Immunology private practice

How does the immune system work?

The immune system is the defence mechanism of the human body, a very complex system whose main function is to protect against foreign pathogens. Examples include bacterial or viral infections. The cells of the immune system recognise the infectious foreign cells and start producing antibodies against them. This is called an immune response.

How the immune system works is a very complex and sophisticated system. If it malfunctions, it can lead to so-called autoimmune diseases, which have a serious negative impact on the whole human body and on everyday activities.

Fertility immunology

In the case of recurrent miscarriage or infertility, there is a possibility that an autoimmune reaction may be the cause. This is investigated and resolved by fertility treatment, also known as infertility immunology falls under the scope of. If there is no organic or hormonal reason for pregnancy but it does not occur, or if it does occur but ends in spontaneous abortion several times, it is worthwhile to consult a fertility immunologist.

Incidence of immunological diseases

The exact cause of the development of immunological disorders and pathologies is not known to modern medicine, but genetic predisposition and environmental factors are known risk factors. Autoimmune diseases most often occur at a young age, even in childhood, and in rare cases may occur in old age. Statistics show a higher incidence in women than in men.

What are the most common autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune disease abnormal immune system function an emerging problem. In such cases, the immune system does not recognise the body's own healthy cells, and attacks them as harmful foreign cells. The antibodies produced against its own cells damage healthy cells and cause serious disease.

Autoimmune diseases can be divided into two groups:

• Organ-specific autoimmune diseases where a particular organ or type of cell tissue is affected.
• Systemic autoimmune diseases that involve several different organs or organ systems. Such diseases include undifferentiated autoimmune collagenosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, systemic sclerosis, Sjögren's syndrome, inflammatory muscle diseases, mixed connective tissue disease, and systemic vasculitis.

What happens during an immunological test?

From immunological screening the first step is to question the patient thoroughly, to establish the anamnesis, i.e. the pathology. The description of the complaints experienced is essential in determining the direction of the examination. If the patient has previous test results and laboratory tests related to their complaints, these are thoroughly reviewed and discussed. This is followed by a physical examination based on the symptoms described. After the consultation and examination, the specialist immunologist may recommend further tests to establish an accurate diagnosis. These may include further specific laboratory tests, radiological imaging studies and often additional specialist investigations (e.g. pulmonological, cardiological investigations).

When the test findings are ready the specialist immunologist makes a diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan. Treatment of immunological diseases is complex and often lifelong. It requires constant monitoring and care. In most cases, with the right therapy, the previous quality of life can be restored and the symptoms resolved.