Immunologists… 🏥

I have never been referred to one even when I had to attend hospital appointments for severe eczema for 5 years. I have asthma too. I would be interested to know why my immune system goes into overdrive over what are harmless substances.

I would like to know about immunity in general.
Am confused about it generally.

Clinical immunology covers a huge area. AFAIK they don't usually deal with the immune system in general. I guess it depends what your specific concern is.

Thank you for your thoughts. It’s certainly an odd area

FannyCornforth Has Mr C had a recent full blood count, which would show whether he has a low white blood cell count? It's a simple test. A low white blood cell count is usually caused by other treatments or conditions and is treated by addressing the underlying condition.

The "immune system" is a massive area of research and I don't think anybody understands it that fully - certainly not the snake oil salespeople who sell supplements, restrictive diets and peddle misinformation.

Thank you Growstuff, yes, he has a lot of blood tests

I have but never got to see them it was cancelled 3 times.

My haematologist referred me to an immunologist for treatment when I had increasing numbers of infections (my immune system is compromised). I'm still regularly monitored by my haematologist but support for my condition is supplied and managed by my immunologist and team.

I am really lucky with my immunology team. If I have have any concerns, an email or telephone call to the team gets a response. For instance, when I was exposed to chicken pox last year, a call to the team resulted in a prescription for an antiviral for chicken pox. I have been well supported during covid times.

I need regular deliveries of immunology products for self-administration at home and that is also organised by the immunology team. I'm very grateful to them. They keep me as well as possible.

FannyCornforth

Thank you Growstuff, yes, he has a lot of blood tests

I've had low white blood cell count a few times. It makes me more prone to infections. An immunologist isn't necessary and won't have any solutions. The next stage is to try and identify the cause of the low white blood cell count and treat that. You can't treat low white blood cell count with magic pills or supplements. I also try to avoid infection risks.

If he has symptoms of an auto-immune condition or is having cancer treatment, he might get referred to an immunologist.

Immunity caused by having viruses is something else and even know isn't that well understood.

If Mr C has had blood tests, presumably you've seen the results and you can Google what they mean and whether any action is necessary. Your GP should have informed him.

I was referred because I have several autoimmune diseases, they just keep coming, I have an appointment with my lovely GP coming up and I was planning to discuss with her about my lack of appointment

I have an auto immune condition but the multiple blood tests never seem to find the answers they are looking for. Apparently I should have low levels of platelets but mine are high, very high, so they require more tests. Depends who I see, some just dismiss the results others want urgent tests. I've had the same results for years and none the wiser.

fancythat

I would like to know about immunity in general.
Am confused about it generally.

One of our Gransnet posters has written a book on the immune system, for people without any medical knowledge.
www.amazon.co.uk/Jessica-Madge/e/B008PDGSLY/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1?tag=gransnetforum-21

Thanks.
Ordered it.