Immune System
Immune and lymphatic system health is necessary for protecting your body from germs and diseases. Known as the bodys first line of defense, your immune system and lymphatic system help protect you from bacteria, viruses and fungi that cause disease.
Your lymphatic system produces and carries white blood cells containing antibodies that fight off infection. Your lymphatic system transports and destroys dead or damaged cells and cancer cells, removing these substances from the blood stream.
Problems with your immune and lymphatic system can result in various diseases. A weakened immune system can lead to diseases including cancer, the flu and chronic fatigue syndrome. An overactive immune system can lead to diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), Huntingdons disease and lupus.
Allergies occur when your immune system mistakes harmless substances for threats and attacks these harmless substances.
Recently Answered
- Q What are myasthenic crises?
-
A myasthenic crisis occurs when the muscles that control breathing weaken to the point that ventilation is inadequate, creating a medical emergency and requiring a respirator for assisted ventilation. In patients whose respiratory muscles are weak,... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Who gets myasthenia gravis?
-
Myasthenia gravis occurs in all ethnic groups and both genders. It most commonly affects young adult women (under 40) and older men (over 60), but it can occur at any age. In neonatal myasthenia gravis, the fetus may acquire immune proteins (antibodies)... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is the lymph system?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyFrom your first sore throat, you were well aware of your lymph system. When your mom or doctor would feel under your jaw, they were feeling for swollen lymph nodes. Your lymph system is where all the immune activity takes place. It's like the old paddy... Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q What are the symptoms of lymphedema?
-
General: The main symptom is persistent swelling, usually of an arm or leg. Symptoms may occur very slowly over time, or more quickly in the case of infection or injury. Arm or leg sensation: There is discomfort in the affected arm or leg. It may feel... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q Who is at risk for lymphedema following breast surgery?
-
Anyone who has had an axillary lymph node dissection as part of breast cancer surgery is at increased risk for upper extremity lymphedema (swelling due to a blockage of the lymph passages). Sentinel node biopsies also carry a risk of lymphedema,... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How is lymphedema treated?
-
The diagnosis of lymphedema (swelling due to a blockage of the lymph passages) must come from your physician. There are many different conditions that can cause swelling of a limb. You will need to undergo a thorough evaluation by your physician... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How can I reduce my risk of lymphedema?
-
Although there is no way of totally preventing lymphedema (swelling due to a blockage of the lymph passages), there are steps you can take to decrease your risk or to control the progression if it were to occur. The following are guidelines and... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How do my body's filtration systems work to keep me healthy?
-
Watch this video to learn how your lymphatic system and kidneys filter blood to protect your health. Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What does the lymph system do?
-
The lymph system is probably most familiar to people because doctors often check for "swollen lymph nodes" in the neck. The lymph nodes, however, are just one part of a system that reaches points throughout the body in much the same way blood vessels do.... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is the lymphatic system?
-
The lymphatic system is made up of a network of lymph nodes and vessels or channels throughout the body. This system carries lymph fluid, nutrients and waste material between the body tissues and the bloodstream. The lymphatic system is also an important... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
