Immunosuppressed, What Is Its Meaning?

Currently, the term “immunosuppressed” is on everyone’s lips because of the coronavirus pandemic that is developing on the planet. The synonym “immunodeficient” is also often used for the same purpose. These people are being targeted for being more vulnerable than the rest to the COVID-19 disease.

Being immunosuppressed is having a weakened immune system. Our immune system is made up of a complex set of mechanisms that allow us to defend ourselves against any infection or attack.

There are numerous factors and situations that can influence the quality of this system. For example, certain pathologies, such as diabetes. Even a prolonged stress situation. In this article we explain everything you need to know about the immunosuppressed condition.

Why can someone be immunosuppressed?

As we have already mentioned, when someone is immunosuppressed their immune system does not have enough capacity to fight diseases or infections. These people are much more susceptible to microorganisms that are present in the environment and that can invade the body.

Any healthy person can fight these microorganisms and not suffer any infection. However, an immunocompromised person cannot fight in the same way against aggressions.

It is important to note that an immunosuppressed person does not express any symptoms. The symptoms or health problems are derived from infections that occur as a result of this weakness.

In general, there are two types of immunosuppression: congenital and acquired. Acquired is much more common and is usually secondary to medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or organ transplants. The congenital one responds to a DNA mutation that affects the functioning of the immune system.

Causes of immunosuppression

First, in the case of congenital immunosuppression, the cause is a defect in the genes. This type usually expresses itself from childhood. They are children who have recurring infections, such as bronchitis or colds.

Acquired immunosuppression is more common. A well-known cause is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is the last stage of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Other causes are:

• Any type of cancer.
• Malnutrition.
• Diabetes.
• Medical treatments: this group includes relatively frequently used drugs, such as high doses of corticosteroids, as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

How do you know if you are immunosuppressed?

To know if someone is immunosuppressed, the first thing is to know their entire medical history. The first warning sign is that infections occur very frequently and repeatedly. It is also important to check for a family history of it.

In addition, there are many tests that guide us about the state of the immune system. A blood test should check the number of leukocytes there are. They are the so-called white blood cells that, in turn, encompass different cell subtypes.

It is essential to count all types of cells, as each has a different function. Blood antibody levels are also measured. These parameters are often altered and are a reliable source of information.

What is important to remember?

The most important thing is to know that an immunosuppressed patient is much more vulnerable to any disease. Therefore, the main measure to follow is to prevent infections. 

General hygiene measures are essential. Currently, in the case of the coronavirus, it is also necessary to respect confinement and stay as far away as possible from other people who can transmit SARS-CoV-2.

Other measures that are recommended are vaccination and food care. The ideal is not to eat raw or undercooked foods because they are a major source of infections. And with regard to vaccination, the doses recommended by each national health office should be applied.

However, it all depends on the type of immunosuppression and its cause. Therefore, it must be the doctor who controls the situation and advises the person in question, individually.