Immunology Private Outpatient Clinic

How does the immune system work?

The immune system is the human body’s defense mechanism, a highly complex system whose main function is to protect against foreign pathogens. These include, for example, bacterial or viral infections. The cells of the immune system recognize infectious, foreign cells and begin to produce antibodies, so-called antitests, against them. This is called the immune response.

The functioning of the immune system is a highly complex and intricate system. In case of malfunction, so-called autoimmune diseases may develop, which have a serious negative impact on the entire human body as well as on daily activities.

Reproductive Immunology

In cases of recurrent miscarriage or infertility, it may be suspected that an autoimmune reaction is the underlying cause. The investigation and resolution of this falls within the scope of fertility, also known as reproductive immunology. If there is no organic or hormonal cause for conception, yet it does not occur, or it does occur but ends in spontaneous miscarriage on multiple occasions, it is advisable to consult a reproductive immunologist.

Occurrence of Immunological Diseases

The exact cause of immunological disorders and conditions is not known to modern medicine; however, genetic predisposition and environmental factors are known risk factors. Autoimmune diseases most commonly appear at a young age, even in childhood, and in rarer cases may also develop in old age. According to statistics, the incidence rate is higher among women than among men.

What are the most common autoimmune diseases?

An autoimmune disease is a problem that develops due to abnormal functioning of the immune system. In this case, the immune system does not recognize the body’s own healthy cells, perceives them as harmful foreign entities, and attacks them. The antibodies produced against the body’s own cells destroy healthy cells and cause serious illness.

Autoimmune diseases can be divided into two groups:

• Organ-specific autoimmune conditions, when a specific organ or cell tissue type is affected.
• Systemic autoimmune conditions, in which several different organs or organ systems are affected. 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 examination?

The first step of the immunological examination is a thorough questioning of the patient, the anamnesis, i.e., establishing the medical history. The description of the symptoms experienced is fundamentally important in determining the direction of the examination. If the patient has previous test results or laboratory reports related to their complaints, these are thoroughly reviewed and discussed. This is followed by a physical examination based on the described symptoms. After the consultation and examination, the immunologist specialist may recommend further tests to establish an accurate diagnosis. These may include additional specific laboratory tests, imaging radiological examinations, and often further specialist examinations (e.g., pulmonological, cardiological evaluation).

Once the test results are available, the immunologist specialist establishes the diagnosis and the personalized treatment plan. The treatment of immunological diseases is complex and often lifelong. It requires continuous monitoring and care. In most cases, with the appropriate therapy, the previous quality of life can be restored and the complaints can be eliminated.