Law Topics >  Injuries > Immune Disorders

The immune system defends the body against unwanted intruders such as germs and cancer cells. The lymphatic system, composed of the tonsils, thymus, lymph nodes, liver, spleen, appendix and bone marrow, among other things, makes up the immune system. Once the immune system recognizes a foreign substance, it attacks the substance and attempts to either eliminate it from the body or encapsulate it so that it will no longer affect the body.

Immunodeficiency disorders result in a weakened immune system. A weakened immune system can cause more frequent and severe infections, and an increased recovery time. The causes of immunodeficiency disorders include, but are not limited to, HIV/AIDS, leukemia, chickenpox, kidney failure, diabetes, mononucleosis and chronic hepatitis.

Autoimmune reactions occur when the body mistakenly attacks its own tissues. When the body attacks its own tissues, it may destroy otherwise healthy blood vessels and organs. Autoimmune reactions can cause disorders such as Lupus, Graves’ disease and rheumatoid arthritis.