What is an immune system disorder?

Immune system dysregulation refers to a loss of normal balance and regulatory capacity in the human immune system, causing it to fail in correctly identifying and responding to normal body cells or foreign pathogens. This dysregulation can manifest as either excessive activity or insufficient function of the immune system. Such conditions may lead the body to mount incorrect responses against self-antigens, thereby triggering autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms of immune system dysregulation are varied and include, but are not limited to: mucocutaneous problems such as rashes, joint and muscle symptoms, neurological issues, loss of appetite, indigestion, and other systemic symptoms such as fever and fatigue. The causes of immune system dysregulation are diverse and may be related to multiple factors including genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, hormonal changes, and emotional fluctuations.

When the immune system becomes overactive, it may mistakenly attack healthy cells and tissues in the body, a condition known as an autoimmune disease. Common autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Immune system dysregulation can also manifest as allergic reactions, in which the immune system overreacts to harmless substances such as pollen or food, leading to allergy symptoms such as asthma and hives.