the immune system through suppression of fevers by modern drugs. In this way, aspirin and other powerful anti-inflammatories may be responsible for feeble immune response.”

White cell stimulators: Liquorice, Ginseng (Siberian), Goldenseal, Echinacea. These increase ability of white blood cells to attack bacteria and invading cells. Chinese medicine: Ginseng (men), Chinese Angelica (women).

Treatment. To strengthen body defences. Garlic, Borage, Comfrey, Agrimony, Balm, Chamomile (German), Echinacea, Horsetail, Liquorice, Lapacho, Sage, Wild Yam, Wild Indigo, Poke root, Thuja. Shiitake Mushroom. Reishi Mushroom, Chlorella..

Tea. Combine, equal parts, St John’s Wort, Borage, Chamomile (German). 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup thrice daily.

Powders. Combine, Echinacea 4; Comfrey root 2; Wild Yam 1. 500mg (two 00 capsules, or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily.

Tinctures. Combine, Echinacea 4; Poke root 1; Thuja 1. 1-2 teaspoons in water thrice daily.

Tincture: Tincture Myrrh BPC 1973: 5-10 drops in water, morning and evening.

Decoctions. Horse-radish. Fenugreek seeds.

Bio-strath. Yeast-based herbal tonic. Exerts a positive influence on the immune system by rapid and marked increase in white blood cells.

Diet. Foods rich in essential fatty acids: nuts, seeds, beans, pulses, Evening Primrose oil, Cod Liver oil flavoured with mint or lemon. High protein: eggs, fish. (Low protein – acute stage). Foods rich in selenium. Yoghurt, cider vinegar, pineapple juice. Sugar has an immune suppressing effect.

Supplements. To rebuild immune system. Vitamins A, B5, B6, C, D, E. Zinc is required to produce histamine which is a vasodilator. Combination: zinc, selenium and GLA. Iron. Calcium.

Aromatherapy. Lavender oil: massage or baths.

Note: An alleged link exists between silicone implants and auto-immune disease. A new study reveals evidence that women with silicone breast implants who breast-feed their children put them at risk of developing systemic sclerosis. (JAMA Jan 19 1994) ... auto immune disease